Minister David Maynier on fight against organised environmental crime
Fight against organised environmental crime continues as parrot hatchlings are cared for
On Thursday 10 September 2026, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, visited the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria for an update on the parrot eggs confiscated from alleged wildlife traffickers over the past two months.
The eggs were confiscated in two separate interceptions at OR Tambo International Airport, and were being transported in makeshift incubators that exposed the eggs to significant risk from cold shock and shaking. This prevented many of the eggs from hatching and some of the hatched chicks from surviving past 3 days. When the eggs were confiscated, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) called on SANBI to help save as many of the parrots as possible, given the risks they had been exposed to.
Minister Maynier thanked staff for their speedy assistance: “The incredible SANBI team has been working around the clock to give these vulnerable hatchlings a fighting chance at survival, despite the conditions in which the eggs were being trafficked. Their dedication and expertise are a credit to SANBI and a valuable asset to the fight against wildlife trafficking.”
While genetic testing is still underway for confirmation, initial results indicate that the species of the parrots include African Grey, Galah and Conure. All three species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The export of specimens from CITES-listed species is strictly regulated and requires permits issued by both exporting and importing countries. Section 102 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) provides that a person convicted of an offence in terms of section 101 may be liable to a fine not exceeding R10 million, imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years, or both a fine and imprisonment.
The bail hearing for the suspect arrested during the second interception has been postponed to 16 September 2026. Animal cruelty charges will be added to the charge sheet given the conditions in which the eggs were being transported.
A key feature of the investigation has been the excellent cooperation between the DFFE Environmental Management Inspectorate (Green Scorpions), SAPS Crime Intelligence, SAPS Border Police, and supported by members of the SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. The investigation into the wider trafficking network will continue, with the support of other countries and international organisations.
Minister Maynier emphasised that acting against wildlife trafficking networks is a key priority: “Environmental crime is organised crime. We are up against complex criminal international networks, and I will be engaging with our department to determine how we provide better resources and support to our Green Scorpions so that we send a clear message: wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated in South Africa.”
Media Enquiries:
Kerry Mauchline (Spokesperson to the Minister)
Cell: 084 210 3003
Email: KMauchline@dffe.gov.za
#GovZAUpdates
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