Exploring the Wild Side of Mexico: Our Adventure at CrocoCun Zoo
Located just outside the picturesque town of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, CrocoCun Zoo is a small but fascinating wildlife sanctuary that offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic animals. During our recent trip to the Riviera Maya region, our family decided to visit the zoo and experience all that it had to offer. We are animal lovers and naturally tend to look for experiences within any destination we visit that allow us to learn more about and interact with animals.
From the moment we arrived at CrocoCun, we knew we were in for a unique and exciting adventure. The zoo's charming entrance led us into a lush jungle landscape where we were greeted by the friendly staff and given an overview of the zoo's various attractions. We were excited to learn that the zoo's collection of animals included crocodiles, snakes, turtles, among others, and we couldn't wait to explore. We were also quickly visited by some wild monkeys that are not officially part of the zoo, but have their natural habitat int he canopy of the trees that spans into this property as well.
We touched a crocodile
Our guided tour of the zoo began with a visit to the crocodile exhibit, where we saw dozens of these fearsome creatures basking in the sun and gliding through the water. Our knowledgeable guide gave us a fascinating overview of the crocodiles' anatomy, behavior, and habitat, and we even had the opportunity to touch the scaly skin of a young crocodile. It was an experience we will never forget!
Patreon Quest #2: Mission Completed
Next, we visited the snake exhibit, where we learned about the different species of snakes that are native to Mexico and saw them up close in their enclosures. For anyone who is not familiar with our monthly quests: Each month, we pick four challenges for our family (Quests) that we let our Patreon Community vote on. This month, Our Tiny Adventure Family challenged us all to hold a snake, which we were able to fulfill at CrocoCun Zoo. It was wonderful to see Sammy and Sawyer overcome their fears and was a great opportunity to tell the kids that Joey (aka “Daddy”) used to have a pet snake when we met. :)
We also visited the turtle exhibit, where we saw a variety of turtles and tortoises. We were amazed to learn that some of the turtles at the zoo were over 100 years old! And Sammy and Sawyer really enjoyed feeding the deer that call CrocoCun Zoo home.
We met Mexican Hairless Dogs
My most memorable moment from our visit was the opportunity to meet and interact with the famous Mexican Hairless Dogs during our visit
The Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli, was highly revered by the Mayan ancestors of Mexico. In Mayan mythology, the Xolo was believed to have been a gift from the gods and was considered to have healing powers.
The Mayans believed that the Xolo had the ability to ward off evil spirits and intruders, and would often keep the dogs in their homes for protection. The Xolo was also used in religious ceremonies and was sometimes sacrificed as an offering to the gods.
In addition to their spiritual significance, the Mayans also valued the Xolo as a hunting companion and as a source of food. The dogs were skilled at tracking and hunting small game, and their meat was considered a delicacy.
Today, the Mexican Hairless Dog continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Mexican people and is still used in some traditional religious ceremonies. The breed is also celebrated in modern Mexican culture and is considered a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage.
We also visited the turtle exhibit, where we saw a variety of turtles and tortoises. We were amazed to learn that some of the turtles at the zoo were over 100 years old! And Sammy and Sawyer really enjoyed feeding the deer that call CrocoCun Zoo home.
One of the best things to do for kids in Puerto Morelos
One of the highlights of our visit to CrocoCun was the animal encounters, during which we had the opportunity to get even closer to some of the animals. The staff was patient, friendly, and knowledgeable, and we felt completely safe and comfortable throughout the animal encounters.
And a great surprise at the end of our visit was the wonderful playground that Sammy and Sawyer were excited to play on, before we headed over to the cafe to eat some delicious sandwiches and drink some fresh strawberry lemonade and finish an amazing lunch with refreshing ice cream.
Overall, our experience at CrocoCun Zoo was one of the highlights of our trip to Mexico. We were impressed by the zoo's commitment to animal welfare and conservation, and we appreciated the opportunity to learn about the different species and their habitats. The staff was welcoming and friendly, and we felt that they truly cared about the animals and their visitors. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in the Riviera Maya, we highly recommend a visit to CrocoCun Zoo!
