The birds were discovered hidden inside a vehicle dashboard and arrived malnourished and stressed. Following months of specialist care, several toucans have now been transferred to accredited conservation institutions, while others remain at the Bronx Zoo.

The keel-billed toucans, native to parts of Central and South America, are listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Wildlife Conservation Society staff said the case highlighted both the cruelty of wildlife trafficking and the role zoos play in rehabilitation and conservation. Authorities said the birds could not safely be returned to the wild.