Talks about turtles and crocodiles, a craft show, and a painting exhibition were part of the activities that took place within the framework of the anniversary of the “Chan Aayin” Wildlife Management Unit (UMA) in Tizimín.
Israel Cervantes Gutiérrez, biologist in charge of the lizard farm, reported that in these 12 months, they have consolidated themselves to teach students, to the extent that the UMA has served as practice for them. He recalled that when they started they only had four specimens and today they already have 17, which allows them to carry out more practices.
He said that the acceptance of the people has been so good, to the point that they agreed with a university in the United States to receive resources to continue with the rescue of the species. He added that more and more students are contacting the UMA for tours or internships.
The biologist explained that in one of the tours offered they talked about “Mochita” (“mocho” or “mocha” is a Mexican slang meaning that it is missing one of its legs), a female crocodile they incredibly brought back to life.
The reptile arrived approximately 8 months ago, with a fracture in its right front leg and could not move the bone or muscle.
When she was placed with the other crocodiles in her new space, they attacked her, especially the alpha male, and broke her spine, he added.
“Mochita” was left disabled in her hind legs and tail, which prevented her from moving and swimming, she barely submerged herself in the water.
As a result, Cervantes Gutiérrez indicated, they began to give her physical therapy and with painkillers, they managed to save her. Even though it is a wildlife reptile and could attack, it did not do so, nor did it try to harm the staff despite her aggressiveness.
Little by little she began to move her tail and crawl, which were signs that she would soon recover. Today she is more aggressive and confronts the other males.
For the anniversary celebration they invited the “Lunatic Art” painting workshop, from Tizimín; 14 students, including children, young people, and adults, exhibited 21 paintings.
The well-known Tizimín painter Selene Pat Herrera said that each of the members attended excited to show their works of art. She added that she is happy to have this type of space to demonstrate the artistic talent that exists in Tizimín. Some artisans and a clown who offered a children’s show were also invited. In addition, there were raffles for the little ones due to the approach of Children’s Day.
TYT Newsroom