#Habitats4Jags
Make a Difference.
Together.
The Why
As you are probably aware, at IE, we are passionate about jaguar conservation and the efforts of our friends at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center to protect and educate people on the importance of these animals in the world.
That is why we are launching the #Habitats4Jags campaign - to help the Belize Zoo build a state-of-the-art facility for their Human Jaguar Conflict Program (HJCP). This facility will assist in giving these amazing cats, and their entire species, another chance at survival.
Meet Filly, one of the jaguars currently in the HJCP
The Need
The HJCP is the only program in Belize that is authorized to rescue “problem” jaguars. Since its inception in 2003, the facility has rescued over 25 jaguars from conflict situations and certain death. With 9 rescued jaguars currently in the Program, it is in need of a modernized facility to meet the dynamic needs of these special cats.
Those needs include:
A series of tunnels and shift doors would connect several of the HCJP jaguars’ current habitats to this central facility
Individual jaguars will be brought in for training and non-invasive veterinary procedures and/or observation
Recovery rooms will house jaguars who have undergone sedation or anesthesia in a safe, confined space which allows for monitoring by the Animal Care team and vets
Recovery rooms will also double as storm proof shelters during hurricane threats
Each year the HCJP hosts veterinary groups, wildlife biology students, and researchers who gain invaluable insights into jaguar biology, physiology, and behavior. The proposed facility will greatly enhance the educational component of the HCJP.
Current Donations*:
$10,750 (US)
Matched to $21,500 US or 26.9% of Goal!
*as of March 25th
The Campaign
Our goal is to raise a total of $80,000 (US) towards the building of this facility. The great news is that your donations are going to be matched towards that goal! Even better, the exchange rate of US currency to Belize currency is 2:1. So, every dollar you donate is equal to $4 BZE … a 4:1 match!
Phases of the Campaign
Phase 1 (Ongoing!): Facility planning and groundbreaking
Phase 2 (Spring 2024): Construction of the facility at the Zoo.
Phase 3: (Summer 2024): Getting the facility ready for its first jag (purchasing equipment, and supplies)
Opening Ceremonies (Fall 2024)
Make a donation.
There are several ways you can donate to the campaign. Please include the following hashtag with your donation:
#Habitats4Jags
Charitable Contributions
Charitable contributions can be made through the Belize Zoo Neotropical Conservancy, a 501(c)3 organization that supports the Zoo’s work
Donations to the Belize Zoo
The Zoo provides multiple methods of supporting their conservation and educational missions.
Special Events
Interested in hosting a special fundraising event or corporate giving opportunity? We can help!
Learn About Jaguars!
As part of our #Habitats4Jags campaign we are offering this colorful decal. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this decal will go to building a state-of-the-art facility for the Belize Zoo’s Human Jaguar Conflict Program.
The best news is that your donation will be matched! And, that the current exchange rate is $1 US = 2$ BZE. So, for a $5 donation you can make a $20 BZE local impact!!