These were created by the Aztecs and are a large part of the identity of Xochimilco, a lake-filled area that has managed to survive in southern Mexico City. It's now a hot morning in September 2023.

The Aztecs conducted ritual sacrifices often, offering 400 different animal species to their gods. ... One animal of particular importance in ancient Teotihuacán was the golden eagle.

The ancient tale seems particularly relevant nowadays; Eslava maintains: “We are experiencing enormous pollution worldwide, and many species are becoming extinct.