Louisiana wildlife officials seized a malnourished white tiger cub from an unpermitted location near New Orleans, with the animal potentially connected to Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy based on social media evidence.
Rescue Operation Saves Endangered Cub
The five-month-old female white tiger arrived at Lions, Tigers & Bears sanctuary in Alpine, California, on December 22 after Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents removed her from dangerous conditions. Sanctuary officials reported the cub suffered from severe malnutrition, lethargy, and ringworm when they received the rescue call. The Audubon Nature Institute provided emergency medical care at its animal hospital before the cross-country transport.
State wildlife officials remain silent about the seizure location and timing, citing an ongoing investigation. Melissa Collins from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed agents conducted the operation but declined to provide additional details. The sanctuary organization traveled over 6,200 miles to collect the tiger cub, also rescuing five bears from substandard conditions during their trip through Alabama and North Carolina.
Connection to NBA YoungBoy Under Investigation
Video evidence suggests the rescued cub may belong to rapper Kentrell Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy. Social media footage posted in October showed Gaulden with a white tiger cub displaying similar facial markings to the rescued animal. White tigers represent an extremely rare genetic mutation called leucism, occurring in only one out of every 10,000 Bengal tiger births in the wild. The Advocate newspaper could not reach Gaulden for comment regarding the potential connection.
Illegal Exotic Animal Trade Concerns
This case highlights ongoing problems with private exotic animal ownership across Louisiana and other states. Lions, Tigers & Bears holds the highest accreditation levels from both the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association, dedicating their mission to ending the exotic animal trade. The organization emphasizes that big cats require specialized care, proper nutrition, and veterinary attention that private owners typically cannot provide. The rescued cub now receives professional care alongside other rescued exotic animals at the California facility.