It’s Party Time for Predators at the Belize Zoo!

The Belize Zoo recently celebrated two important milestones, with a fantastic “Predator Party” for Junior Buddy the Jaguar’s sixth birthday and Panama the Harpy Eagle’s tenth birthday. To mark the occasions, zoo officials invited children from La Democracia Pre-School and the Infant Two class from the Howard Smith School in Benque Viejo del Carman to join in the celebration and learn more about the contribution of these apex predators to the health of the forest.

 Environmental Educator Jamal Andrewin-Bohn shared information on wildlife conservation with the children and, as a special treat, gave them an up-close encounter with Lucky Boy, the black jaguar whose rescue by the zoo and return to good health in its care has captured the hearts of people all over Belize and beyond. All in all, it was another great day at the “Best Little Zoo in the World!”

Watch this wonderful video to learn more about the Predator Party and to hear Sharon Matola and Jama Andrewin-Bohn discuss two of our favorite predators! Party on!

 

The Eagle Has Landed

Sharon recently shared the following . . . 

Zoo officials were very happy to have been contacted by Mrs. Gina Zabaneh a short while back. She had opened her Eagle’s Landing restaurant, on the Western Highway, just to the east of the Garden City, Belmopan. The roomy and airy dining spot features Belizean cuisine delights.And the restaurant symbol, chosen some time ago, was a Bald Eagle.

Since the Harpy Eagle is a bird proudly living in Belize, Gina wanted to alter the eagle image a bit, creating a local bird representative for Eagle’s Landing. We were more than happy to help! For starters, two posters of “Panama”, the hero Harpy Eagle at The Belize Zoo, were presented to Eagle’s Landing.

Next, Education Officer Jamal Andrewin “re-eagled” the restaurant menu.The Harpy Eagle proudly invites guests to view the menu  with our handsome Harpy overlooking the pages. The food is great Belizean fare! Having a Harpy Eagle introduce each meal is a proud reminder that these birds, native to our Belize and very uncommon, will benefit from as much publicity as possible.

A slight change to the menu, however! Rather than offering “eagle wings” and “eagle tidbits” to hungry restaurant visitors, Mr. Andrewin slightly altered this, to “eco-eagle wings” and companion appetizer, “eco-eagle tidbits”. “Panama “ would most definitely appreciate those minor changes.

On Sunday, the 22^nd of September, The Eagle’s Landing is having a “Family Day”. And for all patrons, after enjoying their Eagle’s Landing meal, and then travelling a bit further east to The Best Little Zoo in the World,  and showing a receipt from Family day at Eagle’s Landing Restaurant, will be welcomed into the zoo for no charge. What a fine dessert, and such a fun way to celebrate our country’s Independence!

Education Officer Jamal isn’t stopping there. He wants Mrs. Gina Zabaneh to come to the zoo, meet “Panama“ the Harpy Eagle, and have a photograph taken so that she can proudly display this in Eagle’s Landing Restaurant.

So, please, move aside, Bald Eagle!  THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!  

ZOO-SPEAK!! SAN IGNACIO and the BLISS THEATRE

Sharon Matola recently shared this article she submitted to The Reporter newspaper in Belize. Enjoy!

Recent days have seen important messages shared with many, coming straight from the heart of The Belize Zoo. Education Officer, Jamal Andrewin, spent a day at the grand science fair event at Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio. Besides showing an attractive display of his work involving the extremely rare harpy eagle, Jamal also had a colorful large poster showing the Central Biological Corridor, and some of the animals who call this important area their home. Developed by the Forest Department, this same poster, featuring our gorgeous puma, “Carlos”, is always on display by our puma exhibit.

Jamal also gave a presentation to high school students, detailing some of the zoo’s important conservation work, which is soon to be “out and about”. His continued excitement about an idea he developed and is now taking to our top leaders in government was also brought to all’s attention. The idea? Every 27^th of April is World Tapir Day. Brought forward by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature { IUCN), and the Tapir Specialist Group, the objective of World Tapir Day is to see that this bit of recognition assists in heightening awareness about all four extant species of tapirs.

Taking the idea to focus upon our Jewel, Jamal has proposed that on each 27^th of April in Belize, we celebrate National Tapir Day. Our National Animal would be highly focused upon, and this kind of attention would work to see that the tapirs in Belize, always will enjoy protection and respect. National Tapir Day would definitely be a boost in ensuring that our mountain cows live on, for future generations.

While Jamal was sharing his conservation initiatives with students in San Ignacio, “Happy” the owl was having fun doing the same thing at the Bliss Theatre in Belize City. As part of the extended, “Festival for the Arts”, “Happy” joined his pre-school friends from La Democracia, on stage, as they shared with the audience, a song they know and sing so well. The fun tune is called, “Happy the Barn Owl”.

