Bad Bunny Speaks Out Against Tourists Who Killed Endangered Coquí Frogs in Puerto Rico

Published: May 30, 2025

Reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny has taken a stand against tourists who bragged about killing endangered Coquí frogs in Puerto Rico. The incident sparked outrage and backlash from Puerto Ricans, who consider the frogs an iconic symbol of their culture and wildlife.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, responded to the controversy by sharing a cryptic message on Instagram Stories. He posted a black screen featuring a drawn-out version of his song "Qué Le Pasó a Hawaii" from his latest album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos. The song features the croak of the Coquí frog in the background.

Tourists' Disrespectful Act Sparks Outrage

The controversy began when a tourist posted on Reddit about spraying something at their Airbnb to quiet them down. This act is not only disrespectful to the local culture but also illegal, as the Coquí guajón is a species under federal protection.

Puerto Rican content creators quickly pushed back against the tourists' actions, calling them out for being disrespectful to both local culture and native wildlife. Many locals expressed their frustration, saying "If you don't like the Coquí, maybe Puerto Rico isn't the place for you."

Bad Bunny's Powerful Response

Bad Bunny's Instagram post was more than just a response to the tourists' actions. It was a powerful stand for his home, Puerto Rico, and its people. In his song "Qué Le Pasó a Hawaii," he warns against over-tourism and outside investments that chip away at Puerto Rico's identity.

In the song, he sings, "They want to take the river and the beach away from me ... They want my grandma gone." The Coquí's croak echoes briefly in the background, symbolizing the island's vulnerable wildlife.

Bad Bunny's short film, which accompanies his album, features a visual love letter to Puerto Rico, with a frog mascot that reinforces what's at stake.

A Symbol of Home

For many Puerto Ricans, the Coquí isn't just a frog; it's home. Bad Bunny's Instagram post managed to remind the world of that.