A white Bengal tiger named Kenzo has been roaming free in Tepetlaoxtoc, State of Mexico, since Saturday, June 27, 2026. The animal escaped from a private wildlife facility called Animal Experience México, not from any government-run installation, clarified the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

The confusion began when Tepetlaoxtoc’s mayor, Diana Lizbeth Morales Méndez, initially blamed Semarnat for the tiger’s escape, stating in a video that the animal had fled from a Semarnat-run shelter in San Bernardo Tlalmimilolpan. Semarnat quickly corrected this, emphasizing that Kenzo was under the care of a private entity, not the government.

Since the alert was raised on Saturday, authorities from federal, state, and municipal levels have been working to capture Kenzo alive. The operation involves over 70 personnel, including the National Guard, State and Municipal Police, Civil Protection units, Profepa, Cepanaf, and private animal specialists from Reino Animal.

The tiger, weighing over 200 kilograms and about three years old, has proven elusive. On Sunday, June 28, drones equipped with thermal imaging located Kenzo roughly 500 meters from the private refuge, in a mountainous and densely forested area. However, the terrain’s difficulty and recent heavy rains have complicated efforts. In fact, the search was temporarily suspended on Monday, June 29, due to weather conditions.

Adrián Hernández Romero, coordinator of Civil Protection for the State of Mexico, explained that the tiger moved into a valley near a ravine, making helicopter support impossible because of the rain. He assured that the operation resumed this Tuesday morning, June 30. A veterinarian was ready to tranquilize Kenzo, but the animal’s sudden movement allowed it to escape capture.

Despite being in captivity for two years, Kenzo remains a wild animal, and authorities emphasize that the priority is to capture him alive without risking human lives. Residents of nearby communities—San Bernardo, San Andrés de las Peras, and San Pedro Chautzingo—are urged to stay alert, avoid going outside, keep doors and windows closed, and report any sightings immediately by calling 911.

This incident highlights the challenges and responsibilities involved in managing wildlife in private facilities. While the presence of such animals can raise concerns, the coordinated response reflects a commitment to public safety and animal welfare. It also underscores the importance of clear communication between government agencies and local authorities to avoid misinformation during emergencies.

For migrants and residents in the area, staying informed and cautious is key as the search continues. The hope is that Kenzo will soon be safely returned to his enclosure, minimizing risks for both the community and the tiger.