Free State, South Africa (03 March 2026) - Behind every online advert for a wild tortoise is a creature stolen from its natural habitat - ripped from the very environment it depends on to survive. This growing wildlife injustice is one that the Wildlife Crime Information Network tirelessly fights to curb. Every day, the team receives reports of tortoises and other wildlife illegally removed from the wild to be kept as pets. These animals are often deprived of water, food, and freedom, or are exploited for food and traditional medicine (muti). Most recently, the team acted on a hotline report from a concerned citizen regarding an online advert offering three leopard tortoises for sale for R1,500.00. An investigation was launched immediately.