McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — Border officials in South Texas have been warned that a tiger got loose from a zoo in Reynosa, Mexico, and could potentially cross to the United States.
How the tiger escaped from Quinta La Fauna zoo is uncertain. But according to the zoo’s Facebook page, the zoo is now closed until further notice.
The zoo is located near the banks of the Rio Grande in Reynosa, which is south of Hidalgo, Texas.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s office has alerted its deputies and residents of the wayward tiger and is warning residents to use caution if they happen upon him, according to KVEO.
“We have advised our deputies to remain vigilant,” Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Lt. Enrique Longoria told KVEO.
Tigers have webbed paws and are excellent swimmers. Several animal organizations report that tigers can cross rivers several miles wide and swim up to seven miles in a day.
The Rio Grande is less than 50 yards across from Reynosa to Hidalgo, Texas.
Over 200 comments have been posted to the zoo’s Facebook page with many expressing concern for the health and welfare of the tiger, as well as homes and businesses in the area.
Several people have expressed concern over how the zoo could allow an animal to escape. Others have commented that the animals are kept in cages and could be held in more humane facilities.
No official comment has come, however, from the Reynosa mayor’s office on the incident.
Border Report also has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol to see if officers and agents have issued any special warnings or protocols due to the wayward tiger.
This story will be updated if more information is received.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.