Shocking videos have revealed the awful conditions that animals at a popular sanctuary are being kept in. The Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation has marketed itself as a great place for animals, but recent videos reveal that this is not the case.
According to animal rights activists, a Mexican animal protection group, and Mexican authorities, these images that make the sanctuary look like an idyllic place for these animals to live are far from the truth. Videos recorded by former employees and animal welfare groups show that these animals are living in horrible conditions.
Footage shows a sick lion lying still on the ground, another lion biting its own tail because he was apparently starving, and other emaciated animals looking weak and depressed. The Mexican Association of Zoos, Breeders, and Aquariums said that the animals had not received medical care or enough food since the beginning of the pandemic.
“You could see their bones, some had scabies, some are missing an eye, another an ear, another the tail. They have eaten themselves,” Ernesto Zazueta, president of the organization, said.
According to the owner of the Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation, when the pandemic struck, they lost most of their donations, as the majority of their funding comes from private donors.
“We lost 70% of our donations,” Eduardo Serio said. “When people lost their jobs, they had to cut any gifts. Those horrible videos that they took are definitely true. But as I was telling you, I am not a zoo, I do not hold pure, precious, beautiful animals, like works of art in a museum. No. I dedicate myself to rescuing all kinds of animals.”
In July, Mexico City police raided the sanctuary, and over 200 lions, tigers, jaguars, and other exotic animals were sent away to zoos and animal shelters in hopes of getting them the proper care and attention that they need.
With over 200 million live animal trades having taken place since 1975, governments must crack down on this cruel trade to protect individual animals and threatened species.
We love cute animals as much as the next person, but it’s important to remember wild animals belong in the wild, not in our backyards, houses, or cages. Taking these animals from the wild for our enjoyment is driving them toward extinction, which not only eliminates a species but puts others in danger by disrupting delicate ecosystems. Exotic animals belong in the wild, and there’s no way an animal can be happy living in a cage for endless hours.
This article by Hailey Kanowski was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 31 August 2022. Lead Image Source : Gary C. Tognoni/Shutterstock.
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