ALPINE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Eddie the jaguar’s journey is nothing short of heartbreaking and inspiring.

Once a victim of the illegal exotic animal trade, Eddie was bred in captivity and exploited as a photo prop by convicted wildlife trafficker. In 2021, he was paraded through hotel rooms, used for selfies, and eventually sold as a pet. Just weeks later, he was abandoned malnourished, filthy, and visibly neglected at the gates of Lions Tigers & Bears, a big cat and exotic animal sanctuary tucked away in Alpine, east of San Diego.

For months, Eddie’s story remained largely untold as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service investigated his trafficking, officials with the sanctuary told FOX 5/KUSI. In October 2022, federal prosecutors filed charges against two individuals involved in the case. One person was sentenced but despite facing up to eight years in prison and a $700,000 fine, only received only six months of probation.

Today, Eddie is almost unrecognizable from the jaguar cub that arrived on the sanctuary’s doorstep. Now fully integrated into the Lions Tigers & Bears family, officials say he has a permanent habitat designed specifically for his species, receives a specialized diet, enjoys daily enrichment, and is under the care of veterinary professionals for life.

A video released by the sanctuary shows a sleek, healthy jaguar lounging in the sun, climbing structures, and engaging with enrichment toys a far cry from the conditions he once endured.

The team at Lions Tigers & Bears hope Eddie’s story brings more awareness to the illegal exotic animal trade, which continues to happen in the U.S. despite federal regulations.

The sanctuary is now inviting the public to learn more about Eddie’s journey by visiting the refuge, while also urging lawmakers to take wildlife crimes more seriously.