Photo in the News: Sexy Poster Urges Turtle Conservation

Photo: Poster for a campaign protecting sea turtles
Email to a Friend


August 25, 2005—"My man doesn't need turtle eggs," says a poster featuring Argentine model Dorismar, "because he knows they don't make him more potent."

The scantily clad beauty is the star of a new campaign aimed at protecting endangered sea turtles in Mexico. But women's rights groups aren't so sure sea turtles need Dorismar.

The Mexican government declared sea turtles a protected species in 1990. Poaching continues, however, partly because many Mexican men believe sea turtle eggs, eaten raw with a pinch of lime and salt, are aphrodisiacs. Black market trade in adult turtles' meat, flippers, and shells also helps keep the animals in peril.

California-based conservation group Wildcoast co-developed three posters featuring Dorismar, including this one released this week. Designed to denounce the turtle egg myth, the posters have drawn ire from women's rights advocates, who say the saucy images promote sexual stereotypes more than wildlife conservation.

—Victoria Gilman

See More Photos in the News
See Today's Top News Stories
Get Our Free Photo Newsletter

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.

See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Privacy Policy
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS




ADVERTISEMENT

 

What's Your Green Idea?

You could win $20,000 to put it into action. Take part in the Green Effect, a new initiative from SunChips and National Geographic to inspire people to take small steps for big change.