happy holidays from The Belize Zoo

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who voted for the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) in Heska's "Inspiration in Action" contest. They won the $25,000 first prize!

Please vote!

I have just learned that the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC), an organization that brings students to the Belize Zoo to enhance their vet training, needs our help. They have placed in the top five for a $25,000 USD prize in a contest called "Inspiration in Action." The public votes on the top finalists and the one with the most votes wins. The contest is sponsored by a U.S. organization called Heska, which works with veterinary products. Only U.S. citizens can vote.

SUNY Cortland readers, you will remember that the Belize Zoo named a Margay kitten "Cortland" in honor of SUNY Cortland's support for the zoo. Cortland is now a full-grown Margay (about the size of a large house cat). It takes a lot of money to care for Cortland and the other animals at the zoo, and veterinary services are a large part of the cost. The main founder of BWRC, Dr. Isabelle Pacquet-Durand, helps keep Cortland and the other Zoo animals free of parasites.

BWRC is also doing amazing work with the wildlife of Belize and has big dreams to do more. Dr. Paquet-Durand works tirelessly to support wildlife conservation efforts; domestic animal health and welfare; and the veterinary profession in Belize through medical services, education, research, and collaboration.Please take a moment during this busy time of year to vote and help this small Belizean organization. To vote, go to: http://www.heska.com/Inspiration-Wall.aspx

Please feel free to share this blog post with your friends and family. Thank you!

Sharon Matola Nominated for 2012 Indianapolis Prize

Why I Nominated Sharon Matola for the 2012 Indianapolis Prize

By Marsha W. Johnston


Not many people outside the world of wildlife protection and zoology have ever heard of the Indianapolis Prize, given to the individual judged by their peers to have done the most to “advance the sustainability of an animal species or group of species.”

True, the Prize has only been around since 2004, and is only given every other year by the Indianapolis Zoo with a bequest by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. Still, the unrestricted $100,000 gift represents the largest monetary award for animal conservation in the world. So far, it has honored three wildlife protection giants: Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation (2006), who is credited with contributing significantly to the preservation of the world’s 15 surviving species of cranes, including the whooping crane in North America; Dr. George Schaller, vice president of Panthera and senior conservationist for the Wildlife Conservation Society (2008) and Iain Douglas-Hamilton, president and CEO of Save the Elephants, the premier group working to preserve the African elephant.

Next March, the Indianapolis Prize Committee will announce six finalists, out of a couple of dozen nominees that include Belize Zoo Director Sharon Matola, who I nominated.

I am not a wildlife conservation professional, though I often wish I were; it is one of my great passions in life. I remember being stunned and thrilled to discover that anyone could submit a nomination, and I knew I wanted to participate. More precisely, I was keen to see if the Prize committee would agree that Sharon’s nearly 30-year campaign for the animals of Belize and Central America was as worthy of reward as I and so many others do.

Sharon’s record of heroic work was easy to document, and so Hollywood-enviable dramatic, the application essay practically wrote itself: starting a “zoo” as a naturalized citizen with a handful of animals from a documentary and no money, teaming up with a US-based environmental group to fight Belize’s utility to a standoff in London High Court over the Chalillo Dam.

But I had to include letters of support from people who knew her work best, and I knew that the more prestigious they were, the better. I started with Omar Figueroa, Belizean Senator and jaguar conservationist, whom I had met and interviewed. Only too happy to help, he provided the scientist’s view on the importance of Sharon’s conservation work. I then turned to Bruce Barcott, author of Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw, the book about Sharon and the Natural Resources Defense Council’s fight to stop the dam. Bruce wrote that he told her story because “Sharon Matola was—and remains—the most courageous person I’ve ever met. The fact that she wields that courage on behalf of the wildlife of Central America—well, that’s why we’re asking you to consider her nomination”. By the deadline, I had also secured a nomination letter from the Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment!

The full list of nominees should be announced by the end of the year, on http://indianapolisprize.org/SitePages/TheHeros/TheNominees.aspx . No doubt the list will include many formidable animal protectors from around the world, as it has for past prizes, but we will all be rooting for Sharon!

[Note: Marsha W. Johnston is a freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared in RenewableEnergyWorld, EnviroWonk, E/The Environment Magazine, Kennedy Information/MCI]

Pat the (Great) Cat!

Check out beautiful new book, Pat the (Great) Cat: A Jaguar's Journey, about one of TBZ's most famous alumni!! The book's web site, linked on the title, takes you on a wonderful journey. Please visit the link above for a book preview and synopsis, photo gallery, links, information on The Literacy Project, and information for teachers and parents!

