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Seahorse scandal in the Black Forest: Dead animals discovered in Eiffel Tower bottle!
A woman found a bottle containing dead, protected seahorses in the Black Forest. The police are investigating animal welfare offences.
Seahorse scandal in the Black Forest: Dead animals discovered in Eiffel Tower bottle!
A shocking find at Titisee-Neustadt is causing a stir: On September 1, 2025, a woman discovered a glazed bottle in the shape of the Eiffel Tower containing several dead seahorses. This is particularly worrying as seahorses are considered a strictly protected species. The Freiburg police have now started an investigation because there is a suspicion that these animals were put into the bottle alive or were about to die. It is believed that the seahorses may have been collected on a beach abroad before illegally entering Germany. The police hope to be able to solve the case by searching for witnesses and to find out how this cruel act was committed.
The Freiburg Police Headquarters, more precisely the “Commercial and Environment” department, has taken over the investigation. Given the frightening circumstances, an animal welfare crime has been considered, alarming the public and animal rights activists alike. Such incidents once again highlight the precarity of many wildlife populations and the unscrupulous methods of illegal trafficking. According to information from Euronews Almost five million smuggled seahorses, worth an estimated €18.5 million, have been seized in the last decade, with the animals often being smuggled in luggage or by sea freight to 62 countries.
The illegal seahorse market
Seahorses are extremely popular not only in the European region but especially in Asia, especially China and Hong Kong. Here they are often used in traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases such as asthma and impotence. International trade in seahorses, while legal under the CITES agreement, requires difficult permits. Criminal networks exploit this mercilessly, benefiting from weak enforcement and changing trade routes. Loud Euronews Seahorses are not only often targeted objects of trade, but are also discovered in combination with other smuggled animal products such as pangolin scales and elephant ivory.
The difficulty of controlling the seafood trade is a major problem as it represents an important source of income for many fishermen. In February, 20,000 live animals were confiscated in a global raid, demonstrating the extent of the illegal trade. A 2024 UN report reveals that more than 4,000 species are affected by the wildlife trade, with marine animals often receiving less attention.
The case in Titisee-Neustadt is another disturbing incident that should raise awareness about protecting endangered species. It is vital that society and legislators work together to protect animals and combat illegal trade. This is the only way we can ensure that future generations live in a world in which fascinating creatures like seahorses also have their place.