Seized Coral Specimens Rescued, Rehabilitated at New York Aquarium

In May 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intercepted a shipment of 200 coral specimens at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. The corals, which had been plucked from the waters of Indonesia, were destined for pet shops before federal authorities intervened.

The seized corals are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that targets the illegal wildlife trade. Rather than let the corals perish, the New York Aquarium stepped in to provide them with specialized care.

Aquarium staff describe the facility as a "coral hospital," where they have nursed the distressed specimens back to health over the past several months. Many of the corals have regained their vibrant colors and are now on display for the public, serving as "ambassadors" to raise awareness about the threats facing coral reefs worldwide. Approximately 25% of marine life depends on these fragile ecosystems, which are under increasing pressure from human activities.

The unexpected journey of these seized corals highlights the importance of responsible sourcing and the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade. The New York Aquarium's efforts to rehabilitate and showcase these protected species aim to educate visitors about the urgent need to conserve our planet's precious marine resources.