Chetumal, Q. Roo — Authorities have seized two wild animals that were being kept as pets in a private home.
Neighbors, worried that a Bengal tiger would repeat his December escape act, repeatedly reported their fears to Profepa, the federal environmental protection office.
Agents rescued both the tiger and a spider monkey that were being housed in an unnamed person’s backyard. Both animals were kept without permits and were living in unsuitable conditions, Profepa reported.
The large adult Bengal tiger was chained to a cocoa tree by his neck and chest and lacked a sleeping area and shelter from the sun. The caged monkey was living in similar conditions, Profepa reported.
The tiger was sent to an animal sanctuary near Mexico City that specializes in big cats. Profepa has not announced where the spider monkey’s new home will be.
Under law, mistreated animals can be confiscated and their owners face fines.
