The "Cuban Tarzan" who catches giant iguanas in Florida

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 the report, the reptile measured six feet long and weighed 17 pounds, a size that —it is said— 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 shared that his passion began when he was a child, after an iguana bit his finger.

Desde entonces, se propuso to catch increasingly larger specimens, hasta convertir su curiosa habilidad en una marca personal que combina espectáculo, deporte y conciencia ambiental.

"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.

The green iguanas are an invasive species in southern Florida. Native to Central and South America, they reproduce rapidly and cause damage to gardens, structures, and local ecosystems.

The authorities of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) allow for their capture, but prohibit their subsequent release in the urban environment.

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 management of reptiles must be conducted following safety protocols and humane euthanasia, supervised by the FWC.

"Capturing an iguana is no game; it requires knowledge and the right equipment," a spokesperson for the organization recalled.

Morales insists that his videos aim to inspire families to connect with nature and lose the fear of exploring their surroundings.

"Peace is not about staying still at home, but rather about going out, observing, learning, and respecting what surrounds us," he recently wrote on his Instagram account.

His charisma and energy have made him a popular figure within the Cuban-American community in Florida, where many proudly refer to him as “The Tarzan of Miami”.