Los Angeles has emerged as a significant hub for the smuggling of turtles and tortoises, with many of these animals arriving unwillingly from across the United States before being trafficked overseas, particularly to Asia. The illicit trade has expanded rapidly since the early 2000s, with a notable surge in the past six to seven years. Key transit points for these shipments include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Eric Goode, founder of the Turtle Conservancy based in Ojai, California, has witnessed the growing crisis firsthand. Established in 2005, the conservancy initially focused on habitat creation and maintenance worldwide and conducting research. However, its mission has increasingly shifted toward rescuing and rehabilitating displaced turtles and tortoises, many of which are confiscated at local ports in a battered, malnourished, and stressed condition.

Since 2017, the Turtle Conservancy has taken in approximately 810 animals seized by law enforcement authorities, with more than half of those arrivals—over 400—occurring in just the past six months. This influx has put significant strain on the conservancy’s resources as it tries to meet the needs of these vulnerable reptiles.

The surge in turtle smuggling reflects wider trends in the illegal wildlife trade, which thrives on high demand for exotic pets in international markets, especially across parts of Asia. Turtles and tortoises are prized for their rarity and perceived status, making them targets for traffickers despite existing laws and conservation efforts.

Authorities at LAX and the nearby seaports have increased inspections and enforcement, but the volume of smuggling attempts continues to rise. The situation has prompted calls for heightened collaboration between agencies and countries, as well as increased public awareness about the impacts of illegal wildlife trafficking on species survival and ecological balance.

While exact figures on the full scale of smuggling through Los Angeles remain difficult to determine, experts warn that without stronger preventative measures, the trend could lead to severe consequences for turtle populations worldwide. The Turtle Conservancy and other organizations are advocating for more robust legal frameworks and improved international cooperation to stem the tide of wildlife trafficking centered around the city’s major transportation hubs.