"The amazing new book, Pat the (Great) Cat, A Jaguar’s Journey is the result of a literacy project that brought together children from the United States and from Belize, Central America, to tell the true story of a jaguar who found his world forever changed as people came to share his land."

To order a copy of this wonderful book, please visit the following link, HERE!

Congratulations to devoted friend of The Belize Zoo Nancy Kennedy for spearheading this special project!

Sharon Matola Honored As Belizean Patriot!

We couldn't say it better than The Belize Zoo Facebook page!

A HUGE congratulations to our Founding Director and fearless leader, Sharon Matola, on being honoured as a Belizean Patriot for outstanding contributions to education and wildlife conservation!! Her 30 years of dedication to the country, people, and wildlife of Belize earned her a Meritorious Service Award, presented by Belize's Prime Minister.

The big event took place on September 15, 2011. Congratulations on this prestigious honor, Sharon!

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.

PHILADELPHIA’S FATHER’S DAY! MEGA-AWESOME THANKS TO THE BELIZE ZOO!!

From Sharon . . .

A first time proud Dad is Frankie, originally from Frank’s Eddy village on the Western highway, and now a happy resident at The Philadelphia Zoo. Frankie, with his Philadelphia Zoo exotic new name, “Jutai” has an inspiring story. Left as a cub in the forests bordering the community of Frank’s Eddy, it was believed that his mother was shot for preying upon cattle in the area. Less than one year old, Frankie was brought to the zoo in a sack. Immediately after "sack-release," he began receiving Belize Zoo tender loving care.

As Frankie grew, an important conservation program was also beginning to grow. And this one-of-its-kind program would a play a heavy role in the little jaguar’s future. Director Sharon Matola presented to the Forest Department, a conservation plan called the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program. Rather than shoot cats who had become unwanted livestock predators, the zoo would safely capture the villain cat, and then, with time, patience and daily training, give them a new life. Their new jaguar profile? Jaguars who likely would have been killed for their predator crimes, would, instead, as “graduates” of the program, become important animals for research, public education and also, for captive breeding. Frankie, son of a cattle-killer, was considered a new-arrival to the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program.

In USA zoos, there has been a strong need for new jaguar genes in order to keep the captive jaguar population at a healthy level. The Philadelphia Zoo, having a beautiful five star jaguar exhibit, was in enthusiastic search of a male jaguar who could meet the challenge of becoming one of these gene-giving “Super Dads.” At The Belize Zoo, we knew that young and sturdy Frankie could fill such an important role. If he would successfully mate with a female jaguar, a very important conservation objective would be met.

Frankie was introduced to beautiful “Kanga”, and their fondness for one another was noticed by many. And the very good news is, Frankie (Jutai) and Kanga have together made history. Just as May was beginning, Frankie and Kanga became parents! Thanks to conservation strategic planning formed at our Belize Zoo, the vitally important captive jaguar population in the North American zoo community, now stands stronger. Very, very PAWS UP!!

Owl Pal Program Rocks!

From Sharon . . .

Never before in Belize has there been an aggressive education program about our very special feathered residents: OWLS! These remarkable birds-of-prey are so beneficial to Belizean ecology. They dedicate their lives to keeping rodent populations in check. Charlie Price! Watch out! You have an army of hungry “friends” out there!

If you live in the Belmopan area, go and see for yourself. Every evening, within the tall royal palm trees nearby Government Square, the resident flock of barn owls become active and begin calling. These are happy owls! Within an easy flight distance is the main market area, home to quite a few pesky rats. The market area rats are a delicious and very welcome dinner for the Belmopan barn owl squad.

Interestingly, owls have, throughout history, been labeled with a bad and dangerous reputation. In Belize, and in other countries, owls are often viewed as sinister birds. There is mystery shrouding them. Owls are birds of the night, calling strangely, and scaring people with their wide –eyed stares and turning-heads.

Thanks to Belize Zoo Barn Owl Ambassadors, Little Guy and Jolley, this false thinking is beginning to change. Owls are cool! Little Guy and Jolley have kick started our Owl Pal Program with education awareness zest.

And now, we welcome Mona Lisa. She is a beautiful juvenile mottled owl. Mona Lisa came to us after being rescued during the recent fires. Being hand-fed and cared for daily, she quickly bonded to her keepers. The zoo crew all agreed that Mona Lisa would be a shining star in our Owl Pal Program. Barn owls belong to their own family of owls. There are the Barn Owls, and then there are the Typical Owls. Mona Lisa belongs to the “typical owl” family, and having both represented in the Owl Pal program is a huge plus for our education awareness efforts.

