Meet and Greet the Misunderstood

From Sharon . . . 

Three important Zoo Ambassadors journeyed to visit the “Eco-Kids Summer Camp” at Chaa Creek recently.   They met 23 kids and brought to the eager campers the zoo’s cool program, “Meet and Greet the Misunderstood”.     The program is very interactive.  In order to meet the first Ambassador, the one and only “Happy the Owl”, his song first had to be sung with “Elvis enthusiasm”.   The room rang out with Happy the Owl’s very own signature tune, and after three go-rounds, out popped “Happy the Owl”, proud to meet his young singing admirers.  “Happy” shared many Barn Owl facts.  What Barn Owls eat, what makes them able to fly silently, and also, the acute hearing level of a Barn Owl, was not ignored.  Barn Owls like “Happy” who live in northern climates, can detect the heartbeat of a mouse when it is three feet under the snow!

Then, each camper got the opportunity to meet “Happy” very close and give him one of his very favourite things:  A scratch on the beak.  Many of the eco-campers were familiar with the untrue and unkind reputation which has followed the Barn Owl throughout its range, including Belize.  It is believed by many that these beautiful birds are the “bird of misery and evil”, and represent bad luck.  To the contrary, as everyone learned that day from “Happy”, Barn Owls are such good friends!  Eating more rats and mice than any other animal on the planet surely makes them heroes, not villains.

After “Happy the Owl” said goodbye, out from her special carry-bag appeared “Rose”, the American crocodile.   A friendly crocodile?   Yes, she is, and also, a very good teacher about the important role her species plays in Belizean ecology.   Top predators, such as the American crocodile, work to keep habitats in balance.  Without them, the environment would become much poorer in its profile.  The Croc-facts were interesting, but what really got the room rocking was having the opportunity to stroke “Rose”, and hold her, too.

Of course, it was shared that Owls and Crocodiles are not to be looked upon as “pets”.  Both “Rose” and “Happy” go through daily training to remain effective people-loving “Ambassadors”.  Both animals would not have had a chance at life, if they had not been rescued by the zoo, and provided a good home. 

The third Ambassador was none other than “Bal Boa”, the zoo’s friendly Boa Constrictor.  Again, it was emphasized the important role these handsome and harmless snakes play in Belize.  Zoo Educator, Jamal Andrewin, carried “Bal Boa” around the room, and also, reflected upon the sad issue of people selling Boa Constrictors to certain Chinese living in Belize, for food.  Not only does this reflect poorly on how some people choose to treat our very special natural resources, but it is also illegal.

It was all fun and exciting education.  Zoo Ambassadors, “Happy”, “Rose”, and “Bal Boa”, spent a special time with the Chaa Creek Eco-Kids , and left behind a TON of knowledge and happy memories.

APRIL THE TAPIR CELEBRATES HER 30TH BIRTHDAY!

From Sharon . . .

April Enjoying Birthday Cake!

And what a celebration it was! Over 250 people came to the zoo and big smiles were seen everywhere. Education Officer Jamal Andrewin led the way, and proudly introduced our brand new tapir poster and also, another delightful tapir-friendly broadcast: A bumper sticker to commemorate April’s 30th birthday. However, this sticker also carries with it an important story. A contest was held for school kids to come up with a slogan to celebrate April’s 30th year here in Belize. The winners, Angela, Tanya, Ruth and Aba from Buena Vista school in the Cayo District, were the creative force behind a new bumper sticker, spelling out “APRIL”….A ppreciation. P rotection. R espect. I ntegrity. L ove. 

Janet Gibson with "then and now" poster of April and Claire

Another important story involved Wildlife Conservation Society biologist Mrs. Janet Gibson. Mrs. Gibson gave the zoo a charming photo of her daughter Claire, taken in 1983, with the then “toddler” April the tapir. Thirty years later, Claire Gibson, now thirty-two years old, visited the zoo again with her Mom and sought out her old friend, April. We merged the two photos together, and they tell a visual and profound story. Claire is an example of many children and adults, too, who have known this wonderful mountain cow, our significant representative National Animal, over the years. For three decades, April the tapir has brought the magic of her species, the Central American tapir, to thousands. Our nation has grown up with April. As a result, a greater understanding about her unique species, which, yes, is Endangered, has come about. And check out this important tapir-fact: April the tapir is the oldest female tapir in captivity!

