South African authorities intercepted 50 suspected endangered parrot eggs at Johannesburg’s main airport and arrested a 50-year-old Thai national accused of carrying them in a homemade incubator bag. Some eggs have since hatched at Pretoria’s National Zoological Garden, where staff are providing intensive care; the case highlights the animal-welfare risks and conservation damage caused by wildlife trafficking.

The eggs are believed to belong to a parrot species protected under Cites, the international wildlife-trade convention. The suspect could face a fine of up to 10 million rand (£461,000), up to 10 years in prison, or both; the arrest follows a July case in which another Thai citizen was allegedly caught with 418 parrot eggs at the same airport.