Revelations in 'Monsters of God' Finale: Smuggler and Agent's Hidden Secrets

The thrilling conclusion of the docuseries "Monsters of God," which aired on HBO on September 3, took viewers deep into the murky world of exotic reptile smuggling, revealing startling connections between law enforcement and illegal wildlife trade.

In the final episode, creator Eric Goode confronts Anson Wong, dubbed the 'Pablo Escobar of animal trafficking,' in an interview conducted at his secluded hideout in Penang, Malaysia. Wong operates a vast smuggling network, exploiting the country's lenient wildlife laws and corrupt officials. Goode expressed his apprehension leading up to the meeting, admitting, "I was definitely fearful the day before meeting him… It’s certainly up there among my most nervous moments."

As the episode unfolds, another shocking twist is revealed involving Ken McCloud, a former special agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Despite his role in combating wildlife trafficking, McCloud was found housing a ploughshare tortoise, the most endangered tortoise species, in his own home. Goode, utilizing a hidden camera, documented the tortoise's living conditions in a cramped terrarium. He recounted his previous interactions with McCloud, noting the agent's paranoia about theft and the significant emotional attachment he had developed towards the tortoise, treating it almost like a child.

Goode raised ethical questions regarding McCloud's actions, suggesting that the government should intervene, drawing a parallel to a scenario where a former DEA agent hoards illegal substances. "If you were an ex-DEA agent with a garage full of cocaine, there would be consequences," he emphasized. As an advocate for turtle conservation through his nonprofit, the Turtle Conservancy, Goode hopes to see the ploughshare tortoise placed into a breeding program for the species' survival.

Source: variety.com