Another troubling trend is the rise of captive breeding of wildlife species for commercial sale. This practice creates challenges in determining the actual population of wildlife and whether the animals being sold are from farms or sourced from the wild.

As part of World Animal Protection’s activities to mark World Animal Day 2025, Dr. Patrick Muinde, the Research and Quality Assurance Manager for World Animal Protection in Africa, participated in a media interview to raise awareness about these critical issues. He discussed the risks associated with wildlife trade and emphasized the need for stronger policies to end wildlife exploitation. Dr. Muinde also highlighted how technological innovations can mitigate habitat disruption and human-animal conflict, and he stressed the importance of public support in ensuring that wild animals remain in their natural habitats where they belong.

Why the Trade Persists

The wildlife trade continues to thrive despite ongoing campaigns by organizations such as World Animal Protection to stop it. Dr. Muinde noted that one significant reason for the growing global wildlife trade is that laws in certain countries permit it. For instance, some African nations allow the farming and trading of wildlife species. In South Africa, there are farms dedicated to breeding lions to satisfy demand.

Additionally, the trade in parrots is quite prevalent due to their beauty. Likewise, the pangolin is one of the most highly trafficked mammals in the world, as it is believed to have medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Asian medicine.

Exotic Pet Trade

The exotic pet trade refers to the capture, sale, and ownership of wild animals as pets. Types of exotic pets include snakes, crocodiles, frogs, parrots, macaws, tarantulas, scorpions, primates, and big cats. Many exotic pets, captured from the wild or bred in inhumane conditions, suffer greatly and often die prematurely. Another concern is the public health and safety issues associated with exotic pets. These animals can pose risks to human health and safety, including disease transmission and potential attacks. “Most people who are wealthy think keeping a wild animal in their home is fancy. Although exotic pets may have been adopted at an early age, they grow up to exhibit their instincts as domestication takes a lot of years to occur. A lion who, in the wild, is free to walk thousands of kilometres and hunt for prey is now being caged at home. This means the lion is being stressed and will at some point become very aggressive and may eventually harm its owner", noted Dr. Muinde. He added that there have been several instances where people have been attacked by their exotic pets and cautioned the general public to desist from keeping wild animals as pets.

Digital Wildlife Census

A wildlife census is a systematic count or survey of animal populations in a specific area or region. It is essential to estimate the size and density of wildlife populations, as this information helps monitor changes over time. Additionally, wildlife censuses inform conservation and management decisions related to habitats and ecosystems. Dr. Patrick Muinde noted that using camera traps to capture images of animals for wildlife censuses is an innovative approach that allows researchers and conservationists to gain valuable insights into wildlife populations and habitats while also mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.

GPS Tracking of Wildlife

This refers to the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to monitor and study the movement patterns of animals in their natural habitats. This method provides insights into habitat use and animal behaviour, while also informing conservation efforts. Dr. Muinde noted that by delivering accurate and detailed data on animal movements, GPS tracking helps identify the locations of wildlife, which can be crucial for alerting people to potential human-wildlife conflicts.

Digital Wildlife Tourism

Digital wildlife tourism refers to the use of digital technologies to experience and engage with wildlife in a virtual or remote setting. This emerging tourism model serves as a wildlife conservation strategy compared to the traditional practices of keeping animals in zoos for tourism and business purposes which is as cruel as wildlife trade and captive farming. Animals in zoos are deprived of the freedom and social interactions they would have with their kind in the wild. Additionally, zookeepers are often unable to meet the natural needs of captive wild animals when extracted from their natural habitats.

Dr. Muinde cited Kenya's wildlife reserves, particularly the Maasai Mara National Reserve digital tourism initiative, as an example of how technology is being leveraged to promote conservation and sustainability of wildlife tourism. With such initiatives, animals are free from the cruel treatment of being kept in zoos. Humans can tour and experience wildlife from anywhere in the world, devoid of potential human-animal conflict or the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases typical of traditional tours.

Key Action Points

Dr. Patrick Muinde emphasized that the first step in mitigating wildlife exploitation is for governments to implement laws and regulations that protect wildlife and their habitats. These laws should make any trade in wild animals or their derivatives illegal.

Additionally, activities such as deforestation and bush burning, which destroy habitats and food sources for wild animals, should also be prohibited. He further cautioned that the legalization of certain wildlife species in some regions should be halted, as it can lead to an increase in illegal trade of other species.

Dr. Muinde also stressed the importance of increasing awareness about the dangers of biodiversity loss. According to him, most people don’t understand what biodiversity encompasses or the important roles animals play in providing essential services like food, medicine, and income for millions of people worldwide. “Regardless of their size, all wildlife species play a critical role in our ecosystem. For instance, honey bees, aside from producing honey, also significantly contribute to natural pollination. Similarly, earthworms and ants help maintain the soil for crop farming", said Dr. Muinde. He revealed that Earth has lost about 99% of its wildlife species since its formation. Animals like dinosaurs and some alligators are extinct, while other small creatures such as scorpion species, beetles, and flies are facing extinction. He noted that the extinction of wildlife can have serious implications for the human population, and hence, everybody should do their part to conserve it.

Dr. Patrick Muinde encouraged governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals to harness the full potential of emerging technologies, such as responsible tourism practices as exemplified by initiatives in Kenya, digital wildlife censuses, and GPS tracking systems, to promote a safe and secure relationship between humans and wildlife. Digital wildlife tourism not only helps conserve wildlife but also creates sustainable revenue streams that benefit local communities and national economies.

A world where animals live free from cruelty is not just an ideal—it’s a responsibility we all share. From protecting wildlife in their natural habitats to ending the suffering of animals in factory farms, every action we take brings us closer to a more just and sustainable future. Together, we have the power to create lasting change for animals, people, and the planet." — Tennyson Williams, Director for Africa, World Animal Protection