Belize City Tumblers

April’s birthday celebration, meshed with National Tapir Day,( which was officially approved and declared by our Government last year), had the joy of music, too. The Panerrifix Steel Band Jr. Division from Belmopan, entertained everyone. And on the subject of entertaining…... Out tumbled the Belize City Tumblers to add a dash of acrobatic talent and awe to the big day.

Jamal wisely planned the presentation of four birthday cakes for our beloved April. This gave all of the visiting school children a chance to view April happily devour a cake with pure glee as they sang the birthday song to her. She certainly did not mind having four small cakes instead of one big one.

April the tapir stands for so much at The Belize Zoo. For thirty years, she has brought a ton of joy and pride to the people of Belize. Without a doubt, it can be strongly stated that this one special animal, rescued as an injured baby thirty years ago, has opened the eyes and hearts of so many. April the tapir! Happy Birthday! You are a gift to our special nation. And a joy to us all. Many happy returns!

Then and now poster "up close"

[REMEMBER TO CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE IT]

Post Script from Jamal:

TBZ got superb media coverage from the 3 leading media stations. Our Facebook page blew up with hundreds of new fans overnight because of that iconic photo merge of April and Claire Gibson in 1983 and 2013.  I can’t tell you how overwhelmed we felt with such positive energy running through the zoo all of Friday. Here are the news piece links if you’d like to see some more about the day:

http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/84749

http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=25359

http://www.lovefm.com/local_news.php?item=1640

ROSE GLOWS!

From Sharon . . . 

A beautiful new-arrival to the zoo is “Rose,” a baby salt water croc.  Her story is a bit of a giggle, but are we ever glad she is with us.   A crocodile egg was given to a Forest Department official months ago, as an “education resource.”  The egg was thought to be infertile.   But surprise!   A short time after the egg was handed over, out came a baby croc.   Not knowing how to really care for the babe, “Rose” was handed over to croc-loving Tony Garel at The Belize Zoo.

At the zoo, she immediately had lots admirers.  We fell in love with her.  It was decided that a good amount of “croc care” and training should come her way, so that she would retain a love for her human caretakers, and become a very fine ambassador for her species.   Crocodiles are often persecuted, and most of the time, negative attitudes towards these handsome reptiles

are due to a lack of knowledge and understanding.

Yes, they live in salt water, and salt water crocs especially like habitat around mangroves.  These prehistoric-looking reptiles are fond of lagoons, too.  They will often make their way up rivers, leaving their salt-water home behind.  What is on the menu for a salt water croc?  Baby “Rose” loves to chomp down on cockroaches and crickets.  In the wild, they eat insects and little fish.   As they grow, they will dine on turtles and larger fish and also birds.  If they can snatch a small mammal, that works, too!

Mama croc will build a nest, and eighty days later, the eggs will crack open and out will poke a baby croc.   If the nesting temperatures are on the consistently warm side, female crocs emerge.  Cooler temperatures produce males.   After hatching, the Mama croc will then gently take each baby and carefully place in the water.  She will guard over them.  Crocodiles, including the salt water crocodile, are very protective and caring towards their young.  This type of maternal-care behavior is usually associated with mammal species.  But crocs show affection and parental-bonding..…..as the sign says by the crocodile exhibit at The Belize Zoo, “Someone forgot to tell ‘um…We crocs have a cerebellum”…What the sign goes on to cheerfully explain is that this part of the brain is where our emotional side is formed and kept live and active.  A cerebellum provides the brain space for feelings and emotions.    Crocodiles have feelings just as we humans do.  Very amazing!

Baby “Rose” is fond of a snout-rub and a back scratch.  She is shown to visitors who learn about crocodile natural history, and as she grows and remains tame and friendly, we know that she will bring a great deal of important information to zoo visitors about her special and Endangered species here in Belize:  The Salt Water Crocodile.  “Rose” truly Glows!! 

AN UPDATE ON BLACK JAGUAR “LUCKY BOY”

From Sharon Matola . . .

So many people are coming to the zoo and looking for Lucky Boy.  His fan club is active, that’s for certain, and he has become used to being “a prima donna".  He certainly knows his name, and when called, Lucky Boy doesn’t appear, he “performs”.

