The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has absorbed the nonprofit U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance as part of larger effort to fight illegal trafficking of rare and endangered wildlife.

USWTA is a coalition of businesses and nonprofit groups that work with the U.S. government to reduce the sale and purchase of illegal wildlife products in the country. AZA was a founding member of the group, which formed in 2015.

Wildlife trafficking has become a multibillion-dollar criminal industry and now ranks as the fourth-largest transnational crime, according to AZA.

"Wildlife trafficking is a global epidemic, and is driving some of the world's most beloved animals to the brink of extinction," AZA CEO Dan Ashe said. "AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are world leaders in saving animals from extinction, and this strategic alignment with travel, media, and consumer products business leaders, as well as conservation NGOs, will create and sustain powerful momentum."

USWTA will become an AZA program under the new arrangement, with USWTA Executive Director Sara Walker joining the association staff as senior advisor on wildlife trafficking.

"I look forward to integrating USWTA into the broader mission of AZA's efforts to protect wild animal populations around the world," Walker said. "Together, we will create a powerful coalition to reduce—and eventually end—the scourge of wildlife trafficking." http://bit.ly/2EtlYsg

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