Inspiring happiness extends to protecting our portion of paradise.
You’ve probably read that we often call our resorts a haven or paradise. Well, that’s because our gorgeous locations are brimming with Mexico’s abundant and varied flora and fauna. And at Vidanta, we care for this amazing wealth of native animals and plants with the utmost respect in each of our destinations.
One conservation effort that stands out is managing wildlife sanctuaries to protect various species and ensure they continue flourishing for generations. And we’d like to introduce these to you in this article:
Ik’al Sanctuary at Riviera Maya
Established in 2006, this sanctuary is committed to conserving crocodiles, flamingos, and wild vegetation species currently under Mexican Government protection.
The crocodiles live in the on-resort protected cenotes with safe and abundant living conditions. They are so at home that they are reproducing in the sanctuary! Our biologists care for newborns and young in separate locations to monitor their growth. The team keeps track of the adults with a tail scute marking system and weekly check-ups.
The 16 flamingos in our sanctuary are cared for and monitored daily to ensure their well-being. Aside from our biologists’ team, a specialized veterinarian visits them often to observe growth, health, habitat, and unique behavioral patterns.
You can visit these sanctuaries next time you vacation at Riviera Maya through protected pathways with observation and rest areas for this purpose. You’ll also find written information and staff members to answer your questions.
MORE ABOUT IK’AL
Animals:
Crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii)
American pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Vegetation:
Caribbean Kuka palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii) – 89
Red cedars (Cedrela odorata) – 1401
Glassywood (Astronium graveolens) – 663
Chit palm (Thrinax radiata) – 1807
Nacax palm (Coccothrinax readii) – 19
Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia) – 14
Isla de los Pájaros at Nuevo Vallarta
Since 2009, this management unit has been dedicated to protecting wildlife in its natural habitat. Our biologists are devoted to safeguarding Isla de los Pájaros and the Ameca River stream that runs through the resort for their recovery and conservation.
Every year, our team has noticed their efforts have resulted in increasing numbers obtained during inventory and other monitoring strategies. This ecosystem now houses around 244 crocodiles and 92 bird species, varying according to migratory patterns.
Altara Sanctuary at Puerto Peñasco
Since 2006, this sanctuary has existed to protect native plant species. It currently is home to 258 Saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea) and ensures the reproduction of these and other native vegetation at risk. Saguaros are a long-lived cactus species that can prosper for over 250 years. They develop slowly, growing 3 ft every 30 years. At Vidanta Puerto Peñasco, we care for specimens over 50 years old that reach 5 ft.
Senior Environmental Resident, Miguel Angel Sánchez Becerra, highlights that Vidanta guests “can contribute by participating in the environmental education activities that are taught in our resorts, reading the informative posters found in the different walkways, making tours with the support of available ecological brochures, carrying out observation activities on the Vidanta Run routes, and always respecting the rules for the conservation of flora and fauna.”
We hope to have sparked your interest in the immense natural treasure of our resorts. Find inspiration on your next vacation and join us in the quest to protect our planet!
