Name: _72678367_mada2.jpg Views: 248 Size: 70.1 KB(Photo by Miona Janeke)

Some 400 endangered amphibians and reptiles including 30 frogs species died from dehydration and improper shipping in South Africa, on a US bound trip . More than 1,600 animals were crammed into two crates and smuggled out of Madagascar. The survivors are being treated at a local zoo; but some are beyond help. The animals had been without water and food for at least five days; their final flight to US destination canceled due to bad weather.

This could be greatly avoided if every single imported animal could be tracked back to origin by the prospective owner prior to purchase; ensuring it passed all government required paper work, inspections and permits. Hope they find the persons who financed this operation and make them spend a decade in a Madagascar jail .

More photos and story on BBC link: BBC News - Hundreds of dead animals found at South Africa airport.