These same children have watched “Happy” grow from a rather untidy-looking chick, into a beautiful young barn owl. The pre-schoolers also know that barn owls eat more mice and rats than any other animal on the planet. This message was strongly sung out to their audience at the Bliss.

“Happy” particularly enjoys the last line in his cheery tune. “Happy’s born in Belize, Protect his Species, PLEASE! ‘Cause he’s a B-A-R-N BARN OWL!!!!”

Bringing important conservation messages into public light, in a fun and entertaining manner, is great fun for The Belize Zoo staff, whether or not they have feathers!

happy the owl

... from Sharon

Happy the Owl is a juvenile barn owl, brought to The Belize Zoo as part of a trio of baby owls. The other two were much larger and far more aggressive in nature. "Happy" will become an important education raptor.

Many people in Belize believe that the barn owl is the "bird of evil" and they are frequently destroyed. It is the objective ofour "Owl Pal" program to let everyone know that barn owls are beneficial to the environment, and in fact, eat more rats than any other animal on the planet. "Happy" has already been to one school, and has charmed students and teachers.

We look forward to more successful "Happy" events, and this will work towards a more positive profile for all barn owls in Belize.

BARN OWL AMBASSADORS ROCK LOVE FM!

From Sharon, in Belize:

The Love FM Morning Show, very popular in our country, hosted two special visitors recently. Little Guy and Jolley, young barn owls who call The Belize Zoo their home, were guests on this live broadcast. Zoo officials were just a lee bit nervous about a “reality tv appearance”. True, LG and Jolley have done their fair share of travels. Meeting and greeting kids in schools in Placencia and Maya Centre seemed to please both curious birds. But a tv studio? With bright lights and cool temperatures, strange noises and big cameras! How would the two barn owls react?

Education Officer Jamal Andrewin began the program by noting that Little Guy and Jolley were wild animals, and therefore, their tv appearance behaviour would be unpredictable. With that introduction “under wing”, in came Little Guy and Jolley, safely stowed away in their official BARN OWLS ROCK “Bye Bye Box” The Love FM hosts, Ms Ava Diaz-Sosa and Ms. Carmen Barrow, were all smiles as the owls hopped from their travel box, and then quickly flew upon an awaiting perch.

Let the show begin! It was impossible to hold onto the old time myth that Belize Barn Owls are the “Bird of Evil” and the “Bird of Death”, when Little Guy quickly accepted a kiss on the head from his “alpha owl buddy”, Sharon Matola. Then, he peacefully sat alongside female barn owl Jolley, as questions filled the air. Jamal was most eager to answer, WHAT DO THEY EAT? The Barn Owl, has a range everywhere in the world except for arctic and desert regions, and EVERYWHERE in the world, they hunt and eat RATS with zest. RATS!! Jamal pointed out that there is no other animal on the entire planet that eats more rats than a barn owl.

In Belize, barn owls live in secluded areas within urban zones, and this makes sense, as this type of Owl territory always includes plenty rodents to feast upon. In Belmopan City, there is a colony of barn owls who call the high palm trees behind the main market square, their home sweet home. How sensible of them! Nearby is the market and within the market, certainly live and breed our not-so-welcome furry citizen, the Charlie Price.

In some parts of the barn owl’s range, the situation is far different. Due to loss of habitat, and reduction of nesting sites, barn owls are on a strong decrease in many areas throughout the world. The Owl Pal program, starring Little Guy and Jolley, is working to ensure that barn owls are seen as beloved members of our society. Forget this “Bird of Evil” myth! BARN OWLS ROCK!!

Many barn owl facts were shared that morning on Love FM, and Little Guy and Jolley seemed quite at ease, well, nearly! Little Guy showed all that one of his favourite places to perch was on top of Sharon Matola’s zoo cap. And Jolley, just as the show ended, showed off her flying abilities and did a quick flight in front of Ms Ava and Ms Carmen. Thanks to the Love FM Morning Show, hundreds of people throughout Belize learned that Barn Owls are good birds to have living in Belize, and deserve to be protected for our future generations. Little Guy and Jolley are supreme Ambassadors for their species, and they welcome “up close and personal visits” at their home in the Best Little Zoo in the World.

Barn Owls Rock!

Little Guy and Jolley rock out with Sharon!

LITTLE GUY AND JOLLEY GO TO SCHOOL!

From Sharon . . .

Still considered to be “nestlings,” Barn Owl Ambassadors Little Guy and Jolley have begun visiting schools, bringing exciting information to kids about their species. The barn owl is one very incredible bird. They are so unique, and are separated from the “typical owls”. Barn owls do not HOOT, their call is more of a low HISSSS and they make a variety of vocalizations, which would cause an eyebrow to raise along with this thought: “WHAT IN THE WORLD IS MAKING THAT SOUND?”

