Texas Cop Finds Black Duffel Bag Lying On Grass, Unzips It And Finds Abandoned Tiger Cub

Dec 01, 2019 by apost team

One day in April of 2018 was just another day at work for border patrol agent Marshall Maynard. He was working in Brownsville, Texas, which is near the Rio Grande when he spotted three people attempting to enter the United States illegally.

In their possession was a black duffel bag, which was dropped when the Marshall engaged in pursuit. They escaped before the agent could apprehend them. He still was able to retrieve the duffel bag, and closer inspection led to a shocking discovery. Inside the bag was an alive, but sedated 3-month-old tiger cub curled up in the bottom of the bag.

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The cub was rushed to a hospital by Border Patrol agents to receive urgent medical care. The physicians informed the agents that with a temperature of 107 degrees, the tiger would have died if he had remained contained in the duffel bag even 30 minutes longer.

Gladys Porter Zoo gladly took custody of the baby tiger, where he was nurtured back to health. He quickly gained appropriate weight, and his fur now has a healthy sheen. Currently, he weighs 70 pounds and is described by his keepers as having a uniquely playful and curious personality.

The young tiger's rescue provided an excellent opportunity for senior veterinarian Thomas DeMaar to inform zoo visitors about the dangers involved in wildlife trafficking and to reiterate that animals such as tigers are not pets. He stated, “Sometimes, people don’t even know that these things are prohibited or that they have a serious effect on wildlife conservation. These animals are being extracted from their natural habitat and put in as commercial entity,” to the Brownsville Herald.

While his time at the zoo was one of recovery and information sharing, the tiger will be moving to his next home in Wylie, Texas. The town is home to an animal sanctuary that will take over the continued care of the cub, and ensure that he has a full and meaningful life full of love.

Have you ever thought about the implications that animal trafficking can have on endangered species? Tell your friends and family about these quick-thinking officers by tagging them in this article. Spreading awareness can help others think quickly if they have the opportunity to support such animals.