20 Wild Animals Rescued in Durango Operation, Including Two Bengal Tigers

An inter-agency operation in Durango, Mexico, has resulted in the rescue of 20 wild animals, among them two Bengal tigers, after authorities acted on a public complaint regarding the illegal sale of wildlife. The operation, which spanned three days, was a coordinated effort involving the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the Army, the National Guard, and the Attorney General's Office (FGR).

The initial phase of the operation on June 16 involved a search of a residence in the Las Huertas neighborhood, where the two Bengal tigers were discovered in confinement without adequate safety measures. Profepa reported that the tigers showed signs of distress, including lack of food and water, and damage to their front claws. They were subsequently transferred to a specialized facility for medical attention.

Further inspections on June 17 and 18 at a downtown Durango establishment uncovered 18 additional wild animals. Profepa stated that the legal possession and origin of these specimens could not be verified. The rescued fauna included a savannah monitor lizard, a three-keeled turtle, a spiny softshell turtle, a common snapping turtle, four leopard geckos, two boa constrictors, four green iguanas, a spiny-tailed lizard, a veiled chameleon, a common water monitor, and a Nile monitor.

Profepa noted that several of the rescued species are subject to special protection or are listed as threatened under Mexican environmental regulations, including the common snapping turtle, spiny softshell turtle, green iguana, and boa constrictor. The investigation into the illegal trade of these animals is ongoing.