Nearly 100 exotic animals are found stuffed in suitcase

Arboreal Alligator Lizard

Nearly a hundred exotic animals, including 55 tortoises, 30 lizards and an iguana, have been seized at Frankfurt Airport by custom officials, the German news site, The local, has reported. They were found in a suitcase belonging to a Mexican man, who was travelling from Mexico City to Barcelona via Frankfurt. 

The 90 creatures were valued between €50,000 and €60,000 and spokesman at the German Customs Agency told The Local that at least three of the animals have since died, one during the journey, and two others while attempting to be brought back to health at a nearby zoo. It was found that a pregnant arboreal alligator lizard had also laid eggs during the flight. 

"Perhaps once or twice a year we discover live animals in a suitcase like this," the customs spokesman said. "Occasionally passengers attempt to carry animals on their person. We recently discovered a young woman carrying a parrot egg in her pocket."

The animals are now being cared for and the man is under investigation for violating the Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act.

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