After five tense days following the escape of Kenzo, a white Bengal tiger, from a private sanctuary in Tepetlaoxtoc, State of Mexico, the majestic animal was finally rescued. The breakthrough came with the help of specially trained dogs, after more than 80 government personnel from federal, state, and municipal levels had unsuccessfully tried to locate him.

Local communities from San Bernardo Tlalmimilolpan and San Pedro Chiautzingo played a crucial role in guiding authorities through the difficult terrain of ravines where Kenzo had taken refuge. Their knowledge of the area was vital in the final stages of the search.

Ivonne Cassaigne, a wildlife veterinarian specializing in anesthetic management, explained that the capture was a true team effort. “It was really thanks to the tracking dogs and a large team of supporting veterinarians that we achieved this successful capture. The animal was anesthetized carefully, and although he has some injuries, he will be treated at the Zacango Zoo,” she said.

The rescue came after days of concern that Kenzo might become more dangerous as hunger pushed him to explore alternative food sources, raising fears for nearby communities. Diana Lizbeth Morales Méndez, mayor of Tepetlaoxtoc and the first official to raise the alarm last Saturday when Kenzo escaped, promised more details in an upcoming press conference.

Yesterday, the municipal police were seen searching with long firearms, as shown in an official statement from Morales Méndez’s administration. Among 18 released photos, officers appear heavily armed, on horseback and in vehicles, with one image showing a policeman aiming his weapon. Despite this show of force, it was the veterinarians who ultimately subdued Kenzo with tranquilizer darts, ensuring his safety and that of the surrounding population.

Authorities emphasized that their primary goal was to protect people, with capturing Kenzo alive as a secondary but important objective. The tiger had repeatedly evaded capture attempts, even when food was used as bait.

Drones helped locate Kenzo multiple times, but he slipped away into increasingly rugged areas. It was the trained dogs that finally tracked him down.

The State of Mexico’s Civil Protection agency reported: “After locating the animal, wildlife specialists applied a controlled sedation protocol. Once immobilized, they determined that Kenzo has an injury that does not affect his vital functions or mobility. The animal is being transported by specialized personnel to a safe location where he will remain under observation and receive appropriate care.”

Photos shared by the agency show Kenzo being examined and carefully loaded into a specially equipped vehicle designed to keep him safe during transport until he wakes up.

This successful rescue highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between government agencies, local communities, and animal experts in managing wildlife incidents humanely and effectively.