Governor Visits Rescued Big Cats in Akumal After Profepa Seizure

Akumal, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama visited a wildlife refuge Tuesday to check on the health of six big cats seized by federal environmental authorities from a park in Akumal.

The animals — a tiger, a jaguar, three juveniles and two cubs — are being held at Aktun Chen Park, a facility authorized by the federal Environment Ministry (Semarnat), while their legal situation is resolved.

Lezama said the felins are in stable condition, receiving controlled diets and round-the-clock veterinary monitoring. The cubs showed signs of malnutrition when they were rescued but are now improving under treatment.

The cats were seized by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) during an operation at Animalandia Maya park after alleged irregularities in their handling were detected.

During the visit, Lezama was accompanied by Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado and state Ecology and Environment Secretary Óscar Rébora.

“We say it clearly: no to animal abuse. We will always act responsibly and in accordance with the law,” Lezama said.

The case has renewed calls for stronger oversight of facilities that keep wild animals in captivity and for greater respect for wildlife.

The federal authorities will decide the final destination of the felins once the legal process concludes. In the meantime, the state government said it will continue monitoring their care.