In a stunning raid that reads like a wildlife crime thriller, Spanish police have busted open a secret exotic cat breeding operation hiding in plain sight on the sunny island of Majorca. White tigers, clouded leopards, and pumas – creatures that belong in wild jungles – were discovered being bred in suburban captivity and sold to the highest bidders online.
Behind innocent social media profiles lurked an international smuggling network stretching from Eastern Europe to the Mediterranean, trafficking these magnificent predators like luxury commodities. And authorities warn: this is merely the beginning of a much larger global investigation.
Inside the Majorcan Breeding Operation
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The Civil Guard’s raid on the couple’s Majorcan property revealed a disturbing collection of rare and protected feline species. Among the 19 animals rescued were a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrid cats – crossbreeds between wild species and domestic cats. Authorities noted that the couple maintained an “extremely active” social media presence where they advertised these animals to international buyers. Besides the cats discovered on-site, the couple also promoted the sale of other exotic animals including hyenas, desert lynxes, and pumas.
Perhaps most shocking was their advertisement of a clouded leopard – a vulnerable species native to the Himalayan forests – with a staggering price tag of €60,000 (approximately $68,000). White tigers, another extremely rare animal in their inventory, similarly fetch astronomical prices on the black market, making this an incredibly lucrative criminal enterprise.
Part of a Global Trafficking Network
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Spanish authorities believe this case extends far beyond two individuals. According to the Civil Guard, the operation connects to a larger international trafficking organization with operations spanning multiple countries.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated smuggling route through Poland’s border with Belarus, where the animals would enter the EU with fraudulent documentation. From there, they would be distributed to buyers across Europe, including clients who connected with the Majorcan couple through their social media channels. Hence ,this raid forms part of a wider operation that began in March 2024, with at least one other individual currently under investigation for similar online exotic animal sales.
The Appeal and Danger of Exotic Cat
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) identifies Europe as a central hub for exotic wildlife trafficking, noting that the illicit trade continues to grow. However, Social media plays a significant role in driving demand, as exotic cats have become status symbols that signal wealth and exclusivity to followers. The visual nature of platforms like Instagram makes them perfect showcases for these rare animals.
However, the reality of owning such animals rarely matches the glamorous images. The Spanish Civil Guard emphasized that these powerful predators “are very aggressive and can pose a danger to people or other animals,” requiring specialized facilities and expert handling. Moreover, many owners eventually abandon or surrender the animals once they grow to their full size and strength, creating additional welfare concerns.
