In the municipality of Manacor (Mallorca), the Guardia Civil has apprehended two individuals and is currently investigating another for the sale of various exotic animal species through internet portals as part of Operation Kotach, which is being conducted in Valencia.

The agents have discovered a total of 19 feline family specimens during the search. Notable among these are a pure caracal, two pure servals, and 16 hybrid felines of varying degrees of hybridisation and species. In addition to over 40 animal passports from Russia, Belarus, and China, as well as two computers, three mobile phones, and two pen drives, a substantial quantity of documentation has been confiscated and is currently undergoing analysis.

The operation commenced in March of last year when SEPRONA discovered that a couple residing in Ariany (Palma de Mallorca) were breeding servals, caracals, and their hybrids with domestic cats on a tract of land. They subsequently sold the animals on social media.

The agents were able to confirm that the couple’s social media activity was highly active, as individuals from other countries contacted them to purchase these types of animals.

The agents confirmed that the breeding of caracals and servals in Mallorca was just a small part of an international network that encompassed breeders, transporters, and veterinarians, and also included other protected species such as white tigers, black leopards, pumas, and hyenas. They continued their investigation. Countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine transported the majority of the animals for sale into the European Union. Additionally, the animals were smuggled into the European Union via the Polish-Belarusian border and subsequently disseminated with fraudulent documentation.

It is important to mention that the detainees advertised white tigers, clouded leopards, boreal lynxes, hyenas, black leopards, and pumas for sale on their social media accounts. We discovered that the detainees were seeking €60,000 for the clouded leopard.

The agents arrested the two individuals after determining that they lacked a breeder’s permit and no documentation for the transaction after consulting with the appropriate administrative authorities.

The animals have been temporarily confined at the Son Servera Safari Zoo. Subsequently, the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MITECO) will permanently relocate them to Prima Domus (Alicante). Once rehomed to Prima Domus they can be visited, more information on the website https://en.aap.eu/visit-us/

In Russia and Ukraine, there is a prevalent practice of breeding and maintaining these cats as pets, and this trend has begun to be replicated in other countries. These species necessitate an extensive amount of space. Additionally, these specimens are highly aggressive and may pose a threat to humans or other animals. Consequently, a significant number of individuals avoid or relocate them.

Felines that are hybrids

Additionally, numerous breeders have successfully interbred these felines with domestic cats, despite the potential sterility and viability issues that may arise from premature births. Additionally, caracals and servals frequently regard domestic cats as prey rather than mating companions, and they may even cause them to suffer severe injuries or death.

The purpose of hybridisation is to produce unique cats that exhibit the wild characteristics of their wild progenitors but with a reduced intensity. In reality, the cost of a pure caracal or serval can surpass €8,000, while a first-generation hybrid can fetch up to €18,000.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered

The CITES Convention on the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora by Controlling Trade, which implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in the European Union, safeguards these animals. The researchers found that the sellers were offering these animals without the necessary documentation. It is important to acknowledge that the CITES Convention safeguards hybrid animals until the fourth generation.

The investigators are accusing the apprehended individuals of offences against wildlife, smuggling, document falsification, and organised crime.

The SEPRONA (Security and Investigation Unit) of the Valencia Guardia Civil conducted the operation in conjunction with the UPRONA (National Police) in Mallorca, Citizen Security components from the Balearic Islands Command, and MITERD personnel. The First Instance and Investigation Court No. 1 in Manacor directed the operation.

This morning at 12:23 a.m. , Tuesday, April 15, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake struck with its epicenter southeast of Torrevieja, which was felt widely throughout the population. The quake struck at a depth of only 2 kilometers, “which made it more noticeable.”

The 1829 Torrevieja earthquake was a significant seismic event that occurred on March 21st, 1829. It had an estimated magnitude of 6.6 Mw .

