14 Trafficked toucans rescued at US-Mexico border begin new life in conservation

San Diego: Fourteen keel-billed toucans trafficked across the US-Mexico border now have a chance to contribute to conservation and public awareness of wildlife crime after months of rehabilitation.

US Fish and Wildlife Service agents took ownership of the birds after they were seized at the Otay Mesa port of entry in California. Staff from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo assisted to ensure the toucans received proper care while officials decided their future.

The toucans were found sedated, bound to restrict movement and noise, and hidden in a vehicle’s dashboard. They were in extremely poor condition upon rescue. Keel-billed toucans are protected by the Wild Bird Conservation Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES.

When the 14 birds arrived at the Bronx Zoo on July 31, 2025, all showed signs of malnutrition, severe stress, and metabolic issues. The zoo’s Ornithology and Zoological Health Departments coordinated specialized care and rehabilitation over several months. “Thanks to the dedication of our animal care and veterinary teams, we were able to stabilize and rehabilitate them,” said Chuck Cerbini, Curator of Ornithology at the Bronx Zoo.