In a procedure carried out at the border post of 7 de Abril, Tucumán, **[two exotic animals were rescued](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/rescatan-a-un-puma-bebe-de-una-casa-en-traslasierra-que-lo-tenian-de-mascota/)** that were in captivity. They are two protected specimens: a **rainbow boa** and an **albino gecko lizard**.
The procedure took place around 7:15 p.m. on National Route 34, kilometer 896. It was determined that they came from **Aguas Blancas, Salta**, with their final destination being **Buenos Aires**.
## Endangered exotic animals: how the rescue took place
Police officers from the Tucumán detachment, while carrying out **Operation Lapacho**, conducted a check on a Mercedes Benz truck. The driver, as reported, was a citizen residing in the province of **Santiago del Estero**.
According to **Fabio Ferreyra**, head of the General Directorate of Special Units, during the vehicle inspection, **”anomalous movements” were detected** in one of the transported boxes, suggesting the presence of a living being inside.
After requesting authorization from Federal Court No. 2, they opened the package and found the animals: a **rainbow boa and the albino Leopard Gecko**.
In light of a possible involvement in an animal trafficking case, the Rural Crimes Division, under the direction of Miguel Amaya, took charge of the situation for the evaluation of the animals.
## Two protected exotic species
*Among the specimens was a boa.*
It was specified that boas are considered a **protected species**. However, there is also a growing interest from the public in acquiring them as “pets.” In particular, the Rainbow Boa, despite being venomous, generates considerable appeal.
On the other hand, the Albino Leopard Gecko is sought after due to **popular beliefs linking it to good luck**, which increases its demand in the black market for pets.
**Nicolás Marchán**, former head of the Rural Crimes Division VI, highlighted the phenomenon of “pet-keeping,” which involves the retention of wild animals in homes under the premise that they are pets.
This behavior, as warned, is linked to **illegal wildlife trafficking**, which involves the extraction of animals from their natural habitat for subsequent sale, often under poor hygiene and welfare conditions.
It is estimated that the value of **rainbow boas can range from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000**, while the Albino Leopard Gecko, due to its rarity, could have a price ranging from **$90,000 to $150,000**.
## How are the animals doing
Despite the circumstances, it was verified that the animals were in **good health**. They also received veterinary attention immediately, as ordered by the Flora and Fauna Directorate of the province of Tucumán.
**The snake is expected to be released into a suitable habitat**, despite not being native to the province of Tucumán, while the Gecko’s destination will likely be a **phytozoological reserve** that can adequately accommodate it.
