A white tiger, an African lion and a host of other exotic animals have been rescued from a grim illegal zoo uncovered by police.
Officers swooped on the unlicensed private collection after receiving reports of suspected animal mistreatment.
During the raid, authorities discovered a range of protected and exotic species allegedly being kept without the proper permits or adequate care.
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A man was arrested on suspicion of wildlife trafficking after the operation in San Gregorio Cuautzingo, Mexico State, on Sunday (28 June), as reported by Need To Know.
Investigators say the suspect, named locally as Brandon, allegedly admitted buying and selling exotic animals without the authorisation required to handle, keep or trade them.
Among the animals recovered were a white tiger cub, an African lion, two pumas, an ocelot, two baboons, two ring-tailed lemurs and a green iguana.
In total, around 10 protected or exotic animals were found at the site.
The raid involved officers from the State Prosecutor’s Office, the National Guard, environmental agency PROFEPA and local police.
Officials described the property as a clandestine zoo operating outside any form of regulatory oversight.
The rescued animals remain under protection while specialists work to transfer them to authorised zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
Authorities have sealed off the property as investigations continue into where the animals came from and whether others were involved in the alleged trafficking operation.
Prosecutors said the case highlights the dangers posed by unregulated private collections of protected and potentially dangerous species.
The arrested man has been handed over to the relevant authorities while further environmental and animal welfare offences are investigated.
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