Such strange “barn owl speak,” has given them an unfair reputation. “Evil” and “Bird of Death” are commonly attached to the barn owl profile in Belize. In the book, If Di Pin NeVa Ben, Folktales and Legends of Belize, the barn owl, or “Soch,” has this written to describe it: “The Soch is a diabolical bird. You know that it is near when you hear that terrible sound: “GUACH!!”….when you hear that horrible sound over your house at night, you know someone is going to die”.

The call of the barn owl may indicate something indeed is going to die, however, the doomed is not a person, but a RAT! Barn owls eat more rats than any other animal on the planet. Years ago, our Animal Management Supervisor, Tony Garel, would visit barn owl roosts and collect their food pellets. By doing this, Tony could see just what the owls were feasting upon. 100 percent of their casted pellets consisted of the same prey: Charlie Price! They have excellent vision, both for day and night time, and are on a constant hunt for a juicy rat to feast upon.

Unlike the typical owls, the barn owl will roost in groups. In Belize, they are found in the rafters of old buildings, holes in trees, and quiet, tucked away places. They are found all over the world, except for desert and arctic regions. In many places, barn owls are becoming extremely rare. It has been noted that they are likely to be gone forever in England within 10 years. In parts of their United States range, they are undergoing a serious decline. Barn owl ambassadors Little Guy and Jolley want to change the way people in Belize feel about their species. Mr. Max Torres in Orange Walk, rescued Little Guy and Jolley, after they had been discovered in the rafters of a building. Instead of being killed, the owl babies were given to the zoo. Zoo Director and owl fan, Sharon Matola, quickly saw that the Barn Owl Ambassador program quickly took shape.

Little Guy and Jolley have already made star performances at Hummingbird Elementary School in Belize City. They make weekly calls to La Democracia pre school, where the students closely monitor their growth and sing to them their “barn owl song.” Each week, the pre-schoolers learn a new fact about their barn owl buddies. Little Guy and Jolley are excellent barn owl ambassadors, and will see that their exquisite species will attain an owl profile so very well-deserved: The barn owl is a special treasure for Belize. Protect them !

Baby Barn Owls at TBZ!

Check out these two baby barn owls, rescued just before Valentine's Day last month. Nearly missing a disastrous ending, they will be raised to be stellar ambassadors for their species. Barn owls are ultra persecuted in these parts...and that can change.

The owls were part of a 5 owlet clutch. A man in Orange Walk saw people standing around them, they had just been "evicted" from their roost, and were going to be "cancelled". Max Torres rescued them. He and his children cared for them for a short spell, saw that they needed more care than what they could provide, contacted me via Facebook. I jumped at the chance to have the owls. Barn Owls are feared in many places in Belize due to their unusual vocalizations, and "ghost like" looks...So Jolley and Little Guy are destined to be 4 Star Ambassadors for all barn owls.

soaring success for harpies

The following is an excerpt from the January 2011 Newsletter of The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center:

While it was tough for The Belize Zoo’s famous Harpy Eagle, “Panama” to accept the fact that his 8th birthday celebration had to be postponed due to a windy visitor called Hurricane Richard, many exciting events are currently flying high for the Harpies of Belize. And this is good news for these regal eagles! The more the word is out and about, the more information flying forward about the Harpy, the better their chances are for a guaranteed future in the wild.

What’s the current scoop on the Harpy Eagle? To begin, our superb Belize Philatelic Society re-issued the ENDANGERED BIRDS OF BELIZE stamp issue, which features the Harpy Eagle on the 60 cent stamp. Lots of Harpies fly beyond the borders of Belize, thanks to this beautiful eagle-stamp.

A professor from the University of North Carolina, Dr. James Rotenberg frequently brings his University students to study natural history in the Bladen Nature Reserve, basing his work at Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) Dr. Rotenberg is an ornithologist. His past years have been spent gathering data about the Harpy Eagle, both from the Bladen NR, and also from the Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program, BHERP. This Data has been transformed into a beautifully written scientific address, and submitted to the Journal of Raptor Biology.

Many people in the academic world will now learn about the unique situation in Belize involving our Harpy Eagle residents. Noted local ornithologist, Roni Martinez, has in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Roni’s important sighting underscores the fact that the Harpy Eagle is utilizing the various forest habitats of Belize, and our country’s largest raptor continues to draw attention and keen interest.

Back at The Belize Zoo, a puppet show has been developed. The show stars “Hope” the Harpy Eagle, and his Jaguar companion, “Lucky”. They both teach kids about the important role top predators play in maintaining a healthy biological diversity within the forests of our country. The show will be taken to schools and communities in the upcoming 2011 school year.

