The trade in wild animals as pets is not a distant issue; it is occurring right before our eyes on our digital devices, within close proximity to our homes. This trade has evolved into a unified global marketplace, utilizing major social media platforms across both sides of the Atlantic. Through reels, images, and feeds, buyers and sellers connect internationally, facilitated by inadequate regulation or its enforcement. This environment allows illegal trade to thrive and perpetuates the misconception that wild animals are suitable pets.
Protection
For years, IFAW has collaborated with technology companies through the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online, achieving some progress. However, the trade often advances more swiftly than regulatory responses can keep pace.
Sellers employ similar tactics globally, using euphemisms like “rehoming,” “adoption fees,” and “rescue” to bypass platform filters. Transactions are often shifted from platforms to WhatsApp or Direct Messages (DMs), and emojis replace species names to dodge automated detection.
The language used to market a macaque in Florida mirrors that for selling an African grey parrot in France. Many social media users remain unaware of this activity, yet frequently engage with the content that supports it.
Public sentiment is ahead of political action. The ‘Liked to death’ European survey shows that 84% of Europeans polled support stronger wildlife protection laws.
Laundered
IFAW’s ‘Behind Closed Doors’ research highlights that 68% of UK wild pet owners favor stricter regulations, such as listing permissible species (the ‘positive list system’), with 79% unlikely to purchase a wild-caught animal.
When wild animal owners advocate for stricter rules, it underscores the need for action. Despite public advocacy, legislation struggles to keep pace with rapidly changing platforms.
The ‘Liked to death’ campaign urges European policymakers to act, suggesting three initial steps. First, the UK and EU should implement positive lists identifying species legally kept as pets, shifting proof of legality onto sellers and clarifying rules for consumers, traders, and law enforcement.
Second, criminalize the import, trade, and possession of species protected in their native countries to prevent wildlife from being laundered into European markets via legal loopholes.
Unfolding
Third, ensure the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) enforces platform obligations with tangible consequences when illegal listings are reported but ignored. IFAW, as the first wildlife conservation organization recognized as a Trusted Flagger under the DSA, identifies and reports illegal wildlife trade content online. Despite this, one in four flagged listings last year was dismissed or ignored, highlighting a need for enforcement.
Today, a buyer in the US, Britain, or anywhere in Europe doesn’t need special skills or shady connections to purchase a wild animal. A phone, social media account, and a few moments of attention suffice.
Each like, comment, or share signals algorithms to promote similar content, turning one trafficker’s post into a global advertisement. Your interactions fuel wildlife trafficking.
Until this changes, the wildlife crisis broadcasted on our screens will continue to unfold in nature.
This Author
Ilaria Di Silvestre is the director of policy and advocacy, Europe at IFAW.
