On a recent trip to Mexico, the blatant exploitation of wildlife for photo opportunities was very apparent. Wild Tuscans are taken from the jungle and wings clipped to be paraded around hotel grounds for unsuspecting tourists to take “cute” photos with them, unaware they are ripped from their families and deprived of their natural ability and desire to fly.

I also saw a small tiger cub being paraded in a harness in front of a hollow cement space amongst the endless parade of tourists and surrounded by noisy shops, restaurants and bars. The next night they added a tiny black panther so small he couldn’t open his eyes, and a leopard cub only slightly larger. Neither could stand or walk on their own and had to be held.

I casually questioned the “handlers” about where they come from, how they live, etc. I was informed they are bred for the purpose on a “farm”. Then they are leased out to vendors for “entertainment” purposes, usually kept in a cage in a dark warehouse or empty store while not on display. When they are very shortly too big to handle, they are sent back to the “farm” to live the rest of their lives in small cages for strictly breeding purposes.

I was so heartbroken by the sights of these majestic animals being reduced to stupid photo opps, I decided to do something about it. I did some research and through PETA found the name of his Excellency at the Mexican embassy in Washington D.C. This petition is to get him to strengthen animal protection laws in Mexico and tell him it is NOT okay with tourists to exploit them in this manner

Please help…