Sumidero Canyon sees 13 crocodiles released on 19 October
Published on 10/24/2026 at 13:40 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSWildlife release and park setting
- Profepa completed the 19 October 2026 release of 13 river crocodiles in the National Park.
- Conanp staff helped transport the reptiles to two agreed release points within the protected area.
- The protected landscape became a national park in 1980 and covers 21,789 hectares.
- Chiapa de Corzo provides four piers for access to the river route through the canyon.
Sumidero Canyon (Cañón del Sumidero) in Chiapa de Corzo received 13 rehabilitated river crocodiles on 19 October 2026. Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, known as Profepa, returned the animals to the National Park after medical assessments and temporary care.
Profepa releases 13 crocodiles in Sumidero Canyon
The release took place on 19 October 2026 inside the protected area. The crocodiles had been rescued between 2022 and 2025 after reports placed them near populated areas along the Grijalva River.
Ten animals were held at the El Boquerón Wildlife Management Unit in Osumacinta. Three others stayed at the Amniota facility in Suchiapa. Staff assessed each crocodile before the return, while Profepa checked the care and handling arrangements. The 19 October release report names the park and the agency involved.
The reptiles were released at two points selected by Profepa, the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, or Conanp, and a specialist from Comaffas. Conanp supplied one boat for the river transfer, while the state security service supplied another boat and amphibious response personnel.
Why the crocodile release matters inside the park
The river crocodile is listed for special protection under Mexico's NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 standard. It is also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, a status that places strict controls on international commercial trade.
The release connects a recent wildlife action with the park's principal visitor setting: a protected river corridor where boat trips pass cliffs, water bodies and wildlife habitat. Conanp identifies the American crocodile as one of the area's representative species and lists boat riding among its activities.
The park was declared a national park in 1980 and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2004. It covers 21,789 hectares across five municipalities, including Chiapa de Corzo, and the Grijalva runs through the canyon towards the Chicoasén reservoir. The official protected-area profile identifies the river crocodile among the park's representative species.
Wildlife protection adds context for river visitors
The two release points were not publicly identified in the reported account. That detail matters for travellers because the operation concerns habitat management rather than a new visitor stop or a new viewpoint.
The same protected landscape includes the Grijalva waterway, viewpoints, interpretive trails and waterfalls. Conanp's visitor rules prohibit leaving trails, climbing retaining walls, descending from boats, extracting flora or fauna and allowing waste to remain in the area.
Visiting Sumidero Canyon: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The wildlife release took place on 19 October 2026 inside the National Park, not at a separately advertised visitor venue.
- The operation does not announce a closure or a changed entrance for travellers; the two release points were selected for habitat management and were not identified publicly.
- Access to the river route is available from four piers in Chiapa de Corzo, while Conanp also identifies Tuxtla Gutiérrez as the nearest principal locality.
- The visitor setting includes water travel, viewpoints, trails and waterfalls. Park rules prohibit leaving trails, descending from boats and removing flora or fauna.
- The official language is Spanish and the national currency is the Mexican peso.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Sumidero Canyon
What happened at Sumidero Canyon on 19 October 2026?
Profepa released 13 rehabilitated river crocodiles inside the National Park after temporary care and medical assessments.
Where is Sumidero Canyon and how do you get there?
The park lies in Chiapas, with four river piers in Chiapa de Corzo and road access also connected with Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
What is Sumidero Canyon?
It is a protected canyon through which the Grijalva River flows, forming part of a 21,789-hectare national park.
