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Panama confronts illegal trafficking of animals

A spider monkey swings inside a cage at a Ministry of Environment rehabilitation center that protects wild animals rescued from illicit trafficking networks, in Panama City, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Black-handed spider monkeys are listed in the most endangered category of international species, and Panama's Ministry of Environment say they are in "critical danger." Trade in the monkeys is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) An ocelot is given medical care as he is prepared to be released back into the wild, at a Ministry of the Environment rehabilitation center in Panama City, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. The center protects wildlife rescued from illicit trafficking networks. (AP Photo/ArnulfoeFranco) Veterinarian Mariana Parks holds a toucan that was given medical care prior to being released back into the wild, at a Ministry of the Environment rehabilitation center in Panama City, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. This new government rehabilitation center, which was built on land adjacent to former U.S. military facilities, began receiving animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) An ocelot follows a veterinarian after being given medical care before being released back into the wild, at a Ministry of the Environment rehabilitation center in Panama City, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. This new government rehabilitation center, which was built on land adjacent to former U.S. military facilities, began receiving animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) A spider monkey sits inside a cage at a Ministry of Environment rehabilitation center that protects wild animals rescued from illicit trafficking networks, in Panama City, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Spider monkeys are among the most popular wild pets, said Erick Núñez, the Environment Ministry's chief of national biodiversity. "They're usually friendly with people ... however, when they reach the age of sexual maturity, when they become jealous, they can become aggressive and attack people," he said. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) An ocelot is given medical care as he is prepared to be released back into the wild, at a Ministry of the Environment rehabilitation center in Panama City, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. The center protects wildlife rescued from illicit trafficking networks. (AP Photo/ArnulfoeFranco) A monkey looks out from its cage at a Ministry of Environment rehabilitation center in Panama City, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Panamanian authorities are trying to raise awareness about the dangers, to humans and wildlife, of keeping wild animals in their homes. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)