By Pat Craig | Executive Director
For over a decade, we have worked with the Invictus Foundation, an animal welfare NGO in Pachuca, Mexico, to save animals from abusive captive situations. Despite their dedication to protecting illegally owned exotic animals, they face constant challenges due to limited land, inadequate facilities, and lack of funding. Their half-acre facility, located in an industrial zone, is mostly occupied by a warehouse, leaving minimal outdoor space. Many animals, including Pakal, a mountain lion with severe medical issues, were confined indoors, unable to feel the sun or fresh air. Their conditions were deteriorating, and time was running out.
Recognizing the urgency, The Wild Animal Sanctuary launched a rescue mission to bring these animals to safety. Thankfully, our long-standing partnership and support from FedEx proved invaluable. In the past, FedEx has helped us with emergency animal flights and complex transportation operations and this situation was no different.
Securing a flight from Denver to Mexico City, our team traveled to Pachuca, where we faced significant logistical challenges. The cramped warehouse and the narrow street outside the facility made it difficult to maneuver the large metal crates needed for transport. Despite these obstacles, we carefully transferred each animal into their travel crates, ensuring they were as comfortable as possible for the journey ahead.
Arriving safely at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, medical treatments began immediately, with Pakal’s medical condition a top priority. The trauma to his brain was vastly evident to our medical staff. Pakal had little control over his motor skills and was fighting digestive issues that were associated with his extensive nerve damage. Our veterinary team, including Dr. Rachel Braun and Dr. Valerie Johnson, a leading expert in stem cell treatments, provided and continue to deliver advanced care in hopes of improving his quality of life. Each animal’s specialized care program ensures they have a chance to enjoy life fully.
Each of the eleven rescued animals now has a second chance at life- able to run, play and prance in delight in their new large natural habitats. We are immensely grateful to FedEx, the Invictus Foundation, and to you, our supporters, who help us continue this vital work. With your support, we will do everything possible to give these animals the future they deserve.
We are ready and willing to continue doing everything we can for the benefit and welfare of these animals and hope you will join us in our quest to provide anything and everything they may need.
Read more about the eleven animals rescued from Mexico and the five wolf dogs rescued from a shutdown Ohio fur farm in our most recent newsletter found here: Newsletter Spring 2025
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By Pat Craig | Executive Director
By Pat Craig | Executive Director
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