It is a unique opportunity to get within inches of these beautiful birds. Children and adults learn vital lessons. Vital. Simple. And true: Belize still has special and important wildlife. Protecting these natural resources so that they thrive into the future is our responsibility for the generations to come.

Telemedia Star for The Reporter

News from Sharon!


Junior Buddy is a Telemedia STAR!

All of us at The Belize Zoo are so happy about the Telemedia 2011 Telephone Directory. The cover is graced by our very own Jaguar Ambassador, Junior Buddy. This eye-catching photo was taken by Telemedia’s senior graphic representative, Mr. Stephen Yarwood. So exciting! With appropriate ceremony and applause, the new Telemedia Telephone Directory was officially unveiled at the zoo on Friday, the 1st of April.

Under the watchful eyes of the king vultures, BTL officials unveiled the portrait-sized framed cover. The photo of Junior Buddy immediately brought sounds of complimentary appraisal from all.

As noted by speakers Anjalee Vasquez and Sharon Matola, the 2011 Telephone Directory is not only a “must-have” resource for address and telephone contacts, it also accomplishes something that no other telephone directory in the world can claim. Our telephone directory draws important attention to the greatest wild cat in the Americas, the jaguar.

A concise narrative inside the directory points to the fact that Junior Buddy’s wild counterparts are in need of our protection. Also mentioned are the wildlands known as the "Jaguar Corridor." This forest, located to the north and to the south of the zoo, plays a vital role in seeing that our jaguars have a place to roam for many years to come.

Fine entertainment came from the La Democracia pre-school “gibnuts.” They gleefully sang the “Junior Buddy Song” and were beaming with joy when BTL folks handed them each a Junior Buddy puzzle, as a memento of the special event.

After the unveiling, Mr. Stephen and BTL official Mr Mariano, enjoyed an “up close and personal” meet and greet with Jaguar Ambassador Junior Buddy. Junior Buddy must have sensed the importance of his happy visitors. He enthusiastically kissed them both! Each official from BTL then went to meet Problem Jaguar Rehab graduate, “FieldMaster,” who gave each a big jaguar “high five”. The Belize Zoo is very honoured by Belize Telemedia’s choosing Junior Buddy as their 2011 telephone Director cover. Good For Belize, and very good for jaguars, too!

Mellow Marchismo

From Sharon . . .

Thought you might enjoy this photo taken of Sharon and Marchismo, new little fellow at TBZ. The photo was taken on March 23rd, almost two weeks after Marchismo the tapir came on the scene on March 15, 2011.

Barn Owls Rock!

Little Guy and Jolley rock out with Sharon!

New Addition to the Tapir Family

Check out baby Marchismo, born to Navidad, on March 15th!

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.

enrichment training = fun for JR Buddy!

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

Junior Buddy, born at the zoo, the son of a problem jaguar sheep killer, was rejected by his mom just two days after he was born. What happens when this happens? Zoo staff takes on the responsibility of being a Jaguar mother, providing constant tender loving care.

Unfortunately, a captive raised jaguar is not suited for return to the forests of Belize. “Tame” cats simply lack the skills necessary to compete with their wild counterparts. Being used to receiving care from humans, a captive-raised jaguar would fail to survive in our jungles.

Of the four species of great cats, the Lion, Tiger, Leopard and Jaguar, our mighty Jaguar has the largest brain in relation to its body size. Simply stated, this is one very smart animal! Our important task at The Belize Zoo is seeing that Junior Buddy is kept challenged, so that his inquisitive instincts remain positive and balanced. In the zoological world, this type of animal management is given the title, “Enrichment Training”.

Besides teaching Junior Buddy basic tricks (he loves to somersault!), Zoo staff sees that this playful young jaguar enjoys activities which bring added fun to his life at the Zoo. Monday afternoon is Jr. Buddy’s “ideal day”. Late in the afternoon, the happy cat receives his very own “ideal”: chicken parts frozen solid in ice! And does he ever have fun licking the ice to get to those chicken gizzards. On Wednesday, thanks to Running W Meats in Cayo, Junior receives a very large bone. Thrown into his pond, the bone becomes a major “attack item” for Junior Buddy. He wastes no time at all, diving into the water so that he can retrieve, and then devour, his Running W bone-delight!