These combined efforts will work to ensure that the Harpy Eagle will be a beloved citizen in Belize for years to come. We soar!!

Remember to visit The Belize Zoo website at: www.belizezoo.org.

a night for harpy eagles

The following is an excerpt from the January 2011 Newsletter of The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center:

Since Jungle Training is very much a part of the British Army Base(BATSUB) profile at the Price Barracks in Ladyville, it only seemed fitting that “JUNGLE NIGHT” would occur with a jungle bird in mind. The Harpy Eagle enclosures at The Belize Zoo stood and shook during Hurricane Richard, and, fortunately for the harpies, remained standing! But it was clear to all that improvements to these important harpy homes
had to happen.

The caring people at BATSUB designed a JUNGLE NIGHT aimed at bringing in much needed funds, so that necessary repairs at the Zoo could happen as quickly as possible. What a night! It was hard to recognize familiar faces. People became animal characters and were fitting in well amidst the converted lounge-to-jungle- scene. Palm leaves disguised cement, sawdust gave the floor a bit of a tropical forest feel, and Scarlet Macaws, monkeys, tiger cats, a giant lizard, and even a sea turtle, cavorted around the re-invented jungle lounge.

Funds were raised by an auction of delights. There were overnight stays at fine Belize lodges, books written by Zoo Director Sharon Matola, and our beloved local brew, Belikin beer, was a highly sought-after prize. The audience was enthusiastically urged on by BFBS station manager, Neil Skinner. Neil showed everyone that he is not just a four star broadcaster, but a topnotch auctioneer, as well!

Good news! Fixing up the two enclosures currently housing “Da Queen,” the female Harpy Eagle, and our famous “Panama,” her Harpy Eagle companion, is not the only project to benefit from the success of JUNGLE NIGHT. Zoo officials are using the opportunity to link “Harpy-ville” into a new lookout platform, too. Thanks to JUNGLE NIGHT, visitors will soon be viewing our fabulous Harpy Eagles and then, walking high above the zoo pathway, to have a fun look at Harpy Eagle prey, too! The Kinkajou, or “nightwalker,” is a much sought-after food item for a Harpy Eagle living in our Belizean forests.

The Zoo’s innovative approach to wildlife education will burst forward with this impressive new addition. JUNGLE NIGHT, and the efforts expressed by the kind people of BATSUB, not just shows how much the spirit of The Belize Zoo touches the spirit of our caring public, but especially, during this time of the year, expresses the fine human spirit of providing joy and giving unselfishly. This is the very true spirit of the Holiday Season, and will radiate a happy start into the coming New Year. JUNGLE NIGHT we applaud you!

Remember to visit The Belize Zoo website at: www.belizezoo.org.

we like our new home

The following is another excerpt from the January 2011 Newsletter for The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center:

Before Hurricane Richard visited The Belize Zoo on the 24th of October, our beautiful King Vultures stood proudly in their tree-ful exhibit, amazing all visitors with their majestic manner.

A crushed and thoroughly demolished exhibit caused their necessary removal to the off-site area of the Zoo, and these re-located and confused King Vultures would greet our staff everyday, cackling loudly. We could only believe that this was their way of saying, “Hey! What’s going on?”

A lot was going on! With the fine help of USA Special Forces, their damaged home was torn down. A team of workers, under zoo direction, began to re-construct “Vulture-ville”. And a five-star habitat steadily rose from the rubble.

Tony Garel, with his talented vision, saw that an ancient breeding tube was transformed into a waterfall. And how appropriate. Belize is the one country in Central America where the beautiful King Vulture can still be seen in the wild. Where? King Vulture Falls in the Mountain Pine Ridge is a site where these big and colorful birds live and breed.

Being the third largest vulture in the world, their presence always causes a slight gasp from any observer. What needs to be remembered is that they are not only big and beautiful, but they are also rare. Having the King Vulture greet the Zoo public is a significant testimony to the special wildlife which still calls Belize, “home”.

When The Belize Zoo re-opened on Wednesday, the 1st day of December, the King Vultures STILL had not been introduced into their new home.

Last minute fine-tuning was necessary; a perch here, a plant over there. The furniture still had not been adequately re-arranged to the satisfaction of Zoo officials.

What happened next? After the opening ceremony ended, all attendees followed Zoo Director Sharon Matola, stating that they were going to experience a historic moment in Zoo history. Rex, Sally and son, Perfecto, were about to enter their new post-Hurricane Richard territory. Would they like it? Would they accept the change readily?

