The Nest, Bird sanctuary in Ixtapaluca, Mexico
The Nest is a bird sanctuary in Ixtapaluca that recreates five different ecosystems including jungle, forest, desert, grassland, and wetland environments. More than 200 bird species live here, including the Quetzal, which can be observed in these natural surroundings.
The facility was founded in 2000 by biologist Jesus Estudillo Lopez, who transformed his wildlife conservation work into an educational center. This project grew from a desire to protect endangered bird species and raise public awareness about conservation.
The Quetzal, one of the main attractions here, held sacred status in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures and symbolized power and beauty. Visitors can sense this cultural significance as they explore the bird center and learn about local natural heritage.
Visitors should prepare for extended time outdoors and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the grounds are explored on foot. Guided tours are available to help you understand the different bird species and their habitats.
The center achieved a remarkable success: the first successful breeding of Quetzals in captivity, marking a major breakthrough in protecting this critically endangered species. This accomplishment showed that saving this extraordinary bird species is possible.
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