What does that mean in black jaguar-speak?  Well, the boy slowly and carefully “stalks” from the back of his new home, until he stealthily reaches the front.  As cameras click left and right, he actually seems to recognize that he is pleasing his visitors.

In the late afternoons, Lucky Boy shows off his swimming skills, too.  He will dive into his pond and to the delight of visitors, swim around and around as if he were training for the “Jaguar Olympics”.  Zookeeping staff decided that putting a couple of large tilapia fish in the pond would add to his aquatic adventures.  Guess what?  Lucky Boy could care less.  He swims along with the tilapia and is no threat to their pond scenario at all!

Lucky Boy continues to enjoy his “encounters”.   There is an encounter enclosure in the back, and when visitors enter, Lucky Boy readily appears.  He happily gives his guests an enthusiastic “high five” and then shows off another trick, a “yoga stretch”.  The stretch is meant to show his massive size.  This gorgeous black feline is 6 ft 8 inches from the tip of this handsome tail to the tip of his kiss-able nose.

In January, Cornell Vet School during a clinic, tranquilized Lucky Boy.  Due to having damaged teeth from his unfortunate past, he was given two root canals.  This has assured that Lucky Boy has pain-free eating.  He was also weighed.  This big black fellow tipped the scales at 165 lbs.  All three vets present were insistent that Lucky Boy gain thirty more pounds.  Well, was he ever happy with that diagnosis!  Lucky Boy loves to eat!  And we are happy to comply. 

Come and visit Lucky Boy!  He makes many people proud that there are so quite a few two-legged animals who understand and agree with the Mahatma Gandhi words:  “The  

Greatness of a Nation and its Moral Progress Can be Shown in the Way its Animals are Treated”.

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!

 

SUNY Cortland Students to Hold Fundraising Event

An Auspicious Sign for TBZ

On January 10, 2013, this Belize Zoo sign went up . . . exactly 30 years from the date that Sharon put up her first sign. 

The story of this particular sign is that Sharanya Thummalapally painted the original version of the sign on canvas after Hurricane Richard's devastation and put it up to let people know that the zoo had reopened for business.

A more permanent sign was needed for the zoo, and thanks to the efforts of the Wood Stop Lumber Yard in Belmopan and Paul Martin of the Roaring River Golf Course, this sign came to fruition. Emile Mena and Wood Stop donated the wood that they put together to make the sign. Paul Martin took the blank wood and had a template made for the big sign using the fonts/letters etc. from Sharanya's old canvas sign. He then had the larger letters drawn onto the wood. They routed out the letters before finally painting them white.

In order to preserve this sign a bit longer, Paul also had his men make a small wooden roof for the sign to preserve it before staining the whole sign. Paul also took charge of putting up the sign luckily, (it was VERY heavy) and so brought his fancy scaffold pulley system and a couple of his own men to make sure the sign was put up properly and securely. It should be there for a long time to come!!

Kids Helping Kids With Cancer

Kids Helping Kids (Sharon, Salima, and her mom, Kim)

Back on December 23rd, a very special fund raiser was held at The Belize Zoo! The Belize Zoo joined with Miss Salima Barrow, daughter of Belize's Prime Minister, Dean Barrow and put forward an effort to raise funds on behalf of children afflicted with cancer. The big event happened at the zoo, with contributions going to the Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga. Those who took part received a signed copy of the new children's book WORDS OF WISDOM FROM HAPPY THE OWL as well as the opportunity to give beautiful black jaguar Lucky Boy a "high Five." Lots of children will benefit from Hopefully, many if not all of these kids will be able to visit the zoo in the New Year. This effort was initially kick started by Miss Salima Barrow. The Zoo was touched by her efforts and carried it forward. Kids Helping Kids With Cancer was a hit, and continues until the 31st of December.

Salima meets Lucky Boy Close-Up!

For a great interview and to hear about the project from Salima herself, play the following news feature recently appearing on Belize News Channel 7:

THIRTY YEARS OLD AND SOARING

On 12/12/12 (at 12 noon, of course) The Belize Zoo celebrated its 30^th anniversary in grand style. The festivities started with a delicious lunch followed by a brief history of the zoo presented by Founding Director Sharon Matola, a delightful performance of Lucky Boy’s song by the La Democracia Pre-School Gibnuts (featuring lead guitarist Sharon “Keef” Matola), and some thrilling singing, dancing, and drumming by a talented group of Garifuna performers.  