With all eyes upon them, the King Vultures flight cages were carefully placed into the new exhibit. The doors opened...and one by one, they cautiously stepped out. Each looked around,looked up and then, as if by cue, flew onto the perches facing public view. Did they look pleased? As cameras snapped and people applauded, Rex, Sally and Perfecto looked around and truly seemed to be putting a “vulture stamp of approval” upon their new home.

Remember to visit The Belize Zoo website at: www.belizezoo.org.

Up Close and Personal with the Endangered Scarlet Macaw

It is an unforgettable experience! Visitors to the zoo can now stand mere inches away from one of the rarest birds in the world – the Scarlet Macaw. These two lively youngsters were hatched at the zoo in May 2009. Mom and Dad Macaw lacked the natural knowledge in rearing the babes, so zoo personnel took over that important job.

Next step? A hand-raised Scarlet Macaw is not suitable for release into the wild. In nature, they spend up to two years with the parent birds, learning which trees to feed from, nest in, and how to avoid predators – a complex menu of behavior strategies! It would also be a difficult maneuver to introduce the youngsters to the adult foursome of Scarlet Macaws who reside nearby the zoo’s entry. These are birds who are serious about establishing their territory. And two “fresh faces” would result in some degree of conflict Taking all of this into consideration, Zoo officials worked daily with “Charlie” and “Hilario” and saw to it that they became “visitor friendly”.

Now, Zoo guests, accompanied by a zookeeper, can enter the living space of “Charlie” and “Hilario” and stand close to these beautiful birds, study the colours of their feathers, watch their “sibling interactions”, feed them, and of course, take photos with these two bright red beauties. The Scarlets, used to human companionship since their entry into the world, enjoy the “Close Encounter” as much as their guests, and the event results in happy birds and happy bird-visitors.

Standing next to “Charlie” and “Hilario”, Belizean visitors are often told that, less than 30 years ago, Scarlet Macaws would occasionally be seen flying down the Macal River towards the Hawksworth Bridge! The numbers of Scarlet Macaws in Belize have decreased significantly since those days.

The Chalillo Dam project, which destroyed so much of their important home-habitat, combined with increased poaching of the birds from illegal incursions, has readily guaranteed that the only easy-to-see Scarlet Macaw in Belize, is at the Best Little Zoo in the World. Come and marvel at these amazingly beautiful birds. They love the company!

Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program Update #10

BELIZE HARPY EAGLE RESTORATION PROGRAM

From BHERP Coordinator, Sharon Matola. matola@belizezoo.org

The fifteenth Harpy Eagle for release into the forests of Belize arrived to our country from Panama, on Friday 5 December 2009. This five year old male was given the name, “Hope,” and for a good reason. Our release efforts with “Hope” were all tied into the urgent issue of Climate Change. The concept is simple: Reducing the negative impacts of Climate Change can happen if forest habitat is protected. Keeping forests intact cuts down on carbon emissions. Scientific research has repeatedly shown that carbon emissions, over the years, have definitely modified our climate. And not in a positive manner!

So, if we protect, manage and govern these remaining forests, our lives and the lives of our children stand to benefit from such vital and sound strategies. Ensuring that this important habitat remains in a healthy condition will also provide a future in the wild for the magnificent Harpy Eagle. Definitely a “Win-Win” situation!!

Having “Hope” arrive to Belize from Panama presented a hard challenge. The former “Harpy Eagle Express” air carrier recently downsized its aircraft and announced that it would no longer fly live animals. Well, “Hope” fit into that category, and none of our pleas resulted in a change of their “No-Animals-No-More” policy…..it was FedEx Express who came to “Hope’s” rescue!

Believing in the importance of the program, officials from FedEx met and agreed to fly “Hope” from Panama to Guatemala City on a commercial carrier. Then, when “Hope” and his escort, Angel Muela of The Peregrine Fund arrived to Guatemala City, they would board a charter airplane for their final destination: Belize!!

But there was a hurdle to overcome…… The flight kennel carrying “Hope” was unable to fit into the aircraft. What could now happen in order to see that “Hope” travelled onwards to his new home in Belize?

Angel Muela carefully held “Hope” in his lap for the two-hour flight! With a cover over the massive raptor’s head and Angel holding his talons, the unusual crew landed in Belize late on a Friday afternoon. Yes! We were just a little stunned when they climbed out of the aircraft, Angel carrying “Hope” with much concentrated care and attention.

“Hope” then remained quietly in quarantine at The Belize Zoo until his scheduled release on Monday, the 14th of December. Our flying heroes, the Belize Defence Force (BDF) Air wing, under the command of Col. Ganney Dortch, saw that “Hope” and his entourage were flown to Blue Creek. The US Ambassador and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Vinai Thummalapally, the British High Commissioner, Mr. Pat Ashworth, and cinematographers, Richard and Carol Foster, Humberto Wohlers, Animal Management Supervisor at The Belize Zoo, and Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program Coordinator, Sharon Matola, all accompanied “Hope” to Blue Creek. A large crowd awaited their arrival.

