FOR the past 40 years, Ramon Archundia has dedicated his life to the preservation of Mexico’s endangered iguanas. His magical “iguanario,” a reptile sanctuary in the center of Manzanillo city, is now home to 642 iguanas, as well as other wild animal species.

    The story of Iguanario Archundia began over four decades ago. Sickened by the plight of iguanas at the hands of man, Ramon rescued a pair of these majestic reptiles and set up a small enclosure for them in a marshy space in downtown Manzanillo, where two huamúchil trees offered the perfect place for sunbathing.

    But that was only the beginning, because Ramon and his father Juan, kept bringing in new rescued iguanas, and after word of their small “iguanario” spread around the city and the whole Mexican state of Colima, other people started bringing in iguanas, knowing that they would be well taken care of. Today, Iguanario Archundia is home to over 640 iguanas, as well as other “donated” animals like raccoons, badgers and turtles.

    You might be wondering why Ramon didn’t set all these iguanas free, if he cared about them so much. It turns out that living in the wild isn’t the safest option for these endangered creatures, at least not in Mexico, where they have been hunted to the point of extinction, either for their hides, or to be sold as pets.

    Although not an ideal home, Iguanario Archundia is a safe haven for iguanas, and also a place where people can see them up close, interact with them and learn more about they can do ensure their survival as a species. Entrance is free for everyone who wants to visit, which is probably why Ramon has received no support from the government. It doesn’t generate any taxable income.

    Taking care of over 600 iguanas is no small task, considering that they consume about 400 pounds (181 kg) of food a day, but Ramon has managed to do it for many years. Every day, he visits the local markets in Manzanillo to collect hundreds of kilo grams of fruits and vegetables from like-minded animal lovers who are more than happy to contribute to his cause. Some of the locals make daily contributions as well, and a number of volunteers are always available if he needs any kind of help.(SD-Agencies)