Cancún jaguar controversy resurfaces after blocked PROFEPA inspection

The presence of a jaguar kept in captivity at the former Pepe’s Tigers property in Cancún has reignited controversy following viral videos shared by social media influencers. The footage shows visitors interacting with the animal and handling meat to feed it, sparking debate between content creators who defend the owner and animal rights organizations calling for urgent welfare checks.

José Juárez Gil, known as “Pepe Tigre,” claims the animal is legally held under documentation from SEMARNAT, PROFEPA, and CITES, and asserts that it receives veterinary care. However, no valid documentation has been publicly verified to confirm the legality or current status of these permits.

On September 24, officials from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) attempted to inspect the premises to evaluate the jaguar’s health and legal standing. The inspection was blocked when Juárez Gil refused to grant authorities access to the property. As a result, no official veterinary assessment of the animal's condition has been conducted. This incident follows a history of legal issues for Juárez Gil, including a 2011 operation where authorities seized several big cats due to lack of legal provenance and poor hygiene standards.