Mara Lezama Visits Rescued Big Cats at Wildlife Sanctuary in Quintana Roo

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama and Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado on Tuesday visited six felines rescued from a wildlife facility where authorities had detected irregularities in the handling of wild animals.

The animals — a tiger, a jaguar, three juvenile felines, and two cubs — were seized by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA) from Animalandia Maya, a business on Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue. The cubs showed signs of malnutrition and were in delicate condition at the time of the operation.

The felines are now housed at Aktun Chen Park, a facility authorized by the Environment and Natural Resources Secretariat (SEMARNAT) to temporarily hold and care for wild species. They remain under quarantine and constant medical observation, receiving comprehensive veterinary care, controlled feeding, and specialized clinical monitoring to ensure their physical and emotional recovery while legal proceedings determine their final destination.

“We say it clearly: in Quintana Roo there is no place for animal abuse,” Lezama said. “We will continue working together to protect life and guarantee the well-being of all species.”

Mercado affirmed the municipal government’s commitment to animal protection and law enforcement against cruelty. She said the city will continue collaborating with environmental authorities and specialized organizations to address wildlife cases and strengthen public awareness about respect for animals.

Officials noted that Aktun Chen meets all federal guidelines for wildlife management and praised the work of veterinarians, caretakers, and specialists involved in the felines’ recovery.