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Xel-Ha Conservation
Policy
Xel-Ha Wildlife Conservation
 Brits
in Cancun offer you the opportunity to visit one of
the best conservation areas in Mexico. The mission is
to respect the balance of nature and to maintain the
balance between aquatic flora and fauna by eliminating
pollution and predation we can create ‘safe’
habitats that promote growth in some cases blocking
access to areas completely to encourage fish species
to reproduce. Our educational programs and studies are
linked to national and international studies.
Fish
Fish get special attention at Xel-Ha. Not only are they
protected and fed daily, we also check on the population,
classifying and evaluating their health. We do the same
for the conch and other marine life, creating data bases
and sharing that information with like-minded scientists.
Additional projects include habitat and artificial reef
construction, reforesting the sea floor and the creation
of a water quality monitoring system.
Turtle Camp
The Turtle Camp is a great way to provide non-scientists
with hands-on contact with marine turtles. The objective
is conservation working in tandem with the creation
of awareness in local and international communities.
Xel-Ha has one of the few beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula
where marine turtles feel safe enough to come ashore,
every year, and lay their eggs. The Loggerhead and Green
turtle season runs April through November. Females come
ashore, excavate and lay their eggs. Xel-Ha staff recovers
eggs and carefully reburies them in the Turtle Camp,
where they will be watched over until they hatch. Hatchlings
are released at night, increasing their chance of survival.
Per 1,000 turtles, only one (on average) survives to
adulthood. The favorite attraction, bar none, is the
baby turtle release. Visitors
can participate in the nocturnal releases in season.
Birds
Xel-Ha protects two tips of avian fauna in the park;
native and migratory. Parrots, national symbols of beauty
and distinction, are raised as a hedge against extinction.
We also care for wild birds, and provide feeding for
migratory birds on the 64 hectares of lowland tropical
forest. A large part of the plant life in the Park is
composed of native trees and plants preferred by native
and migratory bird species as habitat and food sources.
Xel-Ha does not fumigate, burn or clear land or generate
noise. One of the on-going of Xel-Ha is reforestation
with native plants of all water park areas.
Apiary
 At
Xel-Ha Nursery you can find the most interesting little
creatures among the flowers and the trees; the melipona
or stingless bee. Since these friendly bees do not have
a sting they possess some form of pliers in order to
be able to collect the pollen from our nursery´s
exotic flowers.
Another fascinating fact is that the melipona does
not create a panel. This naturally occurring bee pick
a specific tree with the name of Bitex. This tree is
hollow and its bark sweet.
Since there is no panel, these smart insects create
small pockets inside the tree where they can deposit
their honey and wax. The ancient melipona bee's honey
is sacred for the Maya, and is known for its curative
powers.
Bee cultivation is important to Xel-Ha. It is a valuable
renewable resource with a positive environmental impact.
Twice annually, this healing sweet honey is harvested
in a ceremony overseen by a Mayan priest/astrologer.
Offerings and thanks to the gods are given in a ritual
unchanged over thousands of years. This ritual continues
to be passed on from generation to generation.
Xel-Ha is privileged to be able to share this ritual
and the wisdom of this Mayan priest in our facilities.
We are proud to conserve Mayan traditions and the Yucatan
Peninsula's unique species.
If you happen to be visiting the park in the months
of June or December ask for the exact date of this ceremony.
This event is usually done on a full moon. It is a ritual
you do not want to miss.
Price: Included in Entrance Fee.
XEL-HA
WATER ACTIVITIES
XEL-HA
NATURAL ACTIVITIES
XEL-HA
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
XEL-HA
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
XEL-HA
SEA TURTLES
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