Key points about the earthquake:

• Devastation: The earthquake caused widespread destruction in Torrevieja and several surrounding towns. Almoradí was particularly affected, suffering the most casualties. Guardamar del Segura had to be almost entirely redesigned due to the damage.
• Casualties and Damage: Tragically, around 389 people lost their lives, and 377 were injured. Approximately 2,965 houses were completely destroyed, and another 2,396 were damaged. Bridges over the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores, and Guardamar also collapsed.
• Seismic Activity: The decade leading up to the earthquake (1820-1830) was a period of heightened seismic activity in the region. In the months preceding the major event, over 200 tremors were recorded.
• Aftermath and Remembrance: The earthquake had a profound impact on the collective memory of the Vega Baja region. Even today, towns like Almoradí and Torrevieja commemorate the event and the victims. San Emigdio, the patron saint of earthquakes, is often invoked for protection.
• Geological Context: The earthquake occurred in a seismically active area influenced by the Bajo Segura fault system, which includes the Benejúzar-Benijófar, Guardamar del Segura, and Torrevieja faults. The Alicante coast experienced a significant sinking, estimated at about 10 meters, along the Torrevieja fault.
• Building Practices: The earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of the existing construction methods, with many houses built with weak wooden beams collapsing. This event led to a greater emphasis on earthquake-resistant building techniques in the region.

While Torrevieja has experienced minor earthquakes since then, the 1829 event remains the most devastating recorded in the area, serving as a reminder of the region’s seismic history.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital today presented the charity race “5K Steps That Matter” at Torrevieja Town Hall, as part of the hospital’s 25th anniversary celebrations. All proceeds from the event will be donated in full to AFECÁNCER, a local association supporting cancer patients and their families.

The race will take place on Sunday 25th May at 9:00 am in the Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja. The event offers various categories suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including a 5K run, Nordic walking, children’s races, and a range of family-friendly activities.

This community event is held in collaboration with the Torrevieja Town Council, through its departments of Sports and Health, as well as the Torrevieja Athletics Club and the Brotons Group.

The event’s race packs will be prepared with the support of ADIEM Torrevieja, an organisation that promotes the social and professional inclusion of individuals with mental health conditions. Their participation adds further depth to the event’s inclusive and charitable nature, highlighting the power of community and cooperation for a common cause.

Click here to get your race number

A family-friendly sporting event

Beyond the athletic competition, the day promises to be a true celebration of solidarity, with a full schedule of complementary activities:

• Zumba session with Javi Jodani, a well-known local instructor, bringing energy and movement to the morning.
• Live music by Instinto Primate, performing from the heart of the park to create a festive atmosphere.
• Children’s workshops and activities throughout the morning, providing a safe and engaging environment for the youngest attendees.
• Café area with seating, offering refreshments and a space to relax.
• “Dorsal 0” (virtual race bib) available via the registration page for those unable to attend in person but who wish to support the cause.

Race and event Schedule

• 09:00 – Collection of adult race numbers: Participants should collect their bibs at the designated area. Early arrival is advised to avoid queues.
• 10:00 – Start of the 5K race: The main event begins, with a 5-kilometre route monitored by the Torrevieja Athletics Club to ensure runners’ safety.
• 11:00 – Nordic walking event begins: A walking alternative open to all, promoting inclusive participation.
• 11:00 to 12:00 – Live performance by Instinto Primate: Enjoy music in the park during the festivities.
• 11:15 – Prize-giving ceremony for the 5K race winners.
• 11:30 – Collection of children’s race numbers: Children participating in the races should collect their bibs from the designated area.
• 12:00 – Children’s races begin (within the park):
  • SUB4 (Mixed, up to age 3) – 50m
  • SUB6 (Mixed, ages 4–5) – 50m
  • SUB8 (Boys & Girls, ages 6–7) – 100m
  • SUB10 (Boys & Girls, ages 8–9) – 600m
  • SUB12 (Boys & Girls, ages 10–11) – 600m
  • SUB14 (Boys & Girls, ages 12–13) – 1,200m
    Races are adapted by age to encourage children’s participation, held in a secure, supervised area of the park.
• 12:30 – Prize-giving ceremony for children’s races.
• 10:30 to 12:30 – Children’s activities: Fun and educational workshops and games for young attendees.
• 12:30 to 13:00 – Final Zumba session: A fun and energetic way to end the day, open to all participants.

A day to remember as part of Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s 25th anniversary

This charity race forms part of the activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital – a milestone that celebrates the hospital’s strong ties with the local community and its ongoing commitment to health, solidarity, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Throughout the year, the hospital will be organising a series of initiatives including exhibitions, podcasts, commemorative mosaics, and a grand closing event in October.