Mexican Professional Wrestler Joins Campaign to Fight Enemies of the Sea

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Professional wrestler Hijo del Santo announced he has broadened his battle arena from Mexico's Lucha Libre to encompass the Pacific Ocean's eastern coastline, where overfishing, turtle egg hunting, and pollution are threatening marine resources.

MEXICO CITY -- Professional wrestler Hijo del Santo announced he has broadened his battle arena from Mexico's Lucha Libre 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 -- which means "Son of the Saint" -- pledged on Thursday to devote the greater part of this year to raising consciousness about how human actions are threatening the ocean.


The wrestler, son of Mexico's most famous fighter, El Santo, will aid the U.S.-based nongovernmental 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," Hijo del Santo told a news conference that included the presentation of a mock movie trailer announcing "Santo vs. the Enemies of the Sea."


Hijo del Santo said he will visit coastal communities in northern Mexico and distribute educational comics featuring his character confronting threats to the ocean.


His 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.


His father appeared in more than 50 films and comic books, battling supernatural creatures, evil scientists and other societal ills.


Hijo del Santo 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," he said, referring to the president's official residence.


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On the Net:


WildCoast: http://www.wildcoast.net


Hijo del Santo's Web site: http://www.elhijodelsanto.com.mx (in Spanish)


Source: Associated Press


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