My name is Javier Labrador, a wildlife photographer originally from Cuba, now living in South Florida. I came here a few years ago and immediately fell in love with this place — its light, its silence, and the incredible wildlife that still thrives around us.

Since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by nature and the wild world. When I discovered the Everglades , I knew I had found something truly unique — a living, breathing ecosystem that deserves to be seen, understood, and protected.

I created Coloring the Everglades, a bilingual coloring book and educational project, to help children reconnect with nature. Many kids today grow up surrounded by screens and games, missing the wonder that’s just outside their door. Through my photos, videos, and books, I bring them closer to that world — inviting them to color, learn, and explore.

This project was born from a deep desire to inspire the next generation to love and protect the wild places that make Florida so special.

I also want to thank Go Gutti,  Yoyo Adventure, and Claudia Conde for their incredible support and for joining me on many of the adventures that led to finding the animals featured in this book. They are all talented wildlife photographers whose work I deeply admire.