Nules, Spain - August 25, 2025 Spanish authorities have dismantled a secret private zoo in Nules, Castellón, rescuing over 150 exotic animals from two men under investigation for illegal possession. The collection included more than 50 species from five continents, many of them endangered and internationally protected. The Guardia Civil discovered the zoo after spotting an online advertisement offering protected animals for sale. Among the species listed were Asian otters, agoutis, kinkajous, and breeding pairs of meerkats, kangaroos, and caracals. Investigators also reviewed videos showing the illegal possession of leopards, owls, llamas, and ibises. Authorities traced the operation to a property in Nules, where they observed cages matching those in the online ad. A second person was later identified as being involved in the collection and illegal sales. Searches of multiple plots and storage facilities confirmed that neither individual held any permits or zoological authorizations, and the animals were not registered. The seized wildlife included two lemurs, two Asian otters, and a Bali starling—species with the highest international protection due to their endangered status. Other animals recovered included zebras, servals, toucans, crowned cranes, turacos, ibises, meerkats, mongooses, guacamayos, a dromedary, and more. Two of the guacamayos had been reported stolen in Almería. The estimated international market value of the animals exceeds two million euros, with the average specimen valued around 70,000 euros. The two men, aged 30 and 35, now face charges of trafficking protected wildlife and smuggling. The investigation involved the Guardia Civil’s Nature Protection Service and officials from Spain’s Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.