A Belize Zoo Jabiru Rescue – With assistance from other wildlife friends!
A recent story from the Belize Zoo was so heart-warming that we thought we take the unprecedented step of posting it here in its entirