Animals
National Animal
The Xoloitzcuintli“Wild animals are less wild and more human than many humans of this world”
Munia Khan
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Whales, sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, sea cows.
Birds:
American robins, king birds, blue grosbeaks, bat falcons, herons, hawks, kingfishers, woodpeckers.
Land mammals:
Monkeys, cacomistles, axolotl, coatis, ocelots, wolves.
Snakes and insects:
King snakes, iguanas, banded geckos, lizards, bugs, moths.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray dogs and cats can be found in the cities. Bull fighting competitions are very common.
In theCountryside
Horse riding can be seen in the countryside. Horses are used for transport and carrying loads by some locals in the countryside.
General animal welfare issues
Charreada is a traditional sport in Mexico similar to a rodeo. Different sporting events are held showcasing a charro’s (cowboy) skills with the horses. Some events are steer tailing, bull riding, team roping, bull fighting etc.
Kots Kaal Pato, a ritual wherein small animals are stuffed in pinatas and beaten to death, has been banned in 2016.
There is an annual festival called Tlacotalpan Bull Festival where bulls are force-fed with alcohol, attacked by drunk locals, then drowned.
Horse slaughtering is still an issue as horses are regularly being sent from the US to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.
Hunting or poaching:
Mexican government allows hunting . Hunted animals are deer, mountain lions, desert sheep and birds such as doves, pheasants, turkeys.
Animal fights:
Animal fights (bull, dog and cock fights) are illegal.
Main organization for animal rescue and sheltering:
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
N/A
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, or animal testing as these activities, unfortunately, are still common in most countries. .