And Friday afternoons bring him a big, big challenge. Junior gets his “jaguar piñata”. A rock-solid plastic ball is tied to a tree, chicken feet protruding from it, and he gets to jump and bat the ball in an ardent effort to get to those feet. He has fun, and it is a joy for visitors to share in his frolicking activity.

Sunday afternoon is his Belikin beer happy hour! Junior Buddy has a “keg party”. Thanks to the Belize Brewing Company, he romps and plays with his very own and much beloved, Belikin beer keg. This hard green plastic barrel provides the perfect romper-stomper toy for Junior Buddy, keeping him enchanted and happily occupied.

Keeping up with Junior Buddy’s quest for fun things to do has fostered a high level of creative and innovative animal management here at the “Best Little Zoo in the World”. Thank you, Running W and the Belize Brewing Company for assisting with Junior Buddy’s joy!!

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

The Jaguar: Help Me or Hurt Me?

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

Jaguars of Belize are faced with a variety of human influenced challenges, including deforestation, prey population decline, and persecution by farmers. Even with all these troubles, they have to contend with one more: The selling of souvenirs made from Jaguar body parts, namely teeth and claws.

A stunning poster was thus created, aimed at completely eradicating this ugly and ILLEGAL trade countrywide. Designed by Jaguar-Enthusiast and Belize Zoo Environmental Educator, Jamal Andrew in, the message is clear: Buying these artifacts only works to harm our very rare jaguar population. The target audience is visitors to our country. Oftentimes, tourists are approached to buy souvenirs which have been obtained by the killing of Jaguars. Tourists are usually not aware of what they are buying into as they purchase a Jaguar canine tooth necklace. They do not know that the cats are hunted for this illegal activity. They do not see, in their minds, a powerful, healthy Jaguar shot and killed, its teeth and claws pulled out, and then cleaned up a bit for their exotic souvenir-appetites.

Sadly, some people living in Belize are also guilty of contributing to the illegal trade of buying “Jaguar jewelry”. We are even aware of a Belizean resident who, not only sports a necklace from an unlawful Jaguar-kill, but bought the same for his 10 year old daughter! How unfortunate that a child is introduced to the persecution of our Jaguars, rather than to a strong feeling that our country’s Jaguars should be admired and protected.

With less than 800 jaguars remaining in Belize, we need to unify our concerns, our efforts, and our actions aimed at helping them, not hurting them. We must join together to ensure that our grandchildren live in a time Jaguars still roam the forests of Belize, as opposed to hearing tales of how “they once lived here.”

Similar illegal activities are going on throughout the remaining range of the Jaguar. Belize has always been viewed as being a progressive and forward thinking nation when it comes to the protection of our natural resources.

Stepping up with this aggressive poster campaign will work to help secure a future in the wild for the Jaguar citizens of our country. The Belize Forest Department, Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Programme for Belize, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) and the international cat conservation organization,Panthera, have proudly placed their logos on this important message.

Though Hurricane Richard “rescheduled” the Zoo’s conservation action agenda, it by no means halted it. The poster, originally set to be launched on November 3rd 2010, was launched on December 1st when the Zoo reopened. The HELP ME OR HURT ME poster will have a place alongside the two newly-introduced superb books about “Jaguar Ambassador” Junior Buddy. Yes! It promises to be a very important year for Jaguars at The Best Little Zoo in the World!

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

albino coatis

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

TBZ Creature Feature: Albino coatis

If you thought brown and black Quash were cool creatures, wait till you see their snowy white siblings! Looking like a couple of refugees from the North Pole, “Clorox,” and “Blizzard” are two super rare Albino Coatimundis that are happy to call the Belize Zoo their home. And the Zoo is just as thrilled to have them!

Albinism is a rare occurrence in nature, caused by the malfunction or absence of an enzyme that helps produce the skin pigment called melanin. As rare as they are, Albinos can show up in almost any species of vertebrates, even Coatis! And,though they may need a little more shade than their colorful cousins, Clorox and Blizzard are just as active and “quash-like” as their relatives. During the day, they enjoy climbing all over every inch of their enclosures, and dining on everything from bananas to bugs.

TBZ is the only zoo in the world to have such special albino coatimundis as part of their "family." Our albinos will soon become ambassadors for their species, in a very unique animal encounter at the Belize Zoo, to be called the “Albino Creature Feature.” Visitors will be able to meet these wonderful oddities of nature, and learn more about their species, and their condition, from an interactive perspective.

