12/22 -
UPDATE FROM ZOO DIRECTOR SHARON MATOLA
UPDATE FROM ZOO DIRECTOR SHARON MATOLA
DECEMBER 2003
On behalf of everyone at The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, a very Happy Holiday Season to you. Our year here has been an exciting one.
The Belize Zoo has been at the frontlines in kickstarting the Harpy Eagle Restoration Program in Belize, in conjunction with The Peregrine Fund and the Government of Belize. There are currently four Harpy Eagles, which were captive-bred at the Peregrine Fund’s Neotropical Raptor Facility in Panama, now released and doing well. in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. They are monitored daily by radio-telemmetry.
Complementing this important Restoration project is our aggressive Environmental Education Program about the Harpy Eagle and the important role it plays in the scope of Belizean ecology. We are grateful for funding assistance to support this program from UNDP/sgfgef
Our Harpy Eagle exhibit continues to impress our visitors, and “Panama”, our resident captive-bred Harpy Eagle teaches thousands of people about this Endangered bird-of-prey. Truth about “Panama” -- he truly is spoiled rotten. And yes, it’s all my fault. But like I say, if that bird could send and receive e-mail, I’d marry him!
We opened an otter exhibit this year, to the delight of many, and we recently added a gorgeous neotropical rattlesnake in a pine-savanna exhibit to our Visitors Centre.
Speaking of snakes, here is a chance for you to assist the wildlife conservation profile of Belize. The below letter explains the misbehaviour of a resort called Maruba Resort Jungle Spa They are exploiting the reptiles of Belize, as described in my letter to the Chief Forest Officer, Mr. Oswaldo Sabido.
If you are considering a visit to Belize, I encourage you NOT to patronize their resort. A far better option, should you go for jungle lodge/spa type of resort is Chaa Creek resort. They pride themselves in supporting the wildlife laws and conservation ethics in Belize, as opposed to the Maruba Resort approach, which reflects the opposite.
The Belize Tourism Industry Association, BTIA, has sent a letter of support to the Chief Forest Officer, urging him to take appropriate action to end this illegal activity. Letters have also been rreceived by renowned herpetologists, Dr. Julian Lee and forthcoming from Dr. Jonathan Campbell.
Should you wish to become proactive, send an e-mail message to Maruba@btl.net and let them know how you feel. A letter of support to Chief Forest Officer Mr. Oswaldo Sabido, at formgmt@btl.net and to conservation@mnrei.gov.bz would also assist.
You may want to copy the Belize Tourist Board, as well - btbb@btl.net And many thanks for your participation in this important issue.
Thank you for checking into our website, and a Very Happy 2004,
Sharon Matola, Director
|
