Why on EARTH would I choose the domain name….“lil dumpster panda?”

Well, who doesn’t absolutely fall in love with a little dumpster panda? These little critters, also known as “coatis” are precious little creatures that inhabit the once pure lands of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. They are versatile mammals - jungle creatures that are also urban crawlers - walking on hot concrete and scurrying through alleyways, these adventurous little critters can be spotted on cafe tabletops, enjoying a latte. These little animals can be found burying their noses in plastic cups and scraps left by tourists. If you haven’t noticed how much the tourism industry is destroying the eco-system through litter and water bottles left all over the place - a Coati’s presence will bring this understanding to light for you. What was once a luxurious jungle shelter for the Coati (and we’re not talking about luxury condos being built here) has become an unpredictable and crowded city scape for these little ones, who dodge the big steps of tourism (big environmentally destructive steps, one might say). The footsteps left by these knock off designer shoes and the influx of tourists threaten to stomp all over the original habitat of these little creatures. The Coati can be seen traversing the modern world with finesse. Will the Coati survive? Instead of putting their paws on cool soil or warm sand, the Coati’s are being forced to survive on hot hot concrete, and at the same time, avoiding dirty looks from tourists. “EEK!!”, A woman with a pedicure and a Gucci bag screams out. A RACCOON! She takes off her high heel and thinks twice before getting into a street fight with a Coati.The Coati looks back at her, cool as a cucumber, and continues to enjoy the last sugary bits of a latte.

Coatis are also beasts at dodging taxi drivers. Coatis are little urban baddies.

Where can a Coati find shade in Babylon? Perhaps a Coati might find some shelter under the shade of a cafe table?  Coati-mundis come in peace. They are diurnal mammals and can be found in the southwestern US as well as in Mexico.   Coatis are the most adaptable of creatures, making the most out of the chaos that the tourism industry has created in the Yucatan peninsula. They romp through trash cans and make a mockery of tourists who are “just trying to enjoy their vacation”. They are these adorable little stuffed animal like creatures that pop up in sporadic intervals around trash. Coatis are…well,  the cutest of the cute, epitome of the most adorable.