Reflecting on the Closure of Mexico City’s Black Jaguar-White Tiger Sanctuary

Despite Tiger King wasn’t instructive, the Netflix series exposed several animal “rescues” and “sanctuaries” that falsely claim to rehabilitate animals.

Regrettably, this happens often—far more than Joe Exotic’s shenanigans. Mexico City’s Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation was closed for animal abuse, however the animals were transferred.

This year, environmental activist Arturo Islas Allende visited the sanctuary. He took footage and complained to authorities, but nothing occurred, so he wrote about it on social media.

“They are endangered species, and we still have time to save an average of 100 animals,” Allende told The Animal Reader. “Many thin animals have blocked metabolisms and need immediate medical attention.”

The “sanctuary” closed in July, and AZAARM sued Eduardo Serio, the owner.

We want it closed. It secretly houses lions, tigers, jaguars, pumas, and monkeys. Ernesto Zazuata, AZCARM president, said animals are harmed.

Why did Mexico City’s Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation close?

Officials closed Mexico City’s Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation nine years after opening in 2013. Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum received footage from former Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation staff and local activists alleging animal cruelty, according to Plant Based News.

Emaciated creatures were shown. Many were wounded and living in hostile conditions.

After Profepa, Mexico’s environmental protection agency, raided the “rescue,” 200 animals—lions, tigers, jaguars, pumas, primates, and even dogs—were moved to legitimate sanctuaries and zoos worldwide.

With the outbreak, donations had decreased 70%, and Serio couldn’t afford to maintain the rescue. Former employees said he made money but didn’t help the animals.

Since then, the Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation has gotten several legal notices for animal maltreatment and unlicensed animal rescue.

Therefore, we hope Serio gets justice and the animals can recover from this terrible ordeal.

Unlike zoos, animal sanctuaries are ethical. How can you verify their legitimacy? Something like this make it hard to tell.

Holidog Times suggests several simple techniques to verify a refuge or rescue. Several “sanctuaries,” like Tiger King’s, allow visitors to handle and photograph animals, but a real sanctuary or rescue wouldn’t.

Real rescues and sanctuaries give animals space and good living circumstances. The shelters strive to recreate the animals’ habitats and provide toys and equipment to keep them entertained.

To avoid disturbing animals, several sanctuaries and rescues limit visiting hours. All must be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), which has severe requirements.