Rare Discovery: Ancient Horse & Giant Sloth Fossils Found in Yucatán Cenote

Fossils of a terrestrial giant sloth and prehistoric horses have been uncovered in the Dzombakal cenote, a sinkhole located in the San Antonio Mulix cenote complex in Umán, Yucatán. This site is approximately 49 kilometers from Mérida. The discovery was made by professional cave divers, Arnaldo Marruco and Cristian Selún, in August 2023.

This find marks the first official record of this species in Yucatán, although similar fossils have been discovered in other areas of the Yucatán Peninsula. According to Cristian Selún, the discovered remains were compared with those of another giant sloth found in Quintana Roo. Once the authenticity of the fossils was verified, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) was informed, and the site was subsequently registered as protected.

The paleontological analysis suggests that the giant sloth fossil dates back to the late Pleistocene era, estimated to be between 6,000 and 7,000 years old. The discovery was made 20 meters below the surface, with the first piece identified being a large vertebra.

In addition to the giant sloth remains, 14 bone elements of prehistoric horses, belonging to the species Equus conversidens, were found. These horse fossils are estimated to be between 7,000 and 10,000 years old. The INAH has certified the discovery, highlighting its significance for the study of prehistoric fauna in the Yucatán Peninsula.