Mexico City, Mexico Wyland Whaling Wall 65

History of the Mexico City, Mexico Wyland Whaling Wall 65

-Friendly Grays of San Ignacio 

Whaling wall 65

In the years before its removal, Wyland’s gorgeous mural, “Friendly Grays of San Ignacio”, presided over the University Science Museum in Mexico City, Mexico. This epic mural celebrated the idea that humans and gray whales shared a unique connection in San Ignacio, Baja, California. Dr. Jorge Flores Valdes dedicated this mural in September 1994 and called out
the fact that San Ignacio was one of the only places in the world where gray whales trusted humans enough to allow them to touch them – a vastly different interaction than the whales experienced during the whaling days of the late 19 th century. This behavior was experienced personally by the artist and inspired him to pay homage to the whale’s natural friendliness and
curiosity towards humans.

While 1994 brought a new success for conservation with the ever- growing population of gray whales, many conservationists felt a nagging concern regarding the, also ever-growing, tourism
industry in the Baja region. Ecotourism and endless industrial development threatened the San Ignacio Lagoon and the fragile environment of the marine ecosystem.

Did You Know?

More than 200 mother-calf pairs choose San Ignacio Lagoon to be their breeding and calving area. With a lifespan of up to 70 years, Gray Whales are creatures of habit, choosing and returning to the same breeding grounds year after year. This highlights the importance of protecting these areas.

Despite the extinction of “Friendly Grays of San Ignacio”, The Wyland Foundation carries Wyland’s legacy through its attention to the arts and sciences, focusing on educating millions of people about the impact of upstream activities on downstream ecosystems. It’s the Wyland
Foundation’s hope that the world will learn to think beyond their local environment and take note of their own broader impact on the world around them.

University Science Museum
Mexico City, Mexico
85 Feet Long x 20 Feet High
Dedicated September 26th, 1994
By Dr. Jorge Flores Valdes

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