Save the Iguanas: Humane Wildlife Policy Now

Florida’s iguanas have recently become the target of increasingly aggressive and inhumane eradication efforts, many of which followed an unprecedented cold-weather event that stunned and immobilized these animals. During this rare climatic phenomenon, iguanas — cold-blooded and vulnerable to sudden temperature drops — were left shocked, disoriented, and defenseless.

Rather than responding with humane wildlife stewardship, this moment of natural vulnerability has been met with cruelty, often justified under the label of “invasive species management.” While environmental balance matters, exploiting a climate shock to justify indiscriminate killing is not ethical, humane, or scientifically responsible.

Iguanas are sentient animals. Many current practices cause unnecessary suffering, lack transparency, and ignore humane, science-based alternatives. These actions also risk normalizing violence toward wildlife instead of promoting responsible coexistence, ecological understanding, and ethical stewardship — especially in the face of increasingly volatile climate events.

We call on Florida wildlife authorities and local governments to:

• Immediately halt inhumane culling practices, especially during climate-related shock events
• Adopt humane, non-lethal population management methods
• Increase public transparency and oversight of wildlife policies
• Invest in research-driven, ethical solutions that protect ecosystems without cruelty

Florida can lead with compassion, science, and responsibility — particularly as climate extremes become more common.

Saving iguanas is not about ignoring ecology.
It’s about refusing cruelty as policy, especially when animals are at their most vulnerable.

If you believe wildlife management must be humane, ethical, and accountable, add your name and stand with us.

#SaveTheIguanas