Smuggled birds headed for Morocco rescued in Italian port

Authorities in Genoa, Italy, intercepted a cruel attempt to smuggle birds to Morocco. 37 birds, including diamond finches and Pacific parakeets, were found crammed into two tiny cages hidden under the seat of a car, Italian newspaper La Stampa reported on Tuesday.

These birds came from Turin and were headed for a 50-hour journey in a hot ship hold with no water, most likely not surviving the trip.

The International Organization for Animal Protection (Oipa) was called in to help the birds. The man transporting them claimed he bought them from a breeder and intended them as gifts for children. Thankfully, the birds are now safe in a wildlife recovery center with proper care.