A tiger cub has escaped in Jamaica after it was illegally brought into the country by smugglers.
According to reports from the Jamaica Gleaner, the tiger escaped in Black River, St. Elizabeth. The tiger cub is reportedly one of several animals that were recently smuggled into the country.
Reports state that the animals were being transported illegally into the country aboard a vessel which was interdicted off the south coast of Jamaica on Wednesday. The species of the other animals that were being transported have not yet been disclosed.
It does not appear that the seizure of the vessel was disclosed to the press before the tiger cub’s disappearance. Reports state that the cub escaped while the animals were being processed by the authorities.
Following the animal’s escape, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is currently seeking the help of members of the public to locate it. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has expressed concern in the past regarding the unprecedented rise in exotic animals being held by individuals on the island.
Prior to today’s incident, videos had circulated online revealing the operation of a mobile zoo with exotic species believed to be smuggled into the country.
