Overview
- Kenzo, a white Bengal tiger held at Animal Experience México, escaped and died after a July 2 search and capture operation in Tepetlaoxtoc when security forces repelled the animal’s aggression and veterinarians sedated it.
- UNAM veterinary specialists carried out a necropsy and Profepa says preliminary results will be delivered to the agency imminently to clarify the cause of death.
- Several outlets reported visible bullet wounds and one reported a presumed match to firearms used by municipal and state police, but those ballistic claims have not been confirmed by the official necropsy.
- Profepa inspected Animal Experience México, found compliance irregularities, ordered a temporary total closure, seized nine wild specimens and suspended commercial and exhibition activities while allowing only animal care.
- The case raises wider concerns about the welfare and regulation of privately held exotic species—white Bengal tigers largely exist only in human care—and could lead to administrative sanctions, criminal probes or changes in oversight.