A New Zealand national is suspected of being involved in what is described as the biggest seizure of exotic animals in the United States.
Jasen Shaw has been arrested after the discovery of more than 26,000 abandoned animals in a warehouse in Arlington, Texas.
Ring-tailed lemurs, spiders, snakes, sloths, lizards, frogs and crabs were among the thousands of dead and dying animals found by animal welfare authorities on Tuesday.
The Texas SPCA says the animals are now being housed in bigger spaces and at appropriate temperatures and conditions for their needs.
It does not know why the animals were abandoned.
Jasen Shaw will appear in an Arlington court on Friday.
