Fly home Croc as baggage?

[wildwilderness]

I have a tanned/rugged? crocodile in South Africa-

Can I fly it home (Delta? United?) in my checked baggage? What would I need to do that? CITEs permit?

Is this recommended? The air bill to have it shipped to me is about $1,600 usd so figure flying it back may be cheaper… I would also need to go to the airport and clear it or pay someone else to…

What are your thoughts?

 

[DonPablo]

Do it! Everything I've read says you can do it if it's already been taxidermied. Declare it stateside.

 

[375Fox]

Do it! Everything I've read says you can do it if it's already been taxidermied. Declare it stateside.

Maybe for non-regulated animals from certain countries. I’ve done it with roe deer and was prepared to give them up. A croc is a CITES animal. Also only certain airports are approved for wildlife products. Being tanned doesn’t make it as simple as putting in your checked luggage.

 

[375Fox]

Here’s a good thread to reference

Post in thread 'Bringing trophies home from South Africa in Luggage'

Aug 26, 2024

Marc,
He doesn’t have access to bushbuck. We hunted Nyala for two days and never saw a bull. I think I would look to another outfitter. I’m hunting with Crusader Safaris next year for the second time. Probably a better choice.

• matt vejar

 

[wildwilderness]

It looks like I would declare the croc at my first port of entry? So ATL or Newark and have a CITES permit number

 

[GuttormG]

Claim it is your sleeping/hibernating emotional support animal and take it in the cabin.