#Habitats4Jags
Make a Difference.
Together.
The Why
This probably isn’t a secret, but 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 everyone on the importance of these animals in the world.
That is why we have established 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*:
$10,915 (US)
Matched to $21,830 US or 27.2% of Goal!
*as of October 2024
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!
Campaign Update (Oct 2024)
The campaign is still ongoing and we are determined to reach our goal!! However, due to the needs of other animals (ocelots and harpy eagles) the construction of the Habitat has been postponed until Nov 2024.
All #Habitats4Jags funds are still being matched, and we can’t wait to share updates.
To keep up with the campaign, subscribe to our newsletter below
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!
We prepared this special image to recognize some of the graduates of the Human Jaguar Conflict Program at the Belize Zoo! Each of these beautiful animals has a special place in our heart, and that is why we are featuring this image as part of our #Habitats4Jags campaign!
This is the digital wallpaper size for your computer.
100% of the proceeds from these items go towards the #Habitats4Jags campaign, and all purchases count as a donation - so they will be matched!