Kenzo, a white Bengal tiger that escaped from Animal Experience México, died from blood aspiration caused by hemorrhages after being shot in the head, according to the Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Profepa). Preliminary necropsy results from the UNAM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics show a bullet entered near the right upper eyelid and traveled through the soft palate.
Necropsy Findings and Physical Data
The post-mortem study identified additional injuries compatible with firearms, including a wound related to the animal’s microchip. Profepa also reported an 11-centimeter longitudinal laceration on the tiger’s tail.
Official records describe Kenzo as a two-year-old male weighing 116.2 kilograms. He measured 236 centimeters from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.
Pending Histopathological Analysis at UNAM
This final report will include a histopathological examination to provide microscopic detail of the identified lesions.
According to sources cited by Excélsior, histopathological exams analyze tissue structure and cell shapes to detect diseases but do not measure chemicals, drugs, or poisons. This limitation suggests a need to determine the level of sedatives in Kenzo’s blood to see if they influenced the fatal blood aspiration.
Potential Next Steps in the Investigation
The investigation may move toward a final diagnostic phase once UNAM resumes operations. Officials could potentially seek specific blood-sedative levels to complement the microscopic findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Kenzo’s death?
According to Profepa, he died from blood aspiration resulting from hemorrhages caused by a gunshot wound to the front of the head near the right eyelid.
What other injuries did the tiger have?
The necropsy revealed wounds compatible with firearms, a microchip marking, and an 11-centimeter cut on the tail.
Will the UNAM report provide a complete chemical analysis?
Based on sources cited by Excélsior, the histopathological exam focuses on tissue and cell structure to find diseases and does not measure drugs or poisons.
Do you believe sedative levels should be mandatory in all wildlife necropsies involving firearms?
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