I can't believe that you guys even showed this. I was watching the show on 06/02/2009 and I am so disappointed and disgusted that you could allow iguanas to be treated like that. I love animals and reptiles and keep them as part of my family. Iguanas are highly intelligent reptiles and have feelings too. I had to leave the room and my little 13 year old friend who had a pet iguana was in tears. I can't believe that you guys justify this treatment of animals and would justify treating them this cruel. Can you imagine how terrified they are? We have laws in our country on showing animal cruelty on TV. It is very disturbing. If they treat a dog or cat like this, will you show that to and say that's okay? Well, iguanas are also kept as pets and I think that this show sucks and I don't see how anybody could stand there and not tell these people how cruel they are. I'd like to see them put in the position that these poor creatures are in. How would they feel? I know many people will not watch this disgusting show anymore and I plan on seeing what I can do to get this kind of cruelty to end. It freaked me out to see this. I can't believe that nobody told these people how awful they are to treat creatures like this.

Also, my ten year old son heard about the show and was extremely upset because he loves iguanas and we have a pet bearded dragon that is potty trained and affectionate like our dogs!

first off, it's a cultural thing. pretty much the premise behind the whole show.
second, it's not abuse, it's the food chain and whatever is available to the people of the area.
then also, someone from India would think the same about you eating a hamburger as you do with an iguana.
i love animals but if i were alongside Mr. Zimmern, i'd definitely try it.
i have a daughter and encourage her to be open minded about cultural norms,etc. it's healthy. don't have to agree with others but to understand them is important.

Why don't you go to Nicaragua and do something about it then, christ, all Andrew did was go to a restraunt and order the damn things. If your so concerned go down there and talk to the folks whom have been eating them for years. You won't and we all know it, it so easy to post a message on this board and act all high and mighty. You won't do a damn thing about it.

Your 13 year is crying because they have been eating Iguanas in Nicaragua for hundreds of years. Man you have more problems than a TV show on cable television.

I must admit, I love Iguanas also, but I prefer them deep fried with a little powdered sugar on top and a side of honey mustard!

imjusthungry,

I've never had iguana, but your idea sounds good to me. Except I like ketchup instead of honey mustard.

i totally agree with Sly74, if you have a problem you shouldn't call it "abuse" he was also right about the food chain thing... i mean come on, what do you eat for supper?? nothing? no meat? if we didn't eat we wouldn't live, so people have to make certain dissensions (for example EAT ANIMALS!) so next time you 10-13yr old is crying CHANGE THE CHANNEL!!!!

P.S ANDREW ZIMMERN IS THE MAN I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!

First off, I love the show & if it tastes good -eat it! I personally like to see where my food come from. Abuse? Come on, get real. This is how life is. To sanitize it, is to lose the meaning of it. Cruel is to complain about something so silly & not put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn't have food. I guarantee if you were starving & iguana was available you'd be the first in line. Its easy to judge. Find another cause. Just because these people don't fit nicely in the box you consider normal doesn't mean they are wrong, maybe it's you. Open your mind. Thanks Andrew for exposing us to different cultures, much appreciated. Knowledge is power.

This thread reminds me of that episode when Homer raised a lobster in his bathtub...

But Pinchy was so delicious in the end!

IF YOUR SO CONCERNED ABOUT ANIMAL ABUSE!! then why dont you try and prevent it in places where its needed. to eat an animal is not cruel...get a clue! i feel sorry for people like you.. yea go to india and eat a hamburger. they would probably throw you in jail... find something better to do with your time.. and tell you should tell your 13 year old that there are worse things out there besides people eating iquana.A reality check is much needed.