Mexico cracks down on illegal exotic wildlife, seizing lions, jaguar and tiger while hunting escaped tiger

Federal prosecutors in Mexico carried out a large‑scale raid on a property in the Los Gómez community, seizing two African lions, a jaguar, a Bengal tiger and a host of stolen goods, including more than 1,700 tires, dozens of vehicles and other equipment. Three suspects were arrested and placed under preventive detention for possession of stolen merchandise, vehicle theft, and organized crime.

At the same time, authorities in the State of Mexico have been conducting an intensive search for a Bengal tiger that escaped from a private conservation centre in San Pedro Chiautzingo. Using drones with thermal cameras, the Guardia Nacional, PROFEPA and civil protection teams have been tracking the animal in the forested hills of Tepetlaoxtoc, warning residents to stay clear as the hungry tiger poses a heightened danger.

Both operations highlight Mexico’s ongoing efforts to combat wildlife smuggling and protect public safety after the illegal possession of exotic animals and the recent tiger escape.