Confiscated Tiger Cub In Good Condition At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, CA – A Bengal tiger cub confiscated this week at the border is in good condition at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The tiger was rescued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who found the cub Wednesday while inspecting a vehicle that was entering the country from Mexico. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers brought the animal to the Paul Harter Veterinary Hospital at the Safari Park, where veterinary staff examined the cub and determined that he was in good health.

Jim Oosterhuis, principal veterinarian at the park, said the cub is five to six weeks old and weighs a little more than 6 pounds.

"His heart and lungs sound good, his blood work looked great and, since he took a bottle from us, it's a good sign he'll continue to thrive," Oosterhuis said.

Border Patrol officers discovered the tiger cub lying on the floor of a 2017 Chevy Camaro during a secondary inspection of the car around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Officers confiscated the cub and placed it in an animal crate until U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers responded to the border crossing.

"CBP officers are often faced with unusual situations," said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. "The CBP officers at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry met the challenge head on and assisted in preserving the life of this endangered species."

The 18-year-old driver of the car, Luis Eudoro Valencia, of Perris, was charged in federal court in San Diego on suspicion of smuggling a Bengal tiger cub into the U.S., authorities said Thursday. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond and was ordered to return to court Sept. 5 for a preliminary hearing.

The cub is being kept in an isolated area, away from other animals, in accordance with San Diego Zoo Global’s protocols for new arrivals, according to park officials. San Diego Zoo Global is the not-for-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Institute for Conservation Research.

Guests at the Safari Park will be able to view the cub at various times throughout the day at the Animal Care Center’s nursery window, park officials said. San Diego Zoo Global officials said care and sanctuary will be provided for the cub until U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials determine his permanent home.

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Image via San Diego Zoo Safari Park