Joel A. Bartsch is a longtime institutional leader who holds responsibilities as CEO with the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS). One of the unique aspects of the museum Joel A. Bartsch guides is the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which inhabits its own glass pyramid and was for many years home to the HMNS’ unofficial iguana mascot Charro.
Unfortunately, the iguana passed away in May 2022. Known for lounging on his “throne” (an air conditioning vent), Charro would get out and about at night, snacking on Pentas flowers. He was also known for his ability to chase other males away during mating season. As described by the butterfly center’s manager, he was “intermittently grumpy or spicy” and “gave really good side-eye,” which she attributes to Charro’s facial structure more than anything.
Charro mellowed with age and took on a late career as a thespian, starting with donning a unicorn hat. From there, he progressed to roles as a Boy Scout, Yoda, an entomologist (butterfly collector), and even Juan Valdez, the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation’s ambassador. After retiring to warm baths and fresh salad at the back of the center in 2021, the celebrity iguana put in a holiday appearance as Charro Clause, wearing a scarf and festive hat.
The average iguana has a lifespan of between 12 to 15 years, and Charro passed all expectations by dying in his sleep just after his 23rd birthday. He left behind him a worthy successor in Nacho, who now presides over the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
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