101 illegally kept wildlife seized by NParks in home raids, 13 found dead

Through a series of coordinated raids across Singapore, the National Parks Board (NParks) seized 101 wild animals that were illegally kept in residential premises on Sep. 14.

These animals are all non-native species, and include sugar gliders, lizards, newts, pythons, tarantulas, and turtles.

They are also not allowed to be sold, offered for sale, or kept as pets in Singapore, NParks said in a Sep. 16 media release.

Among the seized wildlife, many were in poor health, and 13 were found already dead at the premises.

According to NParks, they might have died due to "poor and unsuitable living conditions" such as insufficient space with lack of ventilation and access to adequate food and water.

The raided residences belong to six people suspected to be involved in the illegal sale and/or possession of wildlife species.

Investigations into these six individuals are ongoing.

Protected & threatened animals

Several of the seized species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Some are species that may be threatened with extinction if their trade is not regulated. Others are protected under the domestic law of a CITES Party that has requested other Parties' help in controlling trade in it.

They include the Armadillo Girdled Lizard, Axolotl, Ball Python, Blue Beauty Anole, Mount Elliot Leaf-tailed Gecko, Pig-nosed Turtle, Grey Banded Kingsnake and the Rosy Boa.

Kept under poor conditions

NParks highlighted that many of the wildlife seized were discovered to be in poor health conditions.

For example, a leopard gecko was found with a ruptured and infected eye, and did not have the ability to shed its skin fully.

A few other leopard geckos and axolotls were also found to be very lethargic and in poor body condition.

One of these leopard geckos thus had to be euthanised on animal welfare grounds, NParks said.

"These conditions are highly indicative of a long period of time captive under poor conditions," they added.

Care for the remaining wildlife

The remaining seized animals are currently being housed and cared for at NParks' Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation.

They will undergo a mandatory quarantine period as they come from unknown sources and may harbour diseases that can infect other animals and humans, NParks said.

After the quarantine, they will be evaluated to decide if they shall be repatriated or donated to animal establishments such as zoos.

Euthanasia may be considered as a last resort.

Tackling illegal wildlife possession & trade

This was not the first coordinated raid by NParks to combat the illegal sale and possession of wildlife.

A similar operation was conducted in 2025 targeting people suspected of engaging in wildlife trade, resulting in 16 wild animals seized from six premises across Singapore.

Under the Wildlife Act, people who offer for sale, sell, or export any wildlife (whether alive or dead) without approval may be fined up to S$50,000, jailed up to two years, or both.

Those who import into Singapore any living wildlife without approval may be fined up to S$10,000, jailed up to a year, or both.

Members of the public with information on suspected poaching, smuggling, or illegal trade of pet animals and wildlife can provide feedback online or call NParks' Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.