In 2003 the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the government of Guyana in South America signed an agreement for a conservation initiative program which includes three main aspects: wild life surveys, support for policy and legislation and development and environmental education at the Guyana Zoo.  This arrangement was made after a cooperative agreement was signed with the Iwokrama International Center for Rain Forest Development and Conservation to act as the Zoo’s liaison in Guyana for conservation projects.

In May 2005, Zoo staff members traveled to Guyana to perform physicals on the captive jaguars that which were to be imported to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  In early January 2006, Dr. Nick Kapustin, Senior Veterinarian and Delfi Messinger, Direct of Animal Programs traveled to Guyana to bring back the two remaining jaguars.   These came to the Zoo on permanent loan from the Guyanese government.  Broader than just the loan of the jaguars, the Zoo is hopeful that the partnership will grow into a larger, long-term initiative building in conservation.  To find out more about the trip to Guyana, click here.

Click here for more information on the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development.