Airport security on the Galapagos Islands found 185 tortoises in a suitcase being trafficked to Ecuador's mainland.
The tortoises were found during a routine check the Environment Ministry said, adding that police were investigating.
Trafficking animals off the famed Galapagos Islands is a crime punishable by up to three years in prison.
The islands have long been a protected wildlife area off the coast of Ecuador.
Environment Minister Marcelo Mata Guerrero condemned "these crimes against Ecuadorans' wild fauna and natural heritage".
The Galapagos Islands' star attraction are its giant tortoises, whose ancestors arrived on the volcanic islands between three to four million years ago.
It is believed ocean currents took them to the islands after which they developed into 15 separate species, three of which are extinct.
The archipelago was made famous by British geologist and naturalist Charles Darwin who developed his theory of natural selection after visiting the islands.
Giant tortoises on the Galapagos – in pictures
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
