The Belize Zoo needs help to rebuild after Hurricane Richard

It’s not customary for us to write about a zoo or even wild animals, but after learning about the damage to The Belize Zoo, we had to do something.

Though we don’t recall hearing about it on the local news,on October 24, 2010, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Richard. Founded in 1983, its rustic setting of wire fences and abundant forest were no match for Richard's raging winds. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, human or animal, due to this Category 1 storm.

According to the zoo’s director, Sharon Matola, it will be closed for repairs and renovations and likely will not re-open until December. She reports, “The damage done to many of the animal exhibits is overwhelming, but the pace at rebuilding those habitats is impressive. Logs cut from the debris are being salvaged to add structure and the remaining vegetation is being cultivated to regenerate more shade in the enclosures.”

Jaguar balances on fallen Ceiba tree.

Work is underway and the bills are mounting. After a couple challenging years due to the global recession, “The Belize Zoo does not have the financial resources necessary to see these plans and upgrades realized. We have been working daily in an effort to raise funds so that work can continue to progress, but it is a huge challenge,” says Matola.

That, kind readers, is where you come in. The economy has been tough on everyone, yet we’ve found that folks have a remarkable capacity to dig deep and help those who are struggling even harder. For the zoo, the greatest needs are truckloads of strong and durable fencing, cement, gravel and large rocks, PVC piping, steel pipe, lumber, wire, nails, and paint, as well as new tools, new water pumps and money to pay workers. People can donate online at:www.belizezoo.org

The Belize Zoo and Tropical& Education Center’s mission is to inspire Belizeans to conserve and protect natural habitats that sustain Belize’s biodiversity by bringing visitors closer to the animals of Belize. More than 50,000 Belizeans, including 18,000 school children, visit The Belize Zoo each year, and the Education Department has extensive outreach and on-site education programs for students and teachers.

Thanks for helping our Central American cousins…the jaguar, margay and ocelot…as well as the dozens of other mammals, birds and reptiles that make the zoo their home.