LONDON (CMC) – The Bahamas said yesterday that 13 endangered iguanas were seized from two passengers at London’s Heathrow Airport earlier this week.
The country’s High Commission in London said that the passengers, two Romanian women, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of importation offences and are being held without bail. They had earlier arrived from Nassau.
“On instruction of the Government and in order to assess the animals’ welfare and potential for repatriation, the High Commission dispatched an Officer to Heathrow’s Animal Reception Centre to meet with Customs Officers where the 12 surviving iguanas are being cared for by Officials from the UK Border Force and City of London,” the High Commission said.
It said the animals have been micro chipped by a specialist veterinarian today and the initial results were positive.
“The High Commission will continue to monitor the welfare of the iguanas while awaiting official test results, before a time frame can be set for their potential return to The Bahamas. A number of partners have offered their assistance in repatriating these animals and the High Commission wishes to express its gratitude to these partners,” the statement said.
