JUBA – South Sudan’s wildlife authorities on Monday seized two warthogs that were being kept in captivity at a private residence in Juba, warning the public against keeping wild animals without authorization.
Lt. Gen. Aggrey Lasu Wani, Acting Director of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, said the animals were rescued during an operation conducted on Saturday at a home in the Jebel Kujur area following a tip-off from members of the public.
“On Saturday, July 11, 2026, our forces apprehended two wild animals being kept illegally by an individual in the Jebel Kujur area. I want to make it unequivocally clear to every citizen of South Sudan that keeping wild animals in your home is prohibited by law,” Wani said.
Wani said the warthogs were found in captivity and safely removed from the residence before being transferred to the ministry’s wildlife facility.
“So today, I wanted to make it very clear to everyone here that keeping these animals at home is not okay. If you want to keep animals at home, please get permission from the minister of wildlife conservation. The office of the director general is always open to welcome you,” Wani said.
Wani said keeping wild animals in residential homes without prior approval from the wildlife authorities is illegal and poses risks to both the animals and the public.
“It is unlawful to keep “Sector One” wild animals in domestic settings. The law does not permit the domestication of these species without official authorization,” he said.
He called on anyone illegally keeping wild animals in their homes to surrender them, warning that authorities would take legal action against those who fail to comply.
“We urge anyone currently keeping such animals in their homes to surrender them immediately or contact our offices before enforcement action is taken,” he said.
“Improper handling of wild animals poses a significant risk to the community, as evidenced by recent incidents involving escaped wildlife. Professional care, feeding, and medical treatment are essential for these animals, which cannot be provided in a household environment.”
He warned that wildlife authorities would step up enforcement operations by conducting active searches for illegally kept wild animals, urging the public to comply with the law before legal action is taken.
“If you possess such animals, please cooperate by surrendering them or calling our offices so we may transport them to an appropriate facility,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure public safety and protect our nation’s natural heritage. These animals belong to the people of South Sudan; by caring for them properly in designated areas, we contribute to the preservation of our wildlife and the economic growth of our nation through conservation.”
