Rescue Center for Big Cats Takes Cast-Offs from Mexican Cartel Honchos Alasdair Baverstock - Fox News Latino | |
go to original November 14, 2016 |
The Black Jaguar White Lion Foundation in Mexico City is the world’s largest rescue center for big cats with more than 260 predatory felines in its 140-acre grounds. (Alasdair Baverstock/Fox News Latino)
What could be more macho than buying a lion or tiger or leopard for a pet?
In Mexico, exotic animals are the pet of choice for cartel leaders who buy big cats to show off their power.
But after two months, animal rescue workers say, the narco-traffickers end up having buyer’s remorse. They come to realize the reality of living alongside a dangerous and destructive predator.
“Big cats are seen as status symbols, particularly within the organized crime community,” said Eduardo Serio, the founder of the Black Jaguar White Lion Foundation in Mexico City, the world’s largest rescue center for big cats with more than 260 predatory felines on its 140-acre grounds. “But seriously? Who wants a lion for a pet? They’re the most beautiful animals on the planet, but they’re extremely dangerous.”
The foundation has exotic animals from circuses and zoos that have closed. But some of the animals come from cartel leaders who didn't realize how much trouble it would be to own them.
“You can get a lion for $1,000, but the novelty is quickly outweighed by the reality of living with a dangerous animal,” Serio told Fox News Latino. “Having a lot of money gives a person a great opportunity to show the world how stupid they are.”
Serio sees himself as a father to the 260 cats on his ranch in the hills above Mexico City, and refers to himself as the "Papa Bear."
Read the rest at Fox News Latino
We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!
From activities like hiking, swimming, bike riding and yoga, to restaurants offering healthy menus, Vallarta-Nayarit is the ideal place to continue - or start - your healthy lifestyle routine.