Mexican Authorities Seize Injured Python from Zacatecas Circus

Federal environmental authorities in Mexico have seized a Burmese python from a circus in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, following a citizen complaint about the animal's welfare. The snake, weighing 38 kilograms and measuring 3.88 meters, was found to have injured scales, mild dehydration, and a retained shed skin, indicating it was not molting correctly.

The python, estimated to be around 15 years old, was taken into precautionary seizure on July 17 and is now under the care of a wildlife management facility in Fresnillo. There, it will receive medical evaluation and attention while an administrative procedure against the circus is resolved. The circus, identified as Circo de Brasil, had been exhibiting the python.

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The snake presented injured scales, mild dehydration, and a retained shed skin, meaning its old skin did not come off correctly.

During the inspection, the circus's representative failed to provide documentation proving the legal origin of the python. The only documents presented were two purchase receipts, one lacking the buyer's name and the other not matching the python on display. Consequently, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has initiated an administrative process against the circus responsible for the animal's mistreatment and illegal possession, citing violations of wildlife legislation.

Profepa, in coordination with local health and police departments, is also establishing a participatory environmental surveillance committee to enhance collaboration between authorities and citizens in preventing environmental crimes in the municipality. The Burmese python is classified as a species posing a "very high" risk globally, known for its predatory nature and potential threat to native species and humans.

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The Attorney's Office initiated the corresponding legal procedure against the person responsible for the circus for not having documentation that proves legal possession of the specimen and for mistreatment of the specimen, in accordance with current wildlife legislation.