After this rousing start, U.S. Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally and area representative, Dolores Balderamos, cut the ribbon to the newly-rejuvenated Gerald Durrell Visitor’s Centre. The Durrell Center now includes “Uppie’s Classroom”, which will be the site of fun-filled educational activities for many of the schoolchildren who visit the zoo. 

The Zoo also used this historic occasion to highlight a progressive education effort, the promotion of a book entitled, PAT THE GREAT CAT.  Written by students from Belize and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the book features a jaguar named Pat who is a graduate of the zoo’s Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program.  Once a cattle killer, Pat now lives happily in the Milwaukee Zoo with his mate, Stella.   On the 13th of November, Pat and Stella became the proud parents of two jaguar cubs.

The crowd moved outside to watch as Jerome Flores and his 91-year-old friend who represented the Belize Council for the Aging, cut the ribbon to the stunning new SHED (Stroller-Handicap- Elderly, Disabled) friendly pathways. Several wheelchair users participated in the celebration and it was great to see the huge smiles on their faces as they happily cruised around the zoo throughout the afternoon.

 

Finally the guests excitedly headed to see the one and only Lucky Boy.  This special day was the first time Lucky Boy could be seen by the many fans that had followed the story of his rescue from death’s door, and the now handsome and robust Lucky Boy did not disappoint the crowd in the least.   After Hon. Minister Lisel Alamilla and Wildlife Officer Jazmin Ramos cut the ribbon leading to Lucky Boy’s exhibit, he happily trundled over to greet the crowd!

All in all it was amazing day that perfectly illustrated how the “Best Little Zoo in the World” just keeps getting better!

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE WORKSHOP

...from Sharon:

Led by Dr George Kolias, the lead veterinarian at Cornell Vet School in New York, this informative workshop was enthusiastically attended by many and received strong and positive review.  Veterinarians from Belize and Guatemala joined Forest Department officials and zoo staff, UB students and their instructor “Jaguar-Man” Dr. Bart Harmson,  Birds Without Borders researchers, and noted jaguar researcher, Omar Figueroa,  for two days of wildlife discussions and practical examinations.

Key focus for the discussion part of the workshop was the theme “know your animal prior to any medication strategy or anesthesia regime”.  There have been cases where animals have died during an operating procedure, due to their not being in sufficient health to have toxic “knock down drugs” in their bodies.  This was a major concern about our tranquilizing Lucky Boy for a necessary thorough examination.  So, we waited over three months post-Lucky Boy-rescue.  As he put on weight and became noticeably stronger and more spirited, the wildlife workshop was carefully planned.  All were then confident that his physical condition could accept the heavy drugs, scheduled to be darted into his beautiful jaguar body.

Due to receiving a steady regime of enrichment training, Lucky Boy was not in “super-stress mode” when the vet team approached to give him the drug-dart.   Our boy is very used to human contact, receiving quite a few “high fives” from  zoo visitors.  He also hears a fair amount of guitar strumming (and seems to even enjoy the “Lucky Boy song”),  licks “blood ideals”, and even gets his favourite log sprayed with Obsession cologne!  The cologne acts like a “jaguar cat-nip”, and Lucky Boy responds by rolling on his log, and caressing it.

Dr. George Kolias is conservative about the useage of tranquilizing drugs.  After a successful “knock out”, Lucky Boy was quickly moved to the exam table. Various procedures were efficiently put into place.  Everyone took a guess at his weight.  And everyone was wrong!   The highest weight guess was 150lbs.  Ready for this?  Even though Lucky Boy still needs to put on additional weight, he currently weighs in at a whopping 175 lbs!  And our black jaguar is no small fry.  Measuring him from the tip of his tail to his nose, this big black cat is 6’8”!

Blood was drawn, which will later reveal to Dr. Kolias and our staff, many particular elements of his physical condition.  A mouth exam was next.  And an overall inspection of his physical state occurred before he was gently carried back, still in jaguar-dreamville,  to his management pen.

Important follow up then took place.  Someone stayed with Lucky Boy until he woke up from his drug-induced sleep.  In the event that something would go upside-down and backwards, having him monitored was viewed as an essential “must-do” procedure.

