A common kestrel, a protected bird species which is part of the Falcon species, was rescued on Monday from an illegal cage in the city of Lod. The bird was found during a joint enforcement operation carried out by Lod Police, Border Police, and Israel Nature and Parks Authority in the Neve Yarok neighborhood.
The kestrel was being kept in poor and unlawful conditions. After being examined by wildlife officials, it was determined to be in poor health, likely due to improper care. The bird was transferred to the Ramat Gan Safari Wildlife Hospital for treatment and rehabilitation, with hopes that it can eventually be released back into the wild.
A 23-year-old resident of the home was detained and is under investigation for illegal hunting and possession of protected wildlife, both criminal offenses under Israeli law.
Major Bust in Jericho: Rare Coins and Hundreds of Protected Birds Seized
In a separate operation, Israeli Border Police, IDF units, and the Israel Antiquities Authority raided a home in Jericho, arresting a Palestinian couple suspected of smuggling both archaeological artifacts and protected wildlife.
Authorities seized, over 400 protected birds, thousands of ancient silver coins, including ones from the Hasmonean and Bar Kochba periods, estimated to be worth millions of shekels, and 120,000 shekels in cash.
Officials Urge Public to Report Wildlife Crimes
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority emphasized that the possession of protected species without a permit is a serious criminal offense. They urge the public to report any suspicions to their hotline at 3639 or to the Israeli Police emergency line, 100.
