Yes, owning a kangaroo in Mexico is legally permissible under stringent conditions, primarily governed by the Ley General de Vida Silvestre (LGVS) and enforced by SEMARNAT.
Kangaroos are classified as exotic wildlife, requiring permits for private ownership. SEMARNAT’s 2023 Acuerdo por el que se establece la lista de especies exóticas invasoras and the 2026 LGVS amendments mandate microchipping, veterinary certifications, and habitat compliance. Violations trigger fines up to 50,000 MXN or confiscation under Reglamento de la LGVS.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Mexico
- Permit Mandates: A Permiso de Vida Silvestre from SEMARNAT is mandatory, with proof of legal acquisition (e.g., CITES certificates for imported specimens). Native species are strictly prohibited.
- Facility Standards: Enclosures must meet SEMARNAT’s 2024 Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2024 for exotic species, including predator-proof fencing, temperature control, and veterinary oversight.
- Reporting Obligations: Annual inspections by PROFEPA are required, with mandatory reporting of health status, breeding records, and any escapes. Non-compliance risks permit revocation.