Belize Iguana Project History

The idea of rearing the Green Iguana as a conservation project was first attempted in Belize by the Belize Zoo over 10 years ago, as a response to previous project models in other parts of Central America. The program, as continued by the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, has turned out to be a very necessary one, especially since the aim is to release healthy juvenile iguanas back into their natural habitat. As a cyclical and continuous course of rearing the iguanas from the egg to juvenile stage, the program is instrumental in providing a great field of research and education to the people of Belize and around the world.

Over the past 8 years, hundreds of students and interns of all ages from across the country and from around the world have visited the Green Iguana Exhibit at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. This effort, in collaboration with Belizean primary and secondary schools as well as with Galen University, and their foreign affiliates, is spreading the initiative to foster and protect the Green Iguana. In addition, general academic scholarships have been provided by the program to several local students, building a bridge to the larger community, and further educating young Belizeans.

Since its inception, the Green Iguana Project has been entirely self-sustained, relying solely on the contributions and donations of concerned visitors and patrons. The success of the program is due largely to the Green Iguana Adoption Program, through which contributing visitors can name, adopt, and receive a certificate of adoption for a young iguana prior to its release. These adoptive parents leave the San Ignacio Resort Hotel with a deeper connection to the project and the knowledge that they are really making a difference for this reptilian beauty.

With the continued collaboration between the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, educational institutions and the general community, along with the support of visitors from around the world, the future is bright for this unique project. So, come visit, enjoy and perhaps leave knowing that you are a part of this vitally important effort.

For the past 14 years the Green Iguana Conservation Project and the Medicinal Trail has seen a number  of visitors, local schools, international students (medical students, vets, interns, etc.), visitors, in house guest. 

2006-2011 App. 2500 students visited the Green Iguana project.

2006-2011 App.5400 visitors have had the opportunity to see the Green Iguana Program

Overall estimation for the visitors from 1996-2011 are approximately 16500 (not including students)
 

Contact us to learn more about the Belize Iguana Project