In April 2025, Spanish authorities rescued 19 exotic felines from a home in Majorca, arresting a Russian couple connected to an international wildlife smuggling ring. The raid uncovered a caracal, two servals, 16 hybrid cats, and travel documents for over 40 additional animals from Russia, Belarus, and China. This case exemplifies how social media has fuelled demand for exotic big cats as status symbols among wealthy individuals. According to authorities, “the detainees sold various animal species internationally through internet portals, including white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas”.