African lion captured in Matamoros, Tamaulipas

An African lion was located and secured in the Ejido La Bartolina area of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, following reports of the animal wandering near residential sectors. The capture was carried out by the Mexican Army and State Guard in coordination with local authorities.

To ensure the safety of rescuers and citizens, the lion was sedated with general anesthesia before being transported to the Ecopark Matamoros refuge. The Ecopark is working alongside the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) to provide care and determine the animal's long-term destination.

Local officials, including Mayor José Alberto Granados Fávila, have noted the incident while environmental organizations expressed concern regarding the increasing trend of large felids being abandoned by owners. The origin of the lion and how it arrived in the ejido remain under investigation.