Empire State Review Team 
HARRIS COUNTY, Ga. – Federal authorities have announced the sentencing of a Georgia orthopedic surgeon alongside a farm worker, revealing a significant case of bird trafficking in U.S. history involving illegal imports of protected bird species and their eggs.
Sentencing Details
Dr. John Waldrop, age 76, from Cataula, Georgia, received a sentence this week from a federal judge in Brooklyn, which includes three years of probation and a fine of $900,000—one of the largest penalties ever for breaches of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Toney Jones, his co-defendant from Eufaula, Alabama, was sentenced to six months of probation.
Illegal Collection Highlights
Waldrop, who pleaded guilty in August 2024 to charges of conspiracy and ESA violations, had built an extensive personal collection that featured:
- 1,401 taxidermized bird mounts
- 2,594 bird eggs, including rare and endangered examples
This collection contained specimens protected under several federal laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Among these were Nordmann’s Greenshank eggs, which are so rare that no known North American museum possesses them.
Acquisition Methods
Officials revealed that Waldrop’s collection was augmented through illegal imports from various countries including Germany, Russia, and South Africa. Between 2016 and 2020, these imports were facilitated by purchases made through platforms like eBay and Etsy.
When federal agents began to crack down on the shipments, Waldrop tasked Jones, who worked on his property, with receiving packages to mask his identity. It has been reported that Jones deposited over $500,000 in a bank account used by Waldrop for these illicit transactions.
Future of the Collection
In the aftermath of the investigation, Waldrop forfeited his entire collection, which is now recognized as the largest seizure of bird specimens by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Forensics Lab since its inception 37 years ago. Authorities plan to redistribute the collection to accredited zoos, research labs, and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution.
Prosecution and Investigation
This case was a part of Operation Final Flight, an extensive federal initiative aimed at combatting the trafficking of endangered birds. The USFWS led the investigation, collaborating with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Customs and Border Protection.
Community Engagement
During his sentencing, Waldrop claimed to be transitioning away from his extensive bird collection, expressing interest in pursuing custom wood carvings instead. Notably, it was mentioned that Waldrop maintained a habitat for eagles on his property and would permit local elementary school children to visit his facility for educational purposes, referring to it as “Dr. Waldrop’s zoo.”
