Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Exotic animal encounters in the Rio Grande Valley

Exotic animal encounters in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Tue, 05/01/2018

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On Monday, April 30, 2018, U.S. Border Patrol Agents experienced two unusual encounters in separate incidents.

Tiger cub abandoned by smuggler
Tiger cub abandoned by smuggler

Brownsville agents working near the Rio Grande observed an alligator on a boat ramp as they were conducting line watch operations. Riverine agents regularly utilize the boat ramp.

Later in the day, agents observed three subjects attempting to enter the United States illegally. Responding agents noticed the aliens were carrying a black duffel bag. Inside, agents discovered a male tiger which was left abandoned as the aliens returned to Mexico.

The three to four month old cub was turned over to the Gladys Porter Zoo.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021