Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is Searching for Animal Heroes

As the tourism industry grapples with issues surrounding animal rights, especially whether there is any circumstance where swimming with dolphins or riding elephants in captivity is okay, one resort remains firm in its commitment to animal issues.

In Mexico’s Playa del Carmen, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort by Sandos Hotels & Resorts lists environmental issues among its top priorities. As such, the resort is 100 percent against the captivity of animals and their exploitation for profit.

Not just content to silently promote this platform, the resort has also taken a series of steps to also help its guest become better environmental citizens. To that end, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort has recently formed a new partnership with Animal Heroes, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that defends the rights of animals in Mexico.

“This collaboration forms part of Sandos Caracol’s numerous programs that strive to promote respect for all living beings as a step towards a more conscious and compassionate life,” wrote the resort in a blog post.

Animal Heroes uses science-based information to drive awareness, legislation and scientific endeavors, specific to the rights of animals. Among its many platforms is tackling issues surrounding the violence towards stray dogs in Mexico.

According to Animal Heroes, Mexico has more stray dogs than any other country in the world. And violence towards those dogs is increasing. In fact, within the state of Quintana Roo, reported cases of animal abuse have steadily increased over the course of 60 consecutive months.

Animal Heroes also actively chronicles the levels of endangered and threatened animal species throughout Mexico. According to a report entitled “Quintana Roo Biological Resources: An Analysis for its Conservation,” the Mexican state is home to 11 endangered animal species, 15 threatened species and eight species subject to special protection.

For Sandos and Animal Heroes, the path to becoming a better citizen starts with educating children and young people, and the new partnership has resulted in an activity called “Be a Hero,” which helps children and teenagers make a positive impact on the Riviera Maya during their next vacation.

For children, the first step in becoming a hero includes dressing up as Maya warriors and princesses. After being outfitted with warrior paint, the kids will learn more about the reptiles, birds, cetaceans, sharks and other animals found throughout the region.

After a series of talks and educational components, participants enter a competition where take on the identity of a specific animal and use their new-found knowledge to compete to be the first to reach the finish line.

The young heroes can then join the Sandos’ team in feeding and taking care of the animals that reside at the resort. Here, they’ll learn first-hand the stories of each animal, including that of Lupita, the blue macaw who used to work at a souvenir photo booth for tourists but now lives peacefully at the eco-resort.

READ MORE: New Eco Family Rooms at Sandos Eco Caracol

During the final stage of the heroes’ journey, kids are recognized at a formal ceremony and then asked to commit to continuing to look out for the rights of animals. Upon returning home, the kids are contacted through social media with links to pro-animal campaigns and activities.

Adult guests are also encouraged to make donations during their stay, of which 100 percent is returned to the Animal Heroes association.

Learn more about Sandos Eco Resort’s stance on animal captivity at Sandos.com.