The Mazunte Project – Mexico (2020)

AZA-SAFE GRANT RECIPIENT

Along the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, both domestic and stray dogs pose a threat to the sea turtle nests and hatchlings, including critically endangered eastern Pacific leatherbacks. With their 2020 AZA-SAFE SWOT grant, the Mazunte Project will conduct mobile dog spay/neuter and education events along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca in order to decrease the canine predation of sea turtle eggs and hatchlings at these important nesting habitats.

Veterinarians perform spays and neuters to help control the stray dog population that feeds on sea turtle eggs © Pierre DePorre/The Mazunte Project

Veterinarians perform spays and neuters to help control the stray dog population that feeds on sea turtle eggs © Pierre DePorre/The Mazunte Project

Local children observe spay and neuter clinics in their community © Pierre DePorre/The Mazunte Project

Local children observe spay and neuter clinics in their community © Pierre DePorre/The Mazunte Project