Overview

• Hannover highway police discovered exotic animals, including a toucan, crowned pigeon, and koi carp, during a routine traffic stop on May 18.
• The animals, identified as protected species, were being transported without required veterinary and conservation documentation.
• Authorities prohibited the transporter's journey and transferred the animals to the Hannover animal shelter for care and evaluation.
• The seized animals include a green aracari, a koel, six koi carp, two sturgeons, and other exotic species.
• An investigation is underway to determine if the transport violated EU and German animal and species protection laws.