A Bengal tiger cub, found by Albuquerque police during a raid on a suspected drug operation, has officially begun a new chapter at The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado.
The cub, named Duke by his rescuers, is settling into his new home in Keenesburg, where caretakers closely monitor his development.
Duke’s journey to safety began in early January when authorities discovered him in a dog crate inside a mobile home while responding to a shooting incident.
A federal search warrant revealed not only drugs, guns, and money but also signs that other animals had been housed on the property.
Upon discovering the cub, the police contacted the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, which quickly took custody of Duke and placed him in the care of the BioPark Zoo.
At approximately four months old, Duke spent a month in quarantine at the zoo before arrangements were made for his relocation to the Colorado sanctuary.
Last week, Duke was transferred to his new home, where he is gradually adjusting to a safer, more comfortable environment.
While at BioPark, staff ensured Duke was healthy enough for the move. At the sanctuary, he will have the opportunity to interact with other tigers in a natural setting.
However, because Duke’s genetic history is unknown, he is not eligible to participate in breeding programs or live in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The BioPark Zoo, where Duke was initially cared for, houses Malayan tigers, a smaller and more endangered species than the Bengal tiger.
While Bengal tigers are listed as endangered, with an estimated population of 3,500 in the wild, Malayan tigers are critically endangered, with fewer than 300 remaining worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Wildlife Fund.
Mexican authorities arrested a couple in a separate incident after discovering a wild feline in their vehicle.
Police became suspicious due to the couple’s behavior and attempted escape during a roadside stop in El Marqués, Querétaro.
Upon searching the SUV, officers found a tiger cub on a leash hidden behind a designer bag, along with four guns and 98 rounds of ammunition.
The couple was taken into custody for failing to provide legal documentation for the wild animal and possession of illegal firearms.
Though Mexican law allows individuals to keep exotic animals under regulated wildlife management programs, this case raised concerns about the illegal wildlife trade.
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