Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025

This bill would create a national Wildlife Confiscations Network to help federal officers quickly place and care for live wild animals seized from illegal trade. The Interior Department, working with a professional zoo and aquarium accrediting group, would set up common response steps, keep a database of approved care facilities, and serve as a single point of contact so animals can get safe, legal placement fast. The focus is on seized animals, including endangered and CITES‑listed species.

The network could include zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, animal rescues and rehab groups, universities, and NGOs that meet permit and care standards. A committee with members from these groups and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would review applications and guide the work. The bill points to recent experience: a pilot in Southern California helped place over 4,100 animals in two years, and past seizures have involved tens of thousands of live animals, straining space and care at ports.

• Who is affected: Federal wildlife officers at ports; zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, rescues, rehab groups, universities, and NGOs that can house seized wildlife; communities impacted by wildlife trafficking.
• What changes: A nationwide, coordinated system and database to place and care for seized wildlife; a single point of contact for law enforcement; a committee to vet participating facilities.
• When: The bill authorizes $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to run the program.