HURRICANE LISA HITS THE BELIZE ZOO
The Belize Zoo has sent an appeal to the public for funding and support.
UPDATE 11/14/2022
Several of the animals have returned to their habitats. Rex the King Vulture (the oldest Zoo resident), along with his partner Sally and children Perfecto and Milagro, are back in their familiar space. Hoodwink the Spectacled Owl, Mona Lisa the Mottled Owl, and Panama the Harpy Eagle are also back in their habitats, as is Archie the Tamandua, Rainbow the Keel-billed Toucan, and the various species of parrots.
Marchismo, one of our male tapirs, is back in his habitat after quick repairs were done to it. The other tapirs Fuego, Navidad, Sparks, Ceibo, Indy and Tambo are also back in their usual spaces.
Sadly, Sylvia and Martin, two of our ambassador jaguars; they will have to wait longer as their habitats sustained extensive damage and it will be some time before it is cleared and rebuilt. The team is working around the clock to get Chiqui and Lindo the jaguars back in their spaces.
UPDATE 11/10/2022
Here is a link to a Belize News 5 Live piece on the damage sustained at the Belize Zoo. https://fb.watch/gIgcnWVclq/
The zoo has begun cleanup with the help of volunteers as well as some hired personnel. The TEC has some help as well.
URGENT NEED FOR FUNDS. The zoo needs as much financial support as possible. The estimated loss of income and operating expenses for the month of November will be ~$180,000BZ. This does not include the cost of property restoration and rebuilding.
The importance of getting the animals back into their habitats as soon as possible is critical for their health and well-being.
Please consider donating today.
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was severely impacted by Hurricane Lisa which passed over Belize on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
A small team stayed at the zoo to ensure the safety of the animals and the security of the buildings. Thankfully, the staff and all the animals are safe.
Tragically the damage to animals' habitats and pathways suffered extensive damage.
As a result, the Belize Zoo will remain closed until further notice. The staff will focus their energy on providing care to the beloved wildlife and work to restore "the best little zoo in the world.”
Through the BZNC your tax-deductible donation will go directly to the Belize zoo and will immediately impact the restoration effort. The BZNC will post regular updates on the progress as the Belize Zoo works towards opening the gates once more.