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 Editorials | Environmental | March 2007 
Mexican Wrestler Campaigns for Environment
 Istra Pacheco - Associated Press
| | Mexican wrestler 'Hijo del Santo' or 'Son of the Saint' holds up a comic book during a news conference in Mexico City March 8. He has teamed up with the environmental group Wildcoast to work in a campaign to protect the oceans. (Dario Lopez-Mills/AP) |
Mexico City — Mexico's famous professional wrestler "Hijo del Santo," or "Son of the Saint" broadened his battle arena March 8 to encompass the Pacific Ocean's eastern coastline, where overfishing, turtle egg hunting, and pollution are threatening marine resources.
In addition to performing acrobatic duels in the ring with opponents dressed as evil characters, the silver-masked "Hijo del Santo" pledged to devote the greater part of this year helping to raise consciousness about how human actions are threatening the ocean.
The wrestler, son of Mexico's most famous fighter, "El Santo," will aid the nongovernmental, U.S.-based organization WildCoast with its campaign to stop sea turtle consumption in Mexico, defend protected areas on California's coast, and promote saving the gray whales in Baja California.
"I began to worry, to become interested, and I was affected very much by the statistics on what is happening," El Hijo told a news conference that included the presentation of a mock movie trailer announcing "Santo Vs. the Enemies of the Sea."
To raise consciousness, El Hijo will visit various coastal communities in northern Mexico, where he will distribute educational comics featuring his character confronting threats to the ocean.
His father, "El Santo," appeared in more than 50 films and comic books, battling supernatural creatures, evil scientists and other societal ills.
El Hijo's latest venture reflects a long tradition in Mexico, where legions of the leotard-wearing wrestlers have participated in everything from presidential campaigns to battles for affordable housing.
He also will travel to California to promote conservation in Latino communities and will head a petition drive in Mexico City demanding that lawmakers create more protected marine zones.
"I am prepared to go straight to Los Pinos and chat with President Felipe Calderon," El Hijo said, referring to the president's official residence. |
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