An approximately two-year-old Bengal tiger was located and rescued by federal and state authorities during a security operation in a camp used by a criminal group on the borders of the municipalities of Sombrerete and Fresnillo, Zacatecas.
The discovery occurred as part of Operation Rake, a strategy deployed by security forces after the day of violence recorded on July 18 in the state, as reported in a statement.
During a press conference, state authorities reported that the feline was found inside a safe house and camps used by members of organized crime.
According to the Secretary of Public Security of Zacatecas, Arturo Medina Mayoral, the specimen was in good physical condition, fed and hydrated. He was later secured by personnel from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa), who transferred him to a zoo for safekeeping and medical evaluation.
The authorities indicated that, due to the characteristics of the property and the infrastructure located in the area, there is a hypothesis that the site was used by a high-level criminal leader, although the investigation continues to confirm that line.
They also indicated that the animal was fed chicken, ruling out versions spread on social networks about other types of food.
As part of Operation Rastrillo, the Government of Zacatecas reported: 16 people detained, six armed civilians killed in clashes, three kidnapped people who were rescued, 15 safe houses intervened, as well as 12 camps and two clandestine runways located.
The rescue of the Bengal tiger attracted attention because it was a specimen of exotic wildlife found in a context related to organized crime activities.
