Story By: Michael Leidig / newsX
A rare Bengal tiger that escaped from a zoo during floods was found dead after being trapped beneath tree roots and debris.
The 280-lb big cat escaped from the Parque Animalia zoo in Xicotepec, in Puebla State in central eastern Mexico, after the San Marcos River burst its banks during torrential rain on 11th October.
Zoo director Carlos Barragan Amador said the tiger’s body was discovered under fallen trees by volunteers who had joined the search.
He explained that one of the helpers spotted part of the tiger’s paw sticking out from under rubble, leading to the grim discovery.
Barragan Amador added that the team had planned to recapture the animal safely with veterinarians but that the heavy rains and flooding made that impossible.
The Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Profepa) confirmed the animal’s death and said specialists will verify its identity and determine the cause.
Officials had earlier urged residents not to approach or harm the tiger while a search operation was being conducted with support from the navy and local authorities.
The storm caused severe flooding and landslides across Puebla and neighbouring regions, with dozens of people reported dead and widespread damage to infrastructure and homes.
Profepa said it will issue a detailed report on the tiger’s death and assess safety measures at facilities housing wild animals.
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