Hong Kong exotic pet expo host charged with illegal possession of endangered species

Alvin Wong Ho-hin, owner of Hong Kong’s Nature Herpetology Education, has been charged with illegal possession of endangered species, authorities said Wednesday. Wong, who co-hosts the children’s Exotic Pets World expo at Hopewell Mall in Wan Chai from July 25 to August 18, was scheduled to appear at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday but did not attend. The case stems from 2022, when AFCD officers seized several live animals from an exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, including a green iguana, a Spencer’s monitor, and a golden coin turtle, plus a taxidermied African grey parrot. A 29-year-old man was also charged in August under suspicion of possessing a live Spencer’s monitor and a taxidermied African grey parrot. Wong previously resigned from HK Herp on January 24, 2018, after the charity said animals were stolen.