A juvenile caiman — a smaller relative of an alligator — named Javier will temporarily call the Victoria Butterfly Gardens home.
Javier is a Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, which are native to northern and central South America, according to the zoo.
The Butterfly Gardens says Javier was intercepted by Canadian authorities in a co-ordinated effort to combat wildlife trafficking.
It says the caiman was being held illegally without the necessary permits, and will live at the gardens while legal proceedings determine its future — which the organization says can take up to several years.
WATCH | Juvenile Cuvier’s dwarf caiman takes up residence at Victoria Butterfly
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