US tourist is caught smuggling LIVE albino alligator on flight

What the croc? US tourist is caught smuggling a LIVE albino alligator on a flight from Germany to Singapore

• Discovery was made on x-ray by stunned baggage inspectors at Munich Airport
• The rare white gator had been stuffed into a cramped suitcase by smuggler 
• Criminal proceedings launched against traveler who tried to smuggle animal  

A US tourist was caught smuggling a metre-long live albino alligator on a flight from Germany to Singapore. 

The discovery was made on an x-ray by stunned baggage inspectors at Munich International Airport in Bavaria in September.   

Inspectors found that the rare white gator had been stuffed into a cramped suitcase and was curled up and wrapped almost completely in cling film bar a small hole for it to breathe.

The 42-year-old traveler who attempted to smuggle the animal had criminal proceedings launched against them.

Rescuers seized the alligator and took it to a reptile sanctuary in Munich. 

White alligators can be bought by customers for up to 75,000 Euros (£65,700) in Asia, according to German media. 

The discovery was made on an x-ray, pictured, by stunned baggage inspectors at Munich International Airport in Bavaria in September

The act of illegal wildlife trafficking is bringing species of animal into or out of a country without a permit. 

It is an offence under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act (ESA).

In Singapore, offenders can face up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine of up to £45,000 ($50,000) for illegal wildlife trafficking.

But the ESA is due to be amended, which means that individual offenders will face bigger penalties.

As a result, the maximum jail term will increase from 2 years to 6 and the fine will go up to £89,000 ($100,000) per species.

Corporations who are trafficking animals will also face higher fines than individuals. 

Inspectors found that the rare white gator had been stuffed into a cramped suitcase and was curled up and wrapped almost completely in cling film, pictured, bar a small hole for it to breathe

In a statement, Munich Main Customs Office said:  ‘Customs officers confiscated a live albino alligator on 25th September, 2022 at Munich Airport.

‘While checking luggage, security check employees discovered an unusual X-ray image. They immediately informed customs officers, who, when opening the suitcase, found a live white alligator wrapped in cling film. Together with a veterinarian, the customs officers freed the animal and took over first aid.

‘Before departing for Singapore, the passenger was located by customs officials. The officials initiated proceedings against the 42-year-old businessman.

‘The Munich Customs Investigation Office took over further investigations.

‘The animal is currently in the sanctuary for reptiles and will continue to be cared for there.’

White alligators can be bought by customers for up to 75,000 Euros (£65,700) in Asia, according to German media. Pictured: A white alligator (stock image)

What is an albino alligator? 

Albino alligators are alligators that lack the ability to produce melanin in their skin. 

This genetic defect gives their skin a yellowish white appearance and the eyes generally cast a pinkish hue due to the visible blood vessels in the colorless irises. 

This lack of pigment, though viewed as beautiful, has its downside. Most albino alligators rarely make it to adulthood because they are not able to camouflage themselves making them an easy target in the wild. 

Their skin is said to be extremely sensitive to sunlight in which too much sun will burn their skin.

Leucism (LOO-sism) is often confused with Albinism, in which Leucistic animals produce small amounts of melanin which gives their eyes a rich blue cast and their skin a creamy porcelain white color. 

Myth has it that if you look into the eyes of an albino alligator it will bring you good luck. 

Source: Alligator Adventure Barefoot Landing  

Source: Read Full Article