Edilberto Romero, Director of Programme for Belize (PfB), and top-notch PfB officials, Vladimir and Rudy and even 10 month-old Eddie Romero were among the enthusiastic welcoming committee. Students from the Blue Creek schools were there to greet “Hope”, as was the entire Community Council, led by Mayor Abe Froese.

The USA Ambassador and the British High Commissioner joined together to present a plaque to Mayor Abe, complete with an inscribed image of a Harpy Eagle, thanking the entire community for their support on behalf of this important conservation work. Next came a presentation to Mrs. Daphne Dyck, one of the school principals in Blue Creek. Zoo Environmental Educator, Mr. Jamal Andrewin, presented a framed photo of “Panama” the Harpy Eagle to Mrs. Dyck, thanking her and all of the students for their high-interest in the Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program.

Then, off to the release site in Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area! Within the hour, all were positioned for the final and most important part of the day: The release of “Hope” the Harpy Eagle into his new home: The forested landscape of Rio Bravo.

Mayor Abe Froese and PfB’s Eddie Romero together opened the kennel door. “Hope” was out in a flash! He immediately flew up into a nearby tree, and pooped in the direction of the crowd! Then, after seemingly “getting his bearings” for about ten minutes, “Hope” flew off, leaving his very happy well wishers far behind.

Following a most-magnificent luncheon prepared by the Blue Creek Community, all were treated to yet another great event commemorating the day. Skydiver-Supreme-Team , Andy and Colin, flew into the upper atmosphere with ace pilot Abe, and jumped from 5,000 feet to say a HAPPY “HOPE” RELEASE DAY TO ALL!!!

“Hope” the Harpy Eagle will be tracked by satellite telemetry and his whereabouts will be shared with all.

The Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program, BHERP, sincerely extends thanks to the following for helping to make the release of “Hope the Harpy Eagle” such a successful event:

- The Government of Belize, Ministry of Natural Resources

- Belize Agriculture/Health Authority, BAHA

- FedEx Express

- The Peregrine Fund

- Programme for Belize and La Milpa field station

- The Belize Defence Force, BDF Airwing

- The entire Community of Blue Creek

- The staff of The Belize Zoo

- The British High Commission

- The United States Embassy

- Cinematographers, Carol and Richard Foster

- Channel 7 and Channel 5 Television/Belize

Angel Muela gingerly transports Hope to TBZ
Hope waits in quarantine off site at TBZ . . . Hope with prison guard escortCarefully boarding the planeAll aboard!Flying over good Harpy habitat . . . Welcoming crew on ground at Blue Creek

Principal Daphne Dyck and TBZ educator Jamal AndrewinMayor Abe Forese accepts plaque from the British High Commissioner and the USA AmbassadorHumberto Wohlers and Harpy Placard for the Ministry of Natural Resources
The release! Hope is free to fly...Hope flew to a nearby tree...Skydivers celebrate the release!Pfb Edilberto Romero and son Eddie

Panama the Harpy Eagle Celebrates His 7th Birthday!

It was a special day at The Belize Zoo! Balloons and posters decorated the area where “Panama” the Harpy Eagle calls home, and some very special visitors were on hand to sing him his Happy song!

Seven years have passed since “Panama” was hatched in the country of Panama. He was to be part of the important Harpy Eagle Restoration Program, a vital project aiming to put Harpy Eagles back into the forests of Central America.

These beautiful raptors, top predators in the tropical forests, are considered to be “nearly extinct” in Central America. And this vital program seeks to re-establish their important presence.

However, when “Panama” hatched in late 2002, it was noted that his left eye was seriously

damaged from this “exit- the- egg” action! And due to this unfortunate hatch-incident, the Harpy chick was unable to be released into the wild. So, the baby eagle was given to The Belize Zoo as an “education ambassador for his species,” and his presence at the “Best Little Zoo in the World,” has been nothing short of ultra-magnificent!

Named “Panama,” to recall his birthplace, this charismatic bird-of-prey has alerted thousands to the important role his species plays in tropical forest ecology. Children call him by name, and he readily responds! Chirping and opening his massive wings, “Panama” obviously enjoys sharing time with his many visitors.

This year, the children from the local pre-school of La Democracia, arrived to the zoo ready to sing him his birthday song. They were accompanied by Mrs. Barbara Thummalapally, the wife of the USA Ambassador to Belize, Mr. Vinai Thummalapally. Affectionately called “Miss Barbara” by the pre-schoolers, she, herself a teacher, was keen to note the important role that “Panama” plays in bringing to all a greater awareness about our Belizean environment.

