Woodland Park Zoo, Coal City Applauds Customs for Seizure of 347 Snakes, Scorpions

The Woodland Park Zoo is more than a tourism venture; it is a testament to the belief that conservation and economic development can coexist,” 

The Founder of Woodland Park Zoo, Coal City Enugu, and Chairman of Tenerife Hospitality Group, Dr. Josef Onoh, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for intercepting and seizing 17 live scorpions and 340 snakes at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

In what has been described as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit trafficking of endangered species, the NCS stopped the reptiles packaged for export out of Nigeria. According to the NCS Area Controller, Mike Awe, the attempt was a violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Reacting, Onoh described the seizure as a “significant victory in the battle against illegal wildlife trade,” stressing that such activities undermine Nigeria’s biodiversity, tarnish its global reputation, and destabilize ecosystems.

Onoh, who runs the multi-billion-naira Woodland Park Zoo in the Iva Valley Forest Reserve, Enugu, noted that the illegal wildlife trade generates between $7–23 billion annually worldwide but casts “a long shadow over Nigeria.” He warned that trafficking of live animals fuels transnational crime, threatens public safety through zoonotic diseases, and contributes to the depletion of the country’s rich biodiversity.

He praised Comptroller Michael Awe and the Murtala Muhammed Area Command for enforcing CITES, which Nigeria has been a signatory to since 1974, saying: “By intercepting these 17 live scorpions and 340 snakes, the NCS has safeguarded species that play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance.”

Highlighting the broader consequences of wildlife trafficking, Onoh said Nigeria’s image has long been marred by illegal trade in pangolin scales, ivory, and other wildlife products. However, he noted that consistent efforts by the NCS, including the seizure of 1,600 parrots and canaries in July 2025, are gradually reshaping the nation’s global image.

Onoh added that the actions align with Nigeria’s National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime (2022–2026) and commended collaborations with international partners such as the Wildlife Justice Commission and Focused Conservation.

Speaking on his conservation projects, Onoh revealed that the Woodland Park Zoo, already 70 percent complete, will feature giraffes, zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, and snakes in world-class habitats. He said the project seeks to showcase Nigeria’s natural heritage, create jobs, and position Enugu as a premier eco-tourism destination.

“The Woodland Park Zoo is more than a tourism venture; it is a testament to the belief that conservation and economic development can coexist,” Onoh said. He urged the NCS to continue partnering with agencies like NESREA and the Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force to ensure traffickers face justice.

He concluded: “I commend the NCS for their exemplary service and dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. Your actions inspire us all to do more in the fight for a sustainable future.”