The Lucky Boy exam indeed had a happy ending.  Friendships formed, medical  information about our rescued jaguar we previously did not know was gained, and recommendations due to the veterinarian findings, are now being discussed, which will ensure an even happier life for this superb black jaguar. 

Lucky Boy meets his Belize public for the first time, on grounds at the zoo, December 12^th!  

Sharon and Lucky Boy - October 26, 2012

from Sharon!

Lucky Boy is looking so good, isn't he? Just a little more than three months post-rescue, and look at that beautiful jaguar!

Jerome Gives SHED a Try!!!!

From Sharon. . .

Jerome Flores, our consultant for SHED, Stroller-Handicap-Elderly-Disabled, new walkway (still under construction), paid a visit to the zoo to give the remarkable path a try out. Joined by Berto Wohlers and Tony Garel, who oversee the progress of SHED, the trio had an enjoyable “wheel around” the zoo.

The contrast between the loose-gravel pathway and the SHED upgrade, is truly something to applaud. No longer will guests who are not as mobile as some of us, be left out from a fun zoo visit. There is still much to do, but even with our recent rainy spells, good progress is being made. At this time, the SHED pathway skirts around the jaguar area of the zoo. This is because work is currently going on there to provide Black Jaguar Lucky Boy with his new home.

Jerome also got an initial view of the new SHED deck in front of Jaguar Junior Buddy. The gentle slope will be ever-so-welcoming to any wheelchair, cane, or slow-moving zoo guest. Jerome gave it a HUGE Paws Up! Junior even sauntered over to greet the trio, and would like to see the SHED deck finished as soon as possible. That “Panthera-Prima-Donna” is truly missing attention!

Fundraising in order to see this vital work come to a successful completion is still going on. And PLEASE! If you enjoy good food and good beer and fine company, come out to Flagstaff Mess on Sunday the 28th of October….start up is 2pm! A PIGGIE ROAST with all the trimmings and special guest, Bal Boa, for photo ops with the kids. The price is a mere 20.00, and kids are half of that. Sponsored by BATSUB, this PIGGIE Feast will be a memorable afternoon for all (except for the Piggie…).

Jerome will be doing The Belize Zoo a great honour on the 12th of December. He will be cutting the ribbon to the new SHED pathway, and the day promises to be a very exciting, happy, and fulfilling event.

Meanwhile, we were all happy to see the smile on Jerome’s face as he sampled the SHED pathway. Thank you, Jerome, you are the SHED Inspiration!

CALEDONIA TURNS ON TO JAGUARS!

"Justicia" the Jaguar (aka Celeshia Guy, of TBZ)

[The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center recently shared this article pertaining to the preceding post. Enjoy!]

Just a few weeks ago, a sad event occurred in the Corozal District town of Caledonia. A healthy male jaguar was shot and then skinned. Horrifically, it was shown on the news and many people voiced harsh objection to this unfortunate and unnecessary action.

However, recently, Belize Zoo Education Officers, Jamal Andrewin and Celeshia Guy, created a different “Jumpin Jaguar” atmosphere in this placid northern village. Warmly welcomed by principal Augusto Olivarez, they met and gave fun presentations to over 300 students.

Principal Olivarez kindly invited parents and teachers and the “standing room only” audience was keen to learn all they could about the greatest cat in the Americas: our jaguar. Besides discussing jaguars in Belize, our charming “Junior Buddy” got much review, as did the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation program, and of course, beloved black jaguar “Lucky Boy”.

No need to kill a jaguar who wanders through one’s lands. These big felines are “roamers”, and it has been documented that a jaguar will easily travel 100 miles in a day in search of a juicy gibnut, deer or peccary. The Belize Zoo has successfully maintained its Problem Jaguar Rehab program. “Junior Buddy”, our star, is residing at the zoo as a result of this program. And happily, a young male jaguar, named “Lucha” was born at the Phildadelphia Zoo over a year ago. His dad was a problem jaguar, named “Frankie”, who was a gift to the Philadelphia Zoo from Belize. All were pleased to learn this.

Of course! The vital Central Belize Wildlife Corridor was spoken about with pride. As time passes, these forested lands will play an even more important role in maintaining our remaining jaguar populations. Lots of applause from the crowd on this issue!

A stark display came about when the skin of a jaguar was brought out for all to see. While the dull and unattractive skin was viewed, there was a large photo of gorgeous “Junior Buddy” gleaming in the background. That message was very clear. What is more appealing? The decayed and sad-looking jaguar skin held for all to inspect, or the glowing look at our incredible natural heritage, the nothing-short-of-being-too-beautiful for words, “Junior Buddy” himself!

Justice and Justicia the jaguar mascots handed out posters and poems to all and it was a terrific day for everyone. Sure would be nice to have a visit to The Best Little Zoo in the World from the kind and charming people of Caledonia - quite a few happy jaguars would enjoy giving a “high five” to these special kids and their teachers!

TBZ and Jaguar Education in the News

Hunting jaguars is against the law in Belize. Despite this fact, several weeks ago, an adult jaguar was killed in the Corozal District village of Caledonia. The Belize Zoo responded to this incident with an education campaign, aimed at children, to teach them not to view jaguars as a threat or to fear them.

Kudos to The Belize Zoo! The full story can be read on Belize's 7 News Channel web site, HERE.

" .  . . the objective was to turn it into something positive to involve this community that have these jaguars and other wildlife very near their community and interact with them probably on a daily basis and the whole concept is simply education and awareness making them have a sense of pride and respect for these animals that they live in close contact with every single day and for them to understand our value in the conservation of our forest and in all the industries that its connected to."  "We were very well received today and so we felt the objective was met."

Conservation Without Borders: TBZ and SUNY Cortland

Please enjoy this special guest post by Belize Zoo Environmental Educator, Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, who recently traveled from Belize and his work at the zoo to SUNY Cortland, to participate in its Field Biology course at SUNY Cortland's Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake:

As TBZ approaches its 30^th year, it continues to grow as a superb wildlife conservation facility. The Zoo itself being greatly improved, and its relationships and connections are being expanded and strengthened locally and internationally. 

And, what better proof of this than the Zoo’s recent involvement with SUNY Cortland’s Field Biology course in New York? The Zoo has a very special bond with the wonderful people and institutions of upstate New York, from the continuous animal adoptions by Tully Junior High’s International Club, to the great working relationship with Cornell University’s Vet School, to the fervent and undying support of SUNY Cortland, which even has a Margay adopted in honour of the great university.  The Margay, called “Cortland,” is a star! How so? The smaller cat pictured on the wonderful wildlife corridor billboard at Mile 40 on the Western Highway is the one and only Cortland!

Professor Tom Pasquarello has been the great link between TBZ and SUNY Cortland.  He decided many moons ago that the Zoo had a great deal to offer SUNY’s students, through involvement in their annual summer field course.

Plans were set in motion, and in no time at all, TBZ’s Environmental Educator, Jamal Andrewin-Bohn was off to SUNY’s Outdoor Education Center in the vast forest reserve of the Adirondacks.  There, he took part in their Field Biology Course, under the talented direction of SUNY Cortland Professors Steven Broyles and Larry Klotz, who were well versed in both temperate and tropical biology. As Mr. Jamal joined his SUNY peers in studying everything from Forest and Mountain Ecology, to Limnology, the professors wasted no time in asking him to compare and draw parallels to the ecosystems in Belize.  This gave all the students a valuable insight into the workings of the Tropics.

After the first exciting week of the course, Mr. Jamal was invited to give a guest lecture on Conservation efforts in Belize, showcasing the fantastic work the Zoo and its partners have done on behalf of our country’s invaluable natural resources. Talks on environmental education and the Central Wildlife Corridor impressed students and professors alike. The super cool documentary about Harpy Eagles in Belize, “Hope for Climate Change” was shared, giving a Tropical perspective to the issue of global climate change. The story of the rescue and survival of “Lucky Boy” the black jaguar struck a strong chord with the audience, and was met with thunderous applause. Mr. Jamal was bombarded with questions about internships and research opportunities in Belize through the Zoo by eager students, promising even more collaboration between TBZ and SUNY Cortland. Additional presentations and fundraising opportunities are already on the horizon, as the Zoo gears up for another visit to New York, sharing its latest projects with even bigger audiences!

TBZ greatly values this extraordinary learning experience, and the knowledge gained most definitely benefits the important education objectives and programs of “the best little zoo in the world.”