Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025
This bill creates a nationwide network to help federal border agents quickly place and care for live wild animals seized from illegal traffickers. The Fish and Wildlife Service will partner with an accredited zoo association to vet and manage a database of approved zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and universities ready to provide emergency medical treatment and long-term shelter. The program authorizes $5 million per year from 2026 through 2030 to coordinate these rescue logistics across the country.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Federal wildlife law enforcement agenciesReceives a single point of contact and a coordinated network of approved facilities to handle the immediate triage, long-term housing, and care of live animals seized at borders and ports (Sec. 4(a), Sec. 4(b)(4)).
- Zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and wildlife rescue organizationsMay apply for membership in the Network database to house and care for confiscated wildlife, and their representatives become eligible to serve and vote on the governing committee (Sec. 4(b)(2), Sec. 4(c), Sec. 4(d)).
- Accrediting zoological associationsEnters into a formal partnership with the Department of the Interior to help administer the Network and holds a permanent seat on its governing committee (Sec. 4(a), Sec. 4(d)(1)(B)).
Who it burdens
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceRequired to establish the Network in partnership with an accrediting association, appoint initial governing committee members, and oversee the placement program (Sec. 4(a), Sec. 4(d)(2)).
Who backs it
- Federal taxpayersAuthorizes $5,000,000 in federal appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to fund the establishment and operation of the Network (Sec. 5).
The provisions, in plain language.
Directs the Department of the Interior to partner with an accrediting zoological association to establish the Wildlife Confiscations Network, which will maintain a facility database and serve as a single point of contact to coordinate housing, triage, and care for live animals seized by federal law enforcement at U.S. borders and ports.
Permits animal care facilities—including zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, rescue organizations, universities, and non-profits—to apply for Network membership by demonstrating necessary permits, licenses, and animal care capacity.
Establishes a governing committee comprising federal wildlife officials, partner association representatives, and member facility delegates to evaluate and vote on facility applications.
Authorizes $5 million each year from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2030 to implement the program.