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

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.

our fine friend

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


A few years ago, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) graciously adopted “Jaguar Ambassador” Junior Buddy, providing funds for exhibit upgrades and also for his upkeep. This help was much appreciated. The Belize Zoo, with our important Jaguar Rehabilitation and Research program, maintains, at this time, 12 of these magnificent cats. The program is a costly one. Enclosures, large enough to allow them to express their natural behaviour traits, must be built and maintained. Sturdy hurricane-proof management shelters are always incorporated into their homes, and then there is meal time to consider!

Junior Buddy’s mom arrived to The Belize Zoo, becoming part of our rehabilitation program, in 2006. We had no idea that she was also pregnant! And 3 months after her arrival, she gave birth to Junior Buddy. Look what followed! The little cub grew into a jaguar who never fails to create a bond of compassion and understanding between his species and our zoo visitors.

Two books have been written about Junior Buddy. One, JUNIOR BUDDY: A JAGUAR’S TALE is on the international book market, and draws considerable attention to the remarkable jaguar and their endangered status in the wild. It also brings attention to the wonderful nation of Belize, and the efforts being made here to preserve the species for future generations. Junior Buddy truly is an “Ambassador”.

After Hurricane Richard visited the Zoo, late in the night of 24 October, Junior Buddy’s life suddenly changed. His enclosure was damaged from fallen trees and high winds. Much to his dismay, he could no longer go out and play in his roomy backyard. For days, Junior Buddy sadly stayed put in his management den. But then, fortunately, Junior B’s supporting organization, the BTB, stepped back into his hurricane-hurled world and softened the blow. Providing much-needed funds, the BTB made it possible for us to put a rapid work force together and get his home back into shape.

Thank you, BTB, from all of us at the zoo, but especially from Jaguar Ambassador
Junior Buddy, for such kind and caring help.

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

let me introduce you

Another excerpt from the January 2011 Newsletter of The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center:

Animals are very much like people. Some get along together just fine. Others don’t care to share the same space and territory. And there isn’t any family court to step in and offer a judgment to ease a rocky relationship in the animal world.

Animal introductions need to be done with care and steady awareness of behavioural reactions. At The Belize Zoo, introducing our Tapirs to one another has been high priority. Do mountain cows instantly get along when put together? In the wild, they exist as solitary animals. If a pair is seen, it is most certainly a mother with young. Sure, their relatives are horses, but they do not share a horse- like “herd behaviour”.

The same manner of thinking goes with the mighty Jaguar. Unlike the Lion, which lives happily in a family group known as a “pride’, in the wild, Jaguars exist as solitary animals. These great spotted cats come together only to mate. A sighting of more than one Jaguar is always a mother with her cubs. Dad Jaguar? He is far away and not involved in any family situation.

A visit to the post Hurricane Richard Belize Zoo will bring the delightful view of our recent successful introductions of both our mountain cow squad and the two once-kept-apart-but-now-very-much-together,Jaguars, CT and Springfield.

How was this accomplished? Carefully, over time, the Tapirs were given separate space alongside one another. There, smells could be shared, the mountain cows could see one another, and they would often vocalize – wouldn’t it be fun to know what they were saying in “mountain cow-speak”?!

Though they seemed to tolerate being close to each other for a long time, TBZ staff were still wary of introducing young “Indy” to the older Tapirs. Luckily, Hurricane Richard decided to play “zookeeper” for a day, and did the introduction for us! Sending a huge Guanacaste Tree crashing down on the dividing fence was Richard’s idea of a careful introduction. And what a success it was!

Jaguars CT and Springfield, meanwhile, were side-by-side for over six months, a strong fence keeping them from each other’s claws and teeth. Daily monitoring of their behaviour showed us that they had pleasant moments when close to each other – no aggressive moods came into sight. Next step? Take down the fence and let the animal good times roll!

Bringing the people of Belize close to their beautiful wildlife is a high priority for our staff at The Belize Zoo. Keeping The Belize Zoo animal crew happy and content adds to their joyful days and brings about many smiles to our many visitors.

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.

landmark day for the belize zoo

Photo: Rex the King Vulture, enjoying the waterfall from his beautiful new enclosure!

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

A Landmark Day for The Belize Zoo!

Many said that “it just can’t happen!” With the amount of damage brought on by Hurricane Richard on the 24th of October, how could The Belize Zoo remain closed for one month only and reopen on the very first day of December? Well, the destruction left Hurricane Richard’s wake was no match for the amount of dedication and determined spirit alive at the Zoo. Not only did The Belize Zoo re-open on December 1st, but the celebration was one of the most exuberant events in Zoo history!

