GUADALUPE, MEXICO — A young American black bear cub named Mina, whose critically poor health was exposed in a viral video, has been transferred from a public zoo in Nuevo León to a specialized wildlife foundation following intense public pressure. The move was ordered by Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and came just days after the zoo's general coordinator was fired.
The bear's condition is described as "extremely delicate," with officials noting some of her diseases are considered irreversible.
Viral Video Prompts Action
The controversy began on September 24, when a video circulated on social media showing Mina in an "evident state of mistreatment" at La Pastora Zoo. The footage of the emaciated cub sparked immediate outrage and led to a formal complaint by activist Cristian Marmolejo to federal authorities.
In response to the growing public outcry, the general coordinator of La Pastora Zoo was dismissed from his position on September 27. The following day, PROFEPA announced that, following the completion of legal procedures, it had ordered the bear's transfer.
A Critical Condition
According to authorities, Mina is suffering from a bacterial infection, kidney and liver problems, and injuries to her paws. Her health is so fragile that veterinarians cannot sedate her for exams or treatments out of fear she might not wake up.
Over the weekend, Mina was transported by plane from Nuevo León to the Invictus Foundation in Hidalgo, an institution that specializes in the care of wild fauna. Officials at La Pastora Zoo stated they assisted with the logistics of the transfer.
Mina is now under the joint care of the Invictus Foundation and PROFEPA. In a hopeful statement, PROFEPA said, "This is the beginning of a new life for Mina, without pain and with dignified treatment." A recent video showed the cub eating a plate of fruit at the new facility, though her fur and skin have not yet shown signs of recovery.
