More than 1,600 parrots and canaries that were illegally being transported from Lagos international airport to Kuwait have been seized by Nigerian authorities.

This information was disclosed in a statement by the customs agency.

Speaking to the Associated Press on Tuesday, the West African spokesperson for the international non-governmental organization Wild Africa described the development as a positive sign in Nigeria’s efforts to crack down on illegal wildlife trafficking.

According to a statement released by the Customs agents on Monday, ring-necked parakeets and green and yellow-fronted canaries, two protected species, were seized by the Authority on Thursday, July 31, at the airport. The Authority noted that the shipment lacked the necessary permits and other legal documents required to prove the birds were obtained lawfully.

Additionally, the agent disclosed that investigations are underway to trace individuals responsible for the illicit cargo. The the National Park Service is expected to receive the seized birds for proper care.

The Czech zoo has recently welcomed four Barbary lion cubs, marking an important addition to the limited population of this rare species, now extinct in the wild. At Dvůr Králové Safari Park, the three females and one male were seen playing in their outdoor enclosure on Wednesday.

The cubs will be sent to other participating parks, including the Beersheba zoo in Israel, as part of an international programme aimed at protecting endangered species in captivity.

The deputy director of Dvůr Králové, Jaroslav Hyjánek, has hinted that while initial steps have been taken toward reintroducing Barbary lions into the wild, the goal remains a distant prospect.

The Barbary lion, which represents a symbol of strength, is a majestic member of the Northern lion subspecies that used to move freely in northern Africa, including areas such as the Atlas Mountains.

They were almost completely wiped out due to human activities, with some killed by gladiators during the ancient Roman days.

Excessive hunting pushed them to disappearing completely. 1925 was the only year that a photograph of a wild Barbary lion was captured; the species’ final wild individual was killed by 1942.

Excessive hunting pushed them to disappearing completely. 1925 was the only year that a photograph of a wild Barbary lion was captured; the species’ final wild individual was killed by 1942.

In the middle of the 1960s, the few remaining Barbary lions still living in the wild disappeared completely. Per reports from scientists, fewer than 200 Barbary lions are currently living.

Late this year or early next year, Moroccan authorities are expected to hold a meeting to decide whether it would be wise to release them in one of the national parks in the Atlas Mountains.

Hyjánek has insisted that reintroducing the lions would come with significant bureaucratic and practical challenges, adding that the plan should be a long-standing one since they have been absent for a long while.

“It’s important to have such a vision for any animal, without it, the existence of zoos wouldn’t make sense,” he added.

Meanwhile, China has unveiled a gym specifically made for dogs called Gogogym. The gym has received some pet owners, specifically those who want to keep their animals healthy and active.

The new facility offers hydrotherapy, underwater treadmills, and guided exercises aimed at improving mobility and overall health. According to pet therapist Lu Yilin, dog owners have embraced the gym as it helps their ageing pets manage their weight and can take care of their joints over time. "These methods are much gentler on the body than land treadmills,” he added.