A special presentation was made to Mrs. Myrtle Flowers, who had served as Director of Education for a decade. She recalled her days at the Zoo with pride. Mrs. Flowers noted, as well, the many Belizeans, now working in professions within the natural resources arena in Belize, got their initial “kick start’ through a Belize Zoo training program.

Senator Omar Figueroa, who is also a PhD candidate studying the ecology of the Jaguar, gave a profound speech noting that The Belize Zoo is vital for wildlife education and awareness in Belize, and emphasized how much the Zoo was missed by so many during its month of closure. Or, as Joni Mitchell so appropriately sang in the classic song “Big Yellow Taxi” ~ ”You don’t know what ya got til its gone”….

A book launching was also part of the Zoo’s re-opening. Two books are “hot off the press” about "Jaguar Ambassador," Junior Buddy. One, a primary reader, JUNIOR BUDDY: A JAGUAR’S TALE, was written by the world’s largest children’s book publishing company, Scholastic. Junior Buddy’s heartwarming story is now in bookstores throughout the United States, Canada and the UK, bringing a huge amount of attention to Belize, and the conservation efforts being made in our country to protect these great cats for future generations. A book was given to each child at the Zoo’s historic re-opening, by Mrs. Kim Simpliss Barrow. Big smiles were everywhere!

Music and drumming filled the air by the talented Ugandani Dance Group, bringing “dance fever’ to the crowd! Then, just before Zoo Director Sharon Matola gave a short “Let’s go and see our up and coming post Hurricane Richard Belize Zoo,” the Belize Defence Force flew over the happy attendees in a perfect aerial salute.

Everyone was anxious to enter the Zoo. And even though some of the Zoo is still receiving “first aid”, the repaired areas brought these comments…."I just can’t believe it!"…."it’s so splendid!" "It’s better than before!" Zoo officials glowed with pride, joy filled the air, and everyone agreed that The Best Little Zoo in the World is making a strong, innovative, and happy comeback.

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

december 2010 letter from zoo director sharon matola

From the January 2011 Newsletter for The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center:


The year 2010 saw The Belize Zoo riding a wave of “moving forward” with creative programs forming, and the strengthening of our entire institution. Two books appeared in September. Both were about “Jaguar Ambassador,” Junior Buddy, and we were excited to present these at an official book launching in early November. The introduction of our new and extremely important poster on behalf of Jaguar conservation, HELP ME OR HURT ME, was also scheduled to be introduced that day. This poster draws attention to the illegal sale of jaguar body parts, i.e. teeth for jewelry, and is the first of its kind anywhere. It promises to draw hard attention to a chronic and sad situation: Exploitation of this endangered wild cat for an artifact trade that needs to be totally phased out.

The local schoolchildren were excited about coming to see Junior on that scheduled day, the press was ready and waiting, energies were high….then WHAM! Life changed overnight for us on the 24th of October. Hurricane Richard paid a visit, and this windy fellow created a scene of devastation at the Zoo. Giant trees were felled and sent crashing through exhibits. This alone would have been enough of a challenge to counter. But Hurricane Richard also ripped apart aviaries, collapsed enclosures, and covered the entire pathway route with trees and fallen vegetation.

So what to do? It was decided that no mere hurricane would hold back TBZ. Strategies formed and the goal to re-open the Zoo on the 1st of December was set. With the good help of so many, efforts were consolidated and the Zoo DID meet the challenge.

We re-opened to the public on December 1st, combined with our book launching and the introduction of our HELP ME OR HURT ME poster.

And what initially appeared to be a total disaster, is now appearing to be one of those “blessings in disguise.” Funds raised from our Hurricane Richard Relief Campaign has made possible new and exciting changes. The Zoo is looking better than ever. Creative design is at our forefront, and our “new look” is one that is drawing many compliments from Zoo visitors. While the press referred to our quick comeback as a “miracle”, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, both here in Belize and abroad, who saw the severe urgency of our challenge, and provided support.

The consolidated effort came from those of us who realize how important this little zoo is. The Belize Zoo has had an immense impact on the nation, geared towards the raising of environmental awareness. Keeping this momentum “alive and kicking” is a big priority. Our supporters agree, and, working together, we achieved what most said was impossible. Are we truly all healed and where we want to be? Not at all. A lot of work is necessary to polish off the footprint of Hurricane Richard. But we are getting there, and getting there with soaring gusto. As we begin a New Year, we are starting with creative energy and spirit, and ensuring to all that we are, indeed, the “Best Little Zoo in the World” A very happy and healthy 2011 to all!

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