Iguanas rescued from traffickers arrived at San Diego Zoo for rehabilitation.

The eight critically endangered Fijian iguanas were received by Wildlife Care Manager Brandon Scott and transported to the zoo's veterinary hospital for health checks and quarantine in Los Angeles.

Footage shows veterinarians examining the reptiles on April 24.

Once cleared, they will join the zoo's population of Fijian iguanas and become part of the AZA's Species Survival Plan Program.

The animals were seized by Spanish authorities in 2017 as part of a larger operation involving over 600 reptiles.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, along with partners in Fiji and Spain, spent eight years working to bring the iguanas to America and plays a key role in the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, supporting emergency responses to illegal wildlife trade.

Geneticists at the zoo will study the iguanas to learn their origins and how they can support conservation efforts.

Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology at the zoo, said the sanctuary has helped in over 20 reptile confiscations over the last 28 years.

He said: 'It's been a long journey getting expert care for these iguanas, and I'm proud of the role the zoo continues to play in rescuing wildlife.'

The Fijian iguanas were cared for near Madrid before being cleared for travel to San Diego. Their relocation was approved by Fiji's Department of Environment and the National Trust of Fiji.

Officials in the island said that the threat wildlife trafficking poses to the native iguana population is already under pressure from human activity and invasive species.

The zoo has reportedly bred over 100 iguanas since the 1990s, and every Fijian iguana in AZA-accredited institutions in the U.S. comes from this program.

DNA studies by the zoo have revealed more genetic diversity among wild Fijian iguanas than previously thought, with such information helping conservationists better protect the species in the wild.

Authorities in Spain stressed that these efforts also raise awareness of the threats posed by trafficking and habitat destruction.