“Seeing “Panama” the Harpy Eagle leads to falling in love with him!” Yes, indeed! And saving his

species in the wild means that we must protect and respect these rare raptors, and work to ensure that their forest home remains in a healthy state for years to come. Happy Birthday, “Panama”!!

Two Ambassadors for Climate Change

The Belize Zoo recently received a visit from our newly appointed USA Ambassador, Mr. Vinai Thummapalay. Ambassador Thummapalay has the issue of climate change high on his agenda, and realizes that the nation of Belize will be affected by this ongoing event. Recent reports show that within the upcoming decade, the profile of Belize will change significantly due to climate change.

Keeping in pace with this concern, The Belize Zoo has noted research accomplished thus far. Important studies state that in order to reduce the negative impacts of climate change, forest habitat must be kept in good and sound condition. Keep forest standing, and there will be less bad impact from climate change.

Fitting in with this vital environmental philosophy is The Belize Zoo effort aimed towards restoring the magnificent Harpy Eagle back into our remaining forests. These large raptors require expansive tracts of forest for hunting and sustaining their species. It has been found that the Harpy Eagles released into the forests of Rio Bravo in northwestern Belize, through the Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program, travel great distances within the forests of our nation.

They can’t survive without bush, and lots of it! Ambassador Thummapalay was thrilled to “meet and greet” The Belize Zoo Ambassador for Climate Change: “Panama” the Harpy Eagle.

The Ambassador clearly saw that the nature of a Harpy Eagle does not match a “first impression!” This is a big, big bird who certainly looks fierce, but most definitely has a gentle demeanor. “Panama” happily accepted food from his new Ambassador friend. What fun! Also, what a special time to consider that one common goal, keeping tropical forest intact, will work to benefit both people and Harpy Eagles.

If our tropical forests remain healthy and strong, ALL species will benefit! The Belize Zoo says a happy Thank You to both Ambassador Thummapalay and Ambassador “Panama” for the good work they both do in sharing these important messages with everyone.

We've been busy!

TBZblog is sorry for the recent lack of posts, but we've been very busy! Sharon is preparing for the upcoming Harpy Eagle release set for 18 October, 2009, and her upcoming visit to the U.S., during which she will participate in a "big cat conference" and give presentations at SUNY Cortland, Cornell University, and Alfred University.

On the Cortland end we've been busy preparing for Sharon's visit, and will soon do a post about the schedule of events that are open to the public during her end-of-October visit. In the meantime, new readers of TBZblog might want to check out some older posts from our archives, especially the profiles of favorite Belize Zoo animals such as Junior Buddy the Jaguar, or the descriptions of the all the exciting things there are to do in Belize if you stay at TBZ's Tropical Education Center.


In case you can make it to the Harpy Eagle Release, here are the details:

¨ A MAGICAL EVENT IS PLANNED FOR SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING “RELEASE INTO THE WILD” OF “HOPE” THE HARPY EAGLE

¨ RENOWNED MAGICIAN GRAHAM JOLLEY IS COMING TO KICK OFF THIS SPECTACULAR RELEASE!

¨ JOIN US AND SHARE THE JOY OF OUR BELIZE HARPY EAGLE RESTORATION PROGRAM’S CONSERVATION MAGIC!!!

WHEN: SUNDAY 18TH OF OCTOBER 2009
WHERE: JAGUAR PAW RESORT
TIME: 6:00 PM
FOOD AND DRINKS AND MAGIC!!!!!

¨ Sponsored by Jaguar Paw and the Belize Zoo in an effort aimed at calling attention to the issue of Climate Change.
¨ The negative impacts of Climate Change can be reduced if our forests are saved, not destroyed….AND “HOPE” THE HARPY EAGLE AND HIS SPECIES NEED HEALTHY FORESTS TO SURVIVE INTO THE FUTURE TOO!!

The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center
P.O. Box 1787
Belize City
Belize, Central America

Bruce Barcott Wins Literary Activism Prize

Reposted from: Mediabistro.com

"Bruce Barcott Wins Literary Activism Prize
By Jason Boog on Sep 24, 2009 12:23 PM

Author Bruce Barcott has won the inaugural, bi-annual Gene E. & Adele R. Malott Prize for Recording Community Activism. Barcott will receive a $1500 prize and an additional $1,000 will be donated to support community activism.

According to the release, Langum Charitable Trust, an Alabama-based private operating foundation, gave the prize for Barcott's book, 'The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One Woman's Fight to Save the World's Most Beautiful Bird.' The trust also administers two other writing prizes: the David J. Langum, Sr. Prize in American Historical Fiction and the David J. Langum, Sr. Prize in American Legal History or Biography.

Here's a statement from David J. Langum, Sr., from the release: 'Barcott's book exemplifies the journalistic values which Gene and Adele Malott wanted to encourage and recognize. The book gives the reader a deeper understanding of the spirit of the activist, and the dedication it takes to fight for a cause.' "

young Scarlet Macaws to be in TBZ very soon!

Meet "Charlie" and "Hilario," two Scarlet Macaws who hatched right here at TBZ in mid-May. They are "people-loving parrots," and we are fixing a beautiful enclosure just for them and also, planning to have them accessible to the public. In this way, "close up and personal" experience with the birds will enhance the education impact.

Bye Bye Bat Falcons!

From Sharon . . .

Many times, at The Belize Zoo, if possible, we release animals, fit for a life in our forests, back into the wild. Recently, an Anteater (antsbear) received was safely introduced into a happy Anteater habitat. In the past, TBZ has released Coatis and even a Jabiru stork.

Not that long ago, two Bat Falcons were given to the zoo. Initially, it was thought that a dedicated training period would result in their being a wonderful addition to the zoo’s exciting education program. However, the nature of the Bat Falcon is that they simply must fly!

Yes, they do perch, but their “falcon profile” sees that they soar high and dive quickly after prey. Favourite food items are bats, other birds, and insects. These little birds-of-prey are found in every habitat in Belize. Bat Falcons are often recorded here around the zoo, and considering all factors involved, it was decided to release the falcons into the surrounding wild habitat.

The zoo is located in the middle of a very large tract of forest, and this same forest is becoming known as an important “Jaguar Corridor”. What does this mean for the Bat Falcons? Simply, lots of territory to establish a home, and lots of prey available for them to keep fit and happy!

And how about when it is time to nest? Since the Bat Falcon is a common species in Belize, finding a mate won’t be a difficult task. Nesting sites include tree cavities, crevices in rocks, and even building ledges. Usually two Bat Falcon chicks are hatched, and leave their nestling-nest within a month.

The release of the two young Bat Falcons went very well. Gradually, the young birds were given prey outside of their holding enclosure. It was quick and remarkable! Taking the prey in their talons, off the falcons flew! Zoo staff continued to leave prey for them on their outside feeding platforms as a gradual measure of guaranteed dinner.

However, it appears that they have taken to the wild with ease. One of the falcons returns in the afternoons, and not every afternoon. When we hear the bird call, it is a happy addition to our day here.

Watching a bird-of-prey soar and dive in the wild is always an exciting event, and we are happy to add two more “raptor wonders” into the Belizean wilds!

We are in AWE!!! It's a BABY MACAW!!!

From Sharon . . .

THE BELIZE ZOO BECAME HAPPILY OVERWHELMED IN MID-MAY WHEN THE RESIDENT SCARLET MACAWS HATCHED 3 HEALTHY BABIES!!! The parents were bred in captivity about a decade ago. From the start of their love affair, it was clear that they were clueless about the process of Macaw-Mating.

Scarlet Macaws nest high off the ground, and the loving pair was provided with a four-star nestbox. But a high-rise honeymoon suite was not to their liking. These two raucous red parrots chose, instead, to nest on the ground.

TBZ keepers were frantic at their nest choice. Possums and foxes were possible unwelcome visitors, putting the birds and their eggs, at high risk. This happened during a time of unseasonable wet weather, and a drenched nest would easily result in a “no hatch situation.” But the Big Reds insisted that it would be on-the-ground or no love nest at all for them.

We did our very best to counter-act their risky nesting regime, and our efforts worked! Mid-May was a special spring event, when three Scarlet Macaws hatched! Due to Mom and Dad not knowing how to raise young, the babies were carefully taken and put under the care of TBZ keeper staff. Every two hours they were fed a baby bird formula, and tending to the birds on “Macaw Night Watch” turned TBZ staff into first class Scarlet Macaw infant caregivers. Day by day, the featherless tiny birds gained weight, and have grown to love their zookeeper buddies.

In the wild, the nestlings will remain in the nest for 3 months. After that, Mom and Dad Macaw will urge them to fledge, and then teach them the ways of being a wild Scarlet Macaw. Breeding these rare birds in captivity is not difficult. Seeing them return to the wild is not possible, because they do not know the necessary survival strategies for a safe existence “out there.”

Our baby Scarlet Macaws will eventually be joining Mom and Dad in their home roomy enclosure. located at the entrance of The Belize Zoo. Since they have been lovingly raised by TBZ keeper staff, the young macaws will enjoy the company of all upcoming human admirers. We haven’t named them as yet! But their names will reflect how very special they are to TBZ, and to Belize!!!!