A woman convicted in a federal wildlife trafficking case involving a captive-bred jaguar abandoned at a San Diego County sanctuary was sentenced Monday to six months of probation.
Trisha Denise Meyer, identified by federal officials as a known wildlife trafficker, faced up to eight years in prison and a $700,000 fine. She was charged in 2022 alongside another individual after a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigation into the illegal sale and transport of exotic animals.
In 2021, Meyer bred a jaguar named Eddie in captivity and used him as a photo prop, transporting him between hotel rooms before selling him as a pet. Weeks later, Eddie was left at the gates of Lions Tigers & Bears, a big cat and exotic animal sanctuary in Alpine.
According to the sanctuary, Eddie arrived malnourished, covered in feces and missing patches of fur. Staff provided immediate medical care and housing, but details about his background were withheld until federal charges were filed.
Now fully recovered, Eddie remains at the sanctuary as a permanent resident, receiving species-specific care, enrichment and veterinary support.
“Eddie’s story is a powerful reminder of the thousands of animals impacted by the illegal wildlife trade each year,” sanctuary officials said in a statement. “While we are grateful for his happy ending, the light sentence underscores the urgent need for stronger laws and enforcement against wildlife trafficking.”
