There actually is current animal cruelty going on daily in Cabo. I was just there 4/6/09. In the midst of the vendors at the main marina are several stalls advertising "fund raising" for a wildlife sanctary (specifically for big cats-lions, tigers, jaguars). These stall feature baby (VERY young) tigers, lions, and jaguars that you can have your picture taken with for a fee. They claim that all proceeds and donations go to this sanctuary (Wild Cat Park) in Mexico City. It isn't true. THERE IS NO SANCTUARY.
The booths feature no brochures, business cards, etc. Only postcards with the website: www.wildcatpark.org. It's bogus. The toll free number on the site for contact directs to a sex line. The photos on the website are canned. There is no information regarding the group.
One of the jaguars barely had reached the age of eye opening, maybe a few weeks old. The other was maybe 8 wks. They have been taken away from the mothers. These babies are made to stay in a cage in the immense heat. I noticed no water and they are clearly in distress, even crying out. I inquired about it all with the kids who were working the booths. They all had canned answers.
The whereabouts and conditions of the adult cats breeding these babies are unknown. I wonder what happens to the young ones when they outgrow the handling size and age.
I inquired with locals about it and one man told me that he has had many arguments with them as it's so inhumane and he has heard many terrible tales about the conditions of where they are kept, adults included. He also heard stories of adults being killed when they were no longer able to be contained.
I have contacted many international animal rights groups regarding this. I hope that others will also so that, by public pressure, an investigation will ensue.
To see it was absolutely heartbreaking.
Feb 18, 2009 Rating
Watch Out At The Airport by: Bobby Hernandez
Like many of the airports at the major tourist tours in Mexico, you will be herded right into an area where timeshare solicitors work. They will try to trick you to talk to them by saying that they can get you a taxi or something to assist you with your visit.
Just walk straight past them and look for the official taxis if you need one. Ask the person who booked your trip.
Feb 06, 2009 Rating
Cabo San Lucas Timeshare representatives by: Laura Ramirez
I've already written about the Cabo San Lucas timeshare representatives or timeshare pushers as you so accurately call them. If you're not interested in attending a timeshare presentation, just tell them, "No, gracias," and be on your way. Do not engage them in conversation or you will be frustrated by their high pressure techniques.
When you walk down the streets of Cabo, you will have to walk past many timeshare solicitors, so just practice politely and firmly saying no. Don't let them spoil your vacation. Understand that they are just doing their jobs and trying to feed their families.
As for animals, Mexico has its share of starving strays and skinny cows that graze along the roadside, particularly on the road from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos. In all my years of traveling to Cabo, I've never seen anyone abuse an animal.
The mexican people are very animal rights-oriented when it comes to protecting the marine life in the Sea of Cortez. There is a catch-and-release policy for marlin anglers that is highly encouraged. Mexican fisherman go to great lengths to avoid hurting the marlin, but sports fishing is a big industry in Cabo San Lucas.
