Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Zoo is accepting applications for the 2024 Sharon Matola Conservation Scholarship. If you know any women that want to study science, let them know.

"The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center is now accepting applications for the 2024 Sharon Matola Conservation Scholarship! This scholarship will provide a tuition award of up to $10,000BZ to a Belizean woman to pursue undergraduate studies in the natural sciences: Biology, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science.

Students who are interested should email the required application material as a single Word or .pdf document to celso@belizezoo.org by Saturday May 25, 2024."

Video of the month.  A wonderful tribute video for Sharon Matola, founder of the Belize Zoo.  Learn about how the zoo started and her work in sustainability.  Awesome work from Carol Farneti Foster and Daniel Velazquez.  Definitely worth a watch.

"A tribute to Sharon Matola: wildlife conservationist, and founder of The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center.

Producer: Carol Farneti-Foster
Editor: Daniel Velasquez
Stock Footage: 7News Belize; Foster Productions
Audio courtesy: TEDxBelmopan
Commissioned by The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) with support from the Belize Zoo & Neotropical Conservancy (BZNC). Published June 2022"

The Belize Zoo will have Sharon Matola day the first Saturday every June, starting next Saturday. Entrance will be free for Belizeans, and they ask that you bring food for the animals.  

"Sharon Matola Day declared at The Belize Zoo!

Junior Buddy is pictured on the 14th edition of Biology.   The author of the book wrote an article the really captures the essence of what the Belize Zoo is all about.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRURxrjh1Ij/

"But before I get to what happened that day, it is important that you understand that the Belize Zoo is anything but a zoo. It is the epicenter of the passion the Belizeans have in preserving the natural wonders of their country. Founded almost 40 years ago by Sharon Matola, a woman whose dedication to conservation and education was an inspiration to all who met her, it has grown to become one of the primary centers of jaguar rehabilitation, conservation, and most importantly, education, in Central America. And as far as I am concerned, the world.

My first encounter with a jaguar happened late in the day on my first trip to the Zoo...  There, on a tree branch, barely 20 yards away, was one of the most magnificent animals I have ever seen.  His name was Junior Buddy, and he was, and in my mind always will be, the flagship ambassador of the jaguar conservation project at the Zoo. Junior Buddy was completely uninterested in what was happening on my side of the fence, but as I approached he gently turned his head in my direction, and stared, unblinking, into my eyes."

Great article from Carolee Chanona, at Caribbean Culture & Lifestyle about the recently departed Sharon Matola.

"I would like anyone reading this to know that they are reading an interview given by one of the happiest people on the planet. Me. I am so proud of The Belize Zoo and what it has given to so many people. I am reinforced daily about the significant impact this facility has had: for the wildlife of Belize, and for the wonderful people of this extremely special nation. Colour me happy.”"

-Sharon Matola

Sharon Matola has passed away, but her memory will live on and on in the Belize Zoo.  In 2007, Nightline interviewed Sharon when they featured the zoo.  While her passing is a huge loss for Belize, her work with conservation and sustainability resonates with 1000's.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMvIiIBFfEK/

"ABC Nightline features The Belize Zoo, September 10th 2007.  Jeffery Kauffman visits "The Best Little Zoo In The World" and talks to Sharon Matola, Belize Zoo Keeper.  The 29-acre zoo features over a hundred animals, all local, and include tapirs, jaguarundis, macaws, monkeys, storks, jaguars, otters, owls, black jaguars, and vultures.  The zoo's main attraction is its jungle setting, where the animals are kept in natural wildlife habitat."

The U.S. Embassy awarded Sharon Matola, the creator and curator of the world famous Belize Zoo, their 2019 Woman of the Year.  Congratulations, Sharon!  She's done a lot for the wildlife of Belize.  Well deserved.

"The U.S. Embassy selected Ms. Matola as our 'Woman of the Year 2019' for her tireless dedication and steadfast commitment to conserve and preserve Belize’s natural heritage through zealous advocacy and education. As Chargé Gilges highlighted, “Not only is Sharon a truly outstanding woman and an exemplary role model to Belizean youth, but also Sharon’s herculean efforts and a lifelong dedication to conserving and preserving nature make her an ideal person to celebrate now, on the eve of Earth Day.” Minister Figueroa emphasized Sharon’s immense, positive impact across Belize and stated that Sharon is, in fact, a “Woman of the Year” every year."

Happy birthday, Junior Buddy!  They had a celebration at the Belize Zoo for the occasion.  Here's to many more!

"BIRTHDAY BASH FOR JUNIOR BUDDY! Belize's most famous jaguar and "national treasure," Junior Buddy, hit the big 1-0 last week! Over 100 guests joined us to celebrate this very special decade of jaguar conservation in grand fashion.  Our VIP guests included Junior's longtime friends from St. Agnes Anglican School down the road, as well as our "jaguar expert" colleagues from around Belize.

After a review of some cool feline facts about jaguars, everyone joined TBZ Director Sharon in a rousing rendition of the Junior Buddy Song, complete with "dancing jaguars" in the crowd.  The Birthday Boy was eager to receive his birthday bone, quickly diving into his pond the moment it was tossed in. Junior wowed his fans with his speed and agility (still young at heart!), then triumphantly chomped on his prize for all to see."

Wondering about what the Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team?  Here's a great video documentary from Daniel Velazquez about the project. 

"A documentary about the Chiquibul national park in Belize, and the people protecting it from poachers , a look at conservation today with Scarlet Macaw protection, and a short look back on Challilo Dam issue, and environmental destruction, with Sharon Matola, Greg Cho and people in Cayo.  Film is produced by Roni Matinez, Charles Britt and Filmmaker Daniel Velazquez active wildlife conservationist in Belize, this is also a creative art media project, in wish we gave cameras to the protection crew, and they took part in documenting."

"This year was a REAL collaboration between many organizations and individuals to save our dwindling population of scarlet macaws in this little patch of our Jewel.  We now have solid partners and concrete determination.  Over 50 volunteers from Belize, US, Spain, Switzerland, Guatemala and other countries, joined us this year in our stand to protect a declining species in a remote corner of the massive Chiquibul.  Want to join the Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team in 2014 as we continue our struggle?  We promise you an adventure you will not soon forget.  Thanks a million to the Belize Forest Department, Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize, Blancaneaux Lodge, WCS-Guatemala, Daniel Velazquez, Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, LoraKim Joyner, Rainforest Restoration Foundation, Loro Parque Fundacion, Tony Rath Photography and Tony Rath plus the rest of the army of collaborators, volunteers and donors who lent us that helping hand this year."

The BTB made a short video to recognize Sharon Matola at the 2022 Belize Tourism Awards.  Worth a watch.  

'Sharon Matola, founder of the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (BZTEC), was also posthumously recognized at the National Tourism Awards. We honor her legacy, achievements, and contributions to tourism and conservation in Belize. Mr. Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, Conservation Program Manager at BZTEC received the award on her behalf.'

Belize has a new protected area: the Sharon Matola Wildlife Sanctuary.  The 2600 acres were officially declared a protected area on June 3rd.  Great to see more land in the corridor being protected.

"This protected area, which will encompass more than 2,600 acres of land around TBZTEC, was officially declared during the June 3rd sitting of the House of Representatives, and further endorsed by Government of Belize officials during a celebration at the Zoo later that day.

Sharon Matola had a wonderful write up in the Washington Post.  RIP, Ma'am.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNLN1MsFc8G/

"At first, Ms. Matola raised and sold chickens and worked as a nature guide to support the animals. She wooed the zoo’s first paying visitors with the help of the staff at a nearby restaurant who sent their customers her way. 

Beautiful video from Chef Sean Kuylen honoring Sharon Matola.  You'll find some dust gets in your eyes while watching.  Very befitting tribute.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMziLB1l81c/

Thank you Ms Sharon Matola for the Best Little Zoo in the world!"

Video of the day.  Katja interviewed Sharon Matola a few days ago to talk about the Belize Zoo.  Since they aren't getting any traffic, they are asking for help with feeding the animals in these tough times.  

"The Belize Zoo is struggling during the Corona crisis. Sharon Matola, the founding director of the Belize Zoo, is telling me in an interview what the current situation is and how people can support it.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE
please visit the Belize Zoo website https://www.belizezoo.org
call the front desk +5016253604 (cell or WhatsApp)
or contact The Belize Zoo on social media.

For money donations click here: https://www.altdzynshosting.com/belizezoo/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=145%3E%20&view=wrapper&Itemid=145"

Video of the day.  Sharon Matola, the founder of the Belize Zoo, gave a fun little speech about the zoo, its start, and many of the amazing animals in it.  If you love the zoo, or want to know more about it, this video is a must watch.  She even sings one of the songs she wrote for one of the more than 20 jaguars the zoo has saved.  

"What would you do with animals left behind after a documentary project? Well, Sharon Matola started a zoo and in this talk, she tells us all about the journey. With her love for protecting our furry, feathered and scaly friends, Matola rekindles our love for these animal ambassadors. Sharon Matola is the Founding Director of The Belize Zoo and is passionate about directing her life so that the natural world benefits from her living and working profile. While this strong desire to protect wildlife has always been a part of her being, the finest and the most rewarding part of her life is sharing her work and passion with the people who visit The Belize Zoo. 

She takes special time to create a fun and magical experience with the kids who visit. They never forget, their joy is overwhelming, and their bonding to the animals of their country is heartwarming and inspiring to me. She considers herself luckiest person in the world."

Chiqui has moved into her new home at the Belize Zoo!  There was a celebration at the zoo for the event.  The U.S. Embassy also got some great pictures of the fun.

"CHIQUI'S BIG DEBUT!  After many months living behind the scenes, Chiqui the jaguar has finally moved into her new home on-site at the Zoo!  We have been fundraising tirelessly since we received her in early June to create a comfortable living space for this special cat.  Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors both in Belize and abroad, this became a reality and was celebrated yesterday with a wonderful ceremony.  Zoo Director Sharon Matola opened the celebration with a energetic performance of 'Chiqui's Song,' with the help of our little friends from KLIC Preschool.  Representatives from Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize were present to say a few words and carry out the official ribbon cutting for the exhibit. "