The dilemma here is that many of the hunters are poor forest dwellers who depend on their income from selling captured animals such as the sloth. There is a thriving market in north Brazil where the captured animals are then crated and sent round the world where people have purchased them for their own gratification. The sloth is a gentle creature and one of the slowest mammals which makes it an easy target. Channel 4 News showed a heart-rending report on the plight of these animals.
I would ask for your support in pressurising the Brazillian government to (1) care for the indigenous animals (2) financially help the rescue organisations working at the ports to save the muliated/sick animals (3) give aid to the poorer farmers/foresters so that they are not encouraged towards easy money by trapping.
Finally we need a way to publicly shame those people who think they have the right to own exotic pets.
Brazil is an ancient country of diverse habitat and beauty. It is a country that has grown to become one of the World leaders in style, sport and trade. Please do not spoil that reputation by ignoring the invidious trade in wild animals that is taking place in your country. Let Brazil lead the world in showing resolve in protecting its animals and shaming those foreigners who would seek to trade in your animals for their own outdated gratification.
