Profepa denies contradictions in Bengal tiger's death; agent saved vet's life, says official

Mexican environmental authorities and the municipality of Tepetlaxtoc have refuted claims of contradictions surrounding the operation that led to the death of a Bengal tiger named Kenzo. The tiger died after being shot during an attempt to sedate it, an action authorities say was necessary to stop the animal's aggression towards the veterinary team.

Profepa, the federal environmental protection agency, along with local officials, affirmed the official account of the events. They highlighted the professionalism of the search and rescue teams involved in locating the animal, which had escaped from the Animal Experience México wildlife center on June 27. The center is currently under temporary total closure.

According to the authorities, Kenzo was found in a ravine on July 2. Veterinarians with extensive experience in mammal containment attempted to sedate the tiger immediately. However, the animal reportedly lunged at the veterinarian administering the sedative dart. In response, security personnel used a firearm to "contain the aggression."

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The agent who accompanied the containment team saved the veterinarian's life.

Profepa emphasized that the agent who accompanied the containment team "saved the veterinarian's life." The agency reported that the tiger was removed from the ravine alive and received immediate medical attention. However, it died during transport to continue its treatment. The results of a necropsy are pending.

Both Profepa and the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) have stated that the responsibility for the animal's care lies solely with the facility that housed it, not with the government agencies involved in its recapture and attempted sedation.

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The responsibility for the care of the animal corresponds to the facility that housed it.