In the past few decades zoos and exotic animal farms in Mexico and around the world have a growing importance in the conservation and research of endangered species. Xcaret Park is part of this global effort, serving as a modern Noah's Ark by providing protection and shelter for the animals and plants of this region.

Xcaret's Sustainable Development Department manager, Efrain Rios a veteran of 12 years with the park, commented, "Our efforts are nothing new, the park collaborates with state and federal government agencies that focus on conservation and preservation efforts. Our efforts with these agencies date back many years, government agencies always bring us injured or sick animals. Several years ago the Yucatán State Environmental Protection Agency brought us flamingo eggs which we incubated right here in the park. They hatched successfully and we raised 80 flamingo chicks before returning them to the Ria Lagartos wildlife reserve."

Xcaret belongs to a new generation of wildlife display venues. It is far removed from the traditional concept of keeping wild animals confined in cages out of their natural habitat. The park's facilities were designed by its founder and director, architect Miguel Quintana Pali. Careful attention was given to positioning and designing each animal's habitat, and special care was taken to place each living area on the same level as their visitors, providing a sense of equality between species.

Recently, hurricane Wilma resulted in some and new park guests, "mostly animals which the wildlife protection authorities confiscated or rescued in Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Cancún", added Rios. When the hurricane became a real threat, local federal authorities asked Xcaret to shelter a lion cub and a young chimpanzee. The lion will be taken to the US eventually, while the chimp was sent to Britain where it will be retrained and later released into its natural habitat.

"Ever since the park opened its doors more than 10 years ago, we have supported a variety of institutions. Starting in 1996 and 1997 we began a regular program involving wildlife conservation authorities to provide temporary shelter for rescued animals in need of care or confiscated as illegal pets."

-What happened after Wilma?
-"We received a young jaguar male approximately 1 year old confiscated on Isla Mujeres. There was also a young ocelot which came to us in serious condition with multiple fractures. Several operations later he is out of danger and quickly getting better." Xcaret has a full team of veterinary specialists for mammals, birds and aquatic species, supported by modern medical facilities. "One of our veterinarians specializes in sea turtles, and three of them are mammal specialists. We also have x-ray and laparoscopic machines with support from the ultrasound facility at Via Delphi (company that operates dolphinariums inside the park)", this is used to treat injured sea turtles along the coast of nearby Campeche. "Several recently arrived turtles were brought to us by Campeche wildlife conservationists after they were injured crossing a highway between the ocean and their nesting grounds. Most of these animals, about 20 of them including green turtles, hawksbill and white fortunately recovered and are doing well."

According to Efrain, the animals brought for treatment are always returned to their natural habitat when possible or relocated elsewhere in Mexico or abroad. "Their final destination is decided by the government wildlife conservation authorities, our role is to make them well and give them a temporary home."

Being a good Samaritan also involves some bureaucracy. "When an injured animal is brought to us, there is usually lots of paperwork to be filled under government regulations. Wildlife laws forbid anyone from accepting endangered species unless this is done following certain established protocols that entail the availability conditions before accepting and treating them. According to the law they must be isolated, monitored continuously and reports must be sent to the authorities on a regular basis. Such animals cannot be put on display."

Xcaret provides the opportunity for thousands of people to view and learn more about endangered animals while at the same time assisting the government authorities with the care, understanding and protection of all species.

About Xcaret

Xcaret is the sacred paradise of Mexico and the best and biggest eco-archeological park in Latin America where visitors can experience the Mexican ecosystems and culture (Mayan and national) at its best. With 15 years of operation, it receives annually 1.2 million visitors from every latitude. The park is a successful company which provides direct jobs to more than 1000 collaborators and 6 thousand indirect. In 1998 it was awarded with the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrows Reader's Award, in 2002 the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Highly Commended in Large Scale Category. In 2003 it received from the Mexican Center of Philanthropy, CEMEFI, the distinctive ESR, for its policies and actions in Corporative ethics, life quality in a Company, Community development, Environmental Care.

Mexican government, by means of the National Institute of Women (INMUJER) granted it the distinctive "Equity Model Of Genre, EMG: 2003", that recognizes the compromise of the company with the equality of opportunities between men and women, from the hiring, the professional development within the enterprise, the balance of family life and the avoidance of sexual harassment in the work environment. Xcaret is a great example in Responsible Massive Tourism, it has a succesful recreational model that preserves for future generations the environment and the mexican culture.

DTS, S.C.

DTS, S.C.

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