Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Zoo had their 21st annual Summer Camp last week, and 30 lucky students learned a lot about the nature and history of Belize.  Thanks, TBZ!

"For the 21st year running, TBZ hosted its summer conservation camp.  30 teenagers from all over the country took part in a week long exploration and appreciation of the natural world.  Our campers and camp counselors walked the Zoo in the day and night, canoed the Sibun River, climbed the temples of Lamanai, explored the painted caves of Runaway Creek Nature Reserve, and received amazing presentations from some of our great colleagues in conservation.  TBZ thanks all parents, colleagues, sponsors, and campers that made Conservation Camp 2014 a superb experience.  And, to our 2014 campers, we say 'Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not!'"

The Belize Zoo visited Sacred Heart College for their Science Fair this week, bringing some critters with them.

"TBZ congratulates Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio town on another great science fair!  The Zoo's Education team took the show on the road with colourful wildlife displays, animal artifacts, posters and more for the many students shuffling through the 'zoo-zone.'  Herman the Hermit crab was this year's animal ambassador at the fair.  Hermit crabs are usually shy recluses, but Hermit showed energy and charisma as he scuttled across the hands of curious students...  However, TBZ Educators reminded students that humans(like themselves) are also capable of saving our natural world, and invited them to sign up for the annual conservation camp this summer.  Be on the lookout for more info as July draws near!"

Yes, it is, and that's why we love the Belize Zoo.

"The Belize Zoo had the extraordinary honour of being selected as a 'Bright Spot' by the Caribbean Leadership Project hosted by UWI's Cave Hill School of Business.  Through the project's module 'Serving Our People, Country, and Region,' the Zoo was highlighted as one of the 'bright spots' in Belize that exhibits successful leadership and citizen focused services, for its 30 years of contributions to education and wildlife conservation in our country.  A group of CEOs and Permanent Secretaries from around the Caribbean (including Belize!) graced TBZ with their presence, as Founding Director Sharon Matola shared the history, mission and vision of 'the best little zoo in the world.'  Rose the crocodile then made an appearance at the end of discussions, along with 'Miss Belize' the tapir mascot, displaying a perfect summary of the Zoo's approach to wildlife conservation through interactive education.  TBZ thanks our colleagues for such an honoured visit, and looks forward to another 30 years of putting Belizeans in touch with their natural heritage, so we can save it for generations to come!"

April the Tapir lived to a ripe old age, for a Tapir, at the Belize Zoo.  April was 30 years old when she went to the big jungle in the sky this week.  RIP, April, Tapir Town won't be the same without you.

In related news, TBZ is preparing to celebrate the 10th birthday of Panama the Harpy Eagle on Friday, November 15th.

"April, for three decades, has brought awareness to the nation of Belize about the special profile of her species, the Central American Tapir, our National Animal.  Thousands of children grew up with April.  They became well aware that our National Animal was a significant part of our Belizean heritage, and April helped establish a sense of pride, appreciation, and, even love, in visitors that met her.  Her birthday parties have served as a platform for community involvement, learning, and, of course, lots of fun for the young and the old.  TBZ is committed to keeping April's legacy alive for years to come."

The Belize Zoo celebrated World Tapir Day with a birthday celebration for Fuego.  He even got some birthday cake especially for him.  It was another great event at the Belize Zoo.  Ya'axche has some great pictures from the event, and Channel 5 got some video and did some interviews.

"Another smashingly successful National Tapir Day at the Zoo!  Over 250 guests from all over the country joined us to celebrate our national animal, the 'Mountain Cow.'  Excitement and energy were high, especially when Belize's new tapir ambassador, 'Fuego,' finally had his first birthday fiesta!  Students bravely addressed the crowd and shared why tapirs were important to them and their country.  

The young, talented musicians from Panerrifix Steelband kept us entertained with steelband melodies, followed by an enthusiastic sing-along session by the entire party crowd, lead by TBZ Director, Sharon Matola.  While students had their refreshments and played clever tapir games, Fuego munched away on his splendid birthday cake made of sweet potatoes, carrots, honey, and all the things a young, growing tapir loves to eat!  TBZ thanks all our special guests that made this day extra special.  Here's to another 30 years of magical mountain cow events."

Junior Buddy had his 7th birthday this week, and The Belize Zoo threw a big bash for it.  Happy birthday, Junior Buddy!  In related news, there's now an action plan for the sustainable development of the Central Belize Corridor, which jaguars and many other animals use, and need.  It's a great start, and you can read more about it on Panthera's or the zoo's sites.

"As promised, Junior Buddy had a fan club of over 200 strong show up at the Zoo yesterday to wish him many more as we celebrated his 7th Birthday.  Students, parents, and teachers from La Democracia and Mahogany Heights communities in the Belize District saw Junior diver headfirst into his pond to retrieve his delicious birthday bone, then proudly feast on it for the rest of the day while his admirers looked on.  The entire school joined TBZ Director Sharon Matola in yet another rendition of the Junior Buddy song, while cameras rolled from Love FM and News 5 news stations.  Games, prizes, snacks, facepainting and fun for all followed for a successful day in celebrating the magnificent jaguar species that still calls Belize its home, and will for many years to come!"

Jonathan Urbina's epic work, enititled Anibru, is currently on display at the Belize Zoo.  It's amazingly beautiful, took 13 years to finish, and is made from collected feathers of birds that are native to Belize.  Wow!  Well done, Mr. Urbina!

"Anibru comes to the Zoo!  This fabulous feather display, named "Anibru" by her creator, Jonathan Urbina (left), has come to grace TBZ with her magnificent presence.  Anibru is a unique work of art 13 years in the making.  While all the feathers are of native birds, NONE were taken from live birds, rather collected from the forest floor, or given as gifts.  To accompany Jonathan in the unveiling of Anibru was Belize's British High Commissioner, Peter Hughes (right).  The British High Commission has a strong agenda on helping to curb Climate Change, which has resulted in a great working relationship with TBZ in the past.  We are honoured to see that relationship continue with our new High Commissioner."