The Federal Court of Rio de Janeiro has sentenced three individuals in connection with the illegal importation of 18 giraffes from South Africa, which were intended for the BioParque do Rio and the Portobello Resort & Safari in Mangaratiba. The court ruling acknowledged offenses including smuggling, animal cruelty, and obstruction of environmental inspections, which took place during the giraffes' arrival in Brazil in November 2021.

The case was initiated by the Federal Public Ministry, which argued that the giraffes were imported unlawfully using ideologically false documents to secure licensing. Following the ruling, BioParque expressed surprise at the initial decision, emphasizing that it is not final, as the defendants plan to appeal. In their statement, BioParque reaffirmed its faith in the justice system, insisting that truth will ultimately come to light and that the accused will be exonerated.

Additionally, it was reported that four of the imported giraffes died shortly after their arrival, raising concerns about the impact of such illegal activities on wildlife and the welfare of animals in captivity. This case highlights significant issues regarding wildlife trafficking and the legal frameworks in place to protect endangered species, reflecting a broader challenge in the conservation of biodiversity in Brazil.