Puerto Vallarta’s Estero El Salado marked its 26th anniversary as a protected natural area with the release of 180 green iguana hatchlings, a conservation activity led with support from the Centro Universitario de la Costa.
CUCosta reported that the young Iguana iguana came from rescued nests and were incubated for two months at the university’s UMA Reptilario Cipactli before being returned to their natural habitat. The ceremony took place on July 31 as part of the anniversary program for Estero El Salado, the urban estuary beside Puerto Vallarta’s hotel, airport and marina corridor.
The event was led by Jalisco Environment Secretary Paola Bauche Petersen, CUCosta rector María Esther Avelar Álvarez, park director Helios Hernández Hurtado and Reptilario Cipactli head Pablo Simitrios Hernández Hurtado. Local families, children and visitors also participated, turning the release into a hands-on environmental education moment.
For travelers, the story is a reminder that Puerto Vallarta’s wildlife is not only found on remote beaches or in the mountains. The destination’s urban nature spaces connect with broader conservation themes, from responsible viewing around crocodile habitat to seasonal sea turtle protection. Visitors should join only authorized activities, avoid handling wildlife outside supervised programs and follow park staff instructions when visiting sensitive habitats.
