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The Cuban Andrew Morales, known on social media as "The Cuban Tarzan", has gone viral after posting a video in which he is seen capturing a giant iguana in South Florida.
According to reports, the reptile measured six feet long and weighed 17 pounds, a size that —it is claimed— surpasses local records.
The clip, shared by the popular page Only in Dade, shows Morales climbing trees, running through canals, and catching iguanas with his bare hands.
In statements to local media, Morales recounted that his passion began when he was a child, after an iguana bit his finger.
Since then, he aimed to capture increasingly larger specimens, turning his unique skill into a personal brand that combines spectacle, sport, and environmental awareness.
"I don't do it for fame or money; I do it because the iguanas are destroying the vegetation, and I want to contribute my bit," Morales stated in one of his videos.
Green iguanas are an invasive species in southern Florida. Originating from Central and South America, they reproduce quickly and cause damage to gardens, structures, and local ecosystems.
The authorities of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) allow their capture, but prohibit their subsequent release in urban environments.
Morales states that, in addition to hunting them, he utilizes the meat to donate to those in need, a practice that has sparked curiosity and support among his followers.
The posts of the "Cuban Tarzan" have generated mixed opinions.
While many users praise it for its value and effectiveness in controlling a pest, some wildlife experts warn that the handling of reptiles must be done following safety and humane euthanasia protocols, supervised by the FWC.
"Capturing an iguana is not a game; it requires knowledge and the right equipment," a spokesman for the organization recalled.
Morales insists that his videos aim to inspire families to connect with nature and overcome the fear of exploring their surroundings.
"Peace is not staying still at home, but rather going out, observing, learning, and respecting what surrounds us," he wrote recently on his Instagram account.
His charisma and energy have made him a popular figure within the Cuban-American community in Florida, where many proudly nickname him “The Tarzan of Miami”.
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