On February 15, a FLIGHT investigator targeted Pekanbaru, Riau to investigate the illegal trade in birds. Our investigators often disguise themselves as buyers. He successfully entered the warehouse of an illegal bird wholesaler, who was smuggling thousands of birds to Lubuk Linggau, South Sumatra that night. We did not manage to stop the action in time.

On February 16, FLIGHT investigation coordinator, Marison Guciano departed from Jakarta to Pekanbaru, Riau to support the team there. The wholesaler was again going to transport thousands of birds illegally from Pekanbaru to Lubuk Linggau, South Sumatera.

Marison enlisted the help of the Law Enforcement Unit, Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) and a local NGO, “Zamrud Riau Wildlife”. They moved to the warehouse, from where cars transporting the birds would depart

At 10 pm, a car transporting birds headed for Lubuk Linggau. The team followed him. The car was stopped in the Kampar region, Riau, where more than 1500 bird crammed into 43 boxes were found.

Marison was also alerted to the fact that a bus was illegally transporting birds from Jambi to Java. He contacted the quarantine officer at Bakauheni Port to halt the bus. 147 birds were found.

All birds that survive are released back to their habitat, after they undergo a health check.

This rescue effort is supported by funds provided by Wildlife Reserve Singapore, Animals Asia, and Change for Animals and Rainforest Rescue.

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