A passenger on an El Al flight arriving from the United States tried to bring a turtle onto the plane illegally on Wednesday.
The reptile was packed in a bag but managed to escape and wander around the cabin until it bit another passenger.
The turtle was eventually captured by the flight crew and placed in a safe crate until the plane landed in Israel.
Upon arrival, the turtle was handed over to inspectors from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for further examination and care.
The passenger was taken for further questioning, and an investigation is underway. A case will be opened against them on suspicion of serious violations related to importing an animal without the proper permits and licenses.
Animal abuse
“Attempting to smuggle such an animal aboard a plane is abuse,” said Uri Liniel, head of the captive wildlife department at the Israel Nature and Parks Authority
"In my experience, there’s always something new to surprise me. Sometimes it’s birds hidden in shoes, sometimes it’s a turtle in a bag. While it may sound amusing, it’s far from it. A turtle is a delicate animal that lives for many years and requires specific conditions to thrive. Smuggling an animal like this on a plane is cruel. In addition to the criminal and economic implications, it poses a risk to local wildlife and even human health due to potential disease transmission, parasites, and the introduction of invasive species.”
Shlomo Grazi, head veterinarian at the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, added: “Allowing animals to be brought into the country unchecked can bring diseases that not only endanger local animals but also pose a public health risk. That’s why it’s crucial to identify, stop, and prevent such actions at the very first stage. The rule is clear: don’t bring animals into Israel without a permit.”
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority confirmed that the turtle in question is a red-eared slider, a species of freshwater turtle native to North America. It is considered an invasive species in Israel.