I In the heart of the Sierra Madre Oriental of Mexico lies the captivating Sistema Calera cave, a karstic landscape formed from Cretaceous limestone. This cave has become the site of one of the most significant Pleistocene megafaunal discoveries in the region, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr. Luis Espinasa and our team of explorers. We were invited to assist in exploring the cave’s perilous flooded passages using our specialized drones (FIFISH Underwater Robots), fondly referred to as Robo-Teddy, to uncover fossils hidden in areas too dangerous for human divers.

Our expedition was initiated in the late winter of 2023 when we met Dr. Espinasa shared his remarkable finds. Despite extensive exploration in that region of Mexico, the true extent of the megafaunal remains in that area had not been fully realized. Armed with our trusty drones, we set out tin November of 2023 to traverse the cave’s flooded sections. Although initial attempts were hindered by tight passages, we soon uncovered a variety of significant fossils, including a mandible of an extinct bison and numerous other remains scattered across the cave floor.

On subsequent days, we continued our exploration, moving deeper into the cave and discovering even more awe-inspiring sights. In one particularly memorable moment, we encountered the “Dome of the Angels,” a stunning underwater scene teeming with thousands of mysid shrimp. Our Drones also led us to a series of fossilized bones, ranging from camelid remains to mega bison, each find adding to the excitement and success of our mission. These discoveries not only enriched our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems but also demonstrated the invaluable role of technology in modern exploration.

The highlight of our expedition was the recovery of a large fossilized claw from a giant sloth, and shell of a glyptodon, marking a triumphant conclusion to our initial exploration phase. Our work in Sistema Calera has significantly advanced the mapping of the cave and provided new insights into the region’s ancient fauna. As we plan future expeditions to dig even deeper, we invite others to join us in this extraordinary journey of discovery and preservation, ensuring that these incredible finds continue to enlighten and inspire for generations to come.

To learn more about our expedition to the cave in Mexico, be sure to watch Mike Sandone’s incredible documentary, “Crypt of the Megafauna,” which details our efforts so far. The video link is provided below.