An antiques store owner in Victoria has been fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to 13 charges related to the illegal possession of wildlife. The 74-year-old man, Glenn Richard Rollo, was found to have over 700 native animals that were illegally taxidermied and frozen at his home and shop.

Discovery of Illegal Wildlife

The shocking discovery was made during a search conducted by regulators in April 2022 as part of a crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade. Authorities executed search warrants at Rollo's property, uncovering a disturbing scene in a white-walled room filled with magpies, galahs, sulphur-crested cockatoos, foxes, and possums. The animals were frozen and silent, with no signs of life.

During the search, officials found:

  • 14 freezers containing dead animals
  • Hundreds of dead reptiles, native birds, and mammals, including:
    • 78 emus
    • 42 brushtail possums
    • 26 echidnas
  • Remains of threatened species such as the barking owl, diamond python, and Murray River short-necked turtle
  • 15 live reptiles, including North American red-eared slider turtles and corn snakes, with six not meeting required welfare standards.