This picture shows a young tigress sitting inside a metal cage with a plastic toy dinosaur placed beside her after Mexican authorities seized the animal during a federal raid.
The operation took place in the El Caloso neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, on Sunday, 8th February.
The Mexican Navy (Semar) and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) seized a tiger in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash)
Images show the approximately one-year-old female tiger, identified as Panthera tigris, confined inside a small transport enclosure. In one photograph, the tigress is seen standing in the cage with a brightly coloured toy dinosaur positioned near her paws.
The animal was secured during a joint operation carried out by the Mexican Navy, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC).
Authorities said a man of foreign nationality was detained at the residential property where the tigress was being kept. Officials did not disclose his country of origin.
According to the official report, the detention was precautionary and the tigress was also secured as a precautionary measure, with priority given to her welfare and protection.
The Mexican Navy (Semar) and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) seized a tiger in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash)
Both the detainee and the animal were placed at the disposal of the competent authorities, who will determine the man’s legal situation and decide the future arrangements for the tigress.
The Navy said the operation was conducted in support of the FGR and the AIC as part of efforts to address alleged violations of the law related to possession of the exotic species.
Under Mexican law, the possession of exotic wildlife such as tigers is regulated and subject to federal environmental legislation. Individuals must comply with strict requirements, including registration and authorisation, and animals are typically required to be housed in approved facilities that meet welfare and safety standards.
In recent years, authorities in Mexico have carried out similar seizures involving big cats kept on private properties.
(Mike Leidig/Newsflash)