Belizean Sean: End of the School Year (mostly) in Photos

School Trip
First stop:

The Belize Zoo is a simple but beautiful zoo. Set on a small acreage outside of Belize City, the zoo was opened in the early 90s to take in abandoned animals that were used in the filming of a movie.

Only animals native to Belize can be found in the zoo. All of the animals were rescued (many of them 'nuisance' animals that would have been killed), or animals born in captivity.

The purpose of the Belize Zoo is to provide educational opportunities for Belizeans to learn about the wide array of animals found in this small country. Most Belizeans don't get the opportunity to interact with wild animals on a daily basis, like those of us lucky enough to be living in Gallon Jug.

Even when you do see wild animals every day, it's still pretty awesome to see a jaguar close up!


Can you spot the jaguar in this picture?

Fifty-three of us visited the zoo. The cost $53 Belize ($26.50 USD). In Belize, and even in Gallon Jug there are many misconceptions, misunderstandings, and 'Old wives tales' about the animal inhabitants. There were many signs like the one below trying to dispel these harmful myths.

Second stop:

Old Belize is a museum/ educational center that shares history of Belize from the time of the Maya to the present day through interactive displays.

Oh, and I can't forget to mention that Old Belize has a water park too!

Jaguar Researchers Visit Casey Community School

We have a group from Virginia Tech in Gallon Jug doing research on the jaguar population in the area. Around 100 trail cameras have popped up around Gallon Jug as part of the research.

On the second to last day of school we were lucky enough to have the researchers stop by to show us some of the pictures they have captured, as well as give the students a chance to learn how the trail cameras work.