Mexico has the greatest biodiversity in the world for
reptiles, the second greatest for amphibians and fourth greatest for mammals. However, environmental problems like hunting, pollution, waste disposal and logging pose a constant threat
to Mexico’s ecosystems.
Above: waste collects in el Cañón del Sumidero, Chiapas where the current is low.
Below: el Cañón del Sumidero in all its beauty. This is one of the most iconic sights of Chipas and the U-shaped cavern is what the chapaneco flag is based on.
Source: http://vector-images.com/image.php?epsid=14040
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Having been introduced to the natural wonders of Chiapas by river, I decided to head inland and take a look at the natural reserve/zoo that Ale had recommended to me.
Last weekend, I had been to the zoo in Puebla so I couldn't help but compare the two.
Puebla’s zoo is a commercial safari. Impressive but more of a tourist trap than a whole-hearted attempt at conservation.
Puebla’s zoo is a commercial safari. Impressive but more of a tourist trap than a whole-hearted attempt at conservation.
Above: giraffes and an antelope in Africam Safari, Puebla
Whereas, the zoo
in Chipas was founded to protect endangered species in the region and educate
people about endemic Mexican wildlife. The latter used to be free so indigenous
people would be able to appreciate local animals without being out of pocket.
Even now, the entrance fee is very reasonable. They charge just 10 pesos (<1p) for either chiapanecos (like Ale) or students (like myself.)
Where the animals in Africam Safari suffer in the burning heat of midday Mexico, the animals in Zoologico Miguel Alvarez del Toro in Chipas thrive in their natural habitat: the shady forest. Where in Africam Safari, animals are covered in flies and sometimes, their own shit, in the Zoologico, enclosures seem cleaner and somehow more humane. Where Africam Safari is a drive through, the Zoologico is filled with families walking unhurriedly and you'll hear a mixture of Spanish and indigenous languages such as Nahautl, Yucatec, Tzeltal and Tzotzil.
I got chatting to one of Ale's Uncle's about the possibility of learning one of these languages but as much as I love the idea, it seems beyond me at the moment. I still can't even pronounce the name of the most common Amerindian language, Nahautl, let alone form a coherent sentence!! (The 'tl' bit is the hardest, you have to say it with your tongue right at the back of your throat). Maybe I'll stick to Spanish then...!
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Anyway, back to the zoo...
Where the animals in Africam Safari suffer in the burning heat of midday Mexico, the animals in Zoologico Miguel Alvarez del Toro in Chipas thrive in their natural habitat: the shady forest. Where in Africam Safari, animals are covered in flies and sometimes, their own shit, in the Zoologico, enclosures seem cleaner and somehow more humane. Where Africam Safari is a drive through, the Zoologico is filled with families walking unhurriedly and you'll hear a mixture of Spanish and indigenous languages such as Nahautl, Yucatec, Tzeltal and Tzotzil.
I got chatting to one of Ale's Uncle's about the possibility of learning one of these languages but as much as I love the idea, it seems beyond me at the moment. I still can't even pronounce the name of the most common Amerindian language, Nahautl, let alone form a coherent sentence!! (The 'tl' bit is the hardest, you have to say it with your tongue right at the back of your throat). Maybe I'll stick to Spanish then...!
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Anyway, back to the zoo...
Above: Miguel Alvarez del Toro, whom the zoo in Tutxla Gutierrez is named after
The zoo is named after the conservationist Miguel Alvarez
del Toro, whose life work was to research and preserve Chiapas’ natural
resources. His statue and name is not the only legacy he leaves. His philosophy is etched on placards around the zoo, advocating universal need for conservation.
Quote from Thomas E. Lovejoy: "The jungle is the greatest expression of life on earth"
Above quote: there is always music in the trees of the countryside but our hearts must be quiet to hear it.
Definition of the urban countryside: Place where they cut down trees to make name plaques out of wood under the trees in the streets.
Ah the irony.
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Ok. Enough about conservation.
You want to see the cute animals, don't you?
I bring you:
The Anteater (El Oso Hormiguero)
The Igauanas (Las Iguanas)
Some playful, but naughty otters (Nutrias Traviesas)
(Please excuse the blurry photo but the otters were a bit hyper and moved a bit too fast for me to capture them fully on camera!!)
A smelly boar (jabalí)
We also met a Toucan called:
Which made Ale laugh because it reminded him of:
However, as another placard read, the most dangerous species is not the jaguar, the crocodile or the boa constrictor.
Close up of a wild crocodile in Cañón del Sumidero, Chiapas
"You are looking," said the placard "at the most idiotic, destructive species on earth, so dangerous that it even harms itself."
As I gazed into the box with the most dangerous species on earth, I found myself looking at my own reflection.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the:
Homo sapiens.
The most dangerous animal of all.
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"You are looking," said the placard "at the most idiotic, destructive species on earth, so dangerous that it even harms itself."
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the:
Homo sapiens.
The most dangerous animal of all.
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