A Visit to the Iguana Reserve

Don Galo with Inés, a 3-year-old green iguana. When full-grown she will reach over 2 meters from head to tail.
Photo: Ernesto J. Torres, Casa 12

For 17 years Galo Sánchez Río has been tending the iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles at the Iguanario in the Barra de Navidad on the east side of the Colotepec River. Iguanas are an endangered species, and the lizards bred at the Iguanario are released as adults in a wildlife reserve in the Colotepec hills where they are protected from human predators. The birds come from police seizures of black market parakeets (pericos), parrots (cotorras) and a macaw (guacamaya).

Black market chachalaca seized by the police. Photo: Ernesto J. Torres, Casa 12

Don Galo is assisted in his work by volunteers from the Experiencia language school as well as by young back packers. The Iguanario is open seven days a week. If the gate is closed, just wait a few minutes for don Galo to come down from his house. Admission is free, but the project is supported by visitor contributions.

The Iguanario is located around a kilometer from the entrance to the Barra de Navidad on the left side of the road. Tel. 954 128 9263

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