What kind of producer would ever think that killing iguanas on primetime television is a good idea? This is what happened in Top Chef El Salvador, the local version of the American reality television series. Viewers were clearly outraged when the show’s four finalists were challenged to prepare original dishes made out of the endangered reptiles.
Top Chef pensó que cocinar especies amenazadas era algo que su público iba a disfrutar. pic.twitter.com/gx5TP6a6AF
— AJ+Español (@ajplusespanol) October 14, 2017
“These wildlife creatures were acquired through an authorized hatchery to distribute the product on a legal form for its consumption,” said the hostess during the show, however, the graphic nature in which the animals were sliced up while still alive, traumatized many of the show’s viewers, sparking a huge media outrage.
They #kill and cook #iguanas live in '#TopChef El #Salvador pic.twitter.com/qLPWtx5Auv
— Azrael . (@nONsToP_aStUr) October 10, 2017
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador (MARN) even released a statement, condemning the vicious killing of these creatures. “The MARN has not granted any permission… We find it terrible that this conduct that we are working to eradicate would be reproduced on television,” even though the show claims that the animals were acquired legally and posted pictures of the documents that vouch for them, the Ministry has its doubts and has opened an investigation against the show. A banner that reads “9 in 10 iguanas die in transport. Do not buy them.” was posted on the ministry’s homepage following the incident.
Harsh social media criticism was promptly directed towards the show, for what many viewers described as a “barbaric” occurrence. “Nevertheless, it is still horrible what they did. Many speak about double standards, and that we eat chicken and fish, and that those animals suffer as well, which is true, but we’re talking about an endangered species. What they did is that they encouraged the hunt and consumption of these animals. Who’s really going to take the time to get a permit and go to a hatchery and everything else that you need to do just for a soup? Just because they were acquired through a hatchery, doesn’t take away that iguanas are still a protected species. Remember that your show sets an example.” Read one of the many outraged posts on Facebook.
Live iguanas cooked on TV show in El Salvador. Words fail me… #AnimalCruelty https://t.co/ayjdsOeB7o
— Dr Jo Swabe 💙💛 (@joswabe) October 10, 2017
For many generations, iguanas have been an occasional ingredient of Central America’s regional cuisine. The reptile is usually prepared as a special dish for holidays and regional festivals, many others consume the lizard for its supposed medicinal properties, but food consumption is not the only factor that has driven the species down, the increased demand for these lizards as pets has also become a major problem in the area.
Article inspired by Remezcla // ‘Top Chef El Salvador’ Sparks Outrage After Killing & Cooking Endangered Reptile On Air