Authorities in Mexico have said that 20 wild animals have been rescued after they were left abandoned in their cages and in very bad condition.
La Jornada reported that four camels, three dromedaries, six Bengal tigers and seven baboons were found in Merida, Yucatan and allegedly abandoned by a circus. The animals were left without food or water and were in very poor condition.
In addition to being extremely malnourished and very weak, some of the exotic animals suffered from skin diseases, skin mutilations and were missing a few of their teeth and their claws.
The Associated Press noted that the Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection said abandoning the animals could lead to fines of $225,000.
Concerns have been raised about circuses abandoning such animals after they can no longer afford to feed them. In response, Profepa enacted a decree prohibiting the use of wildlife in circuses without submitting a list to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
For more daily news stories follow Michelle on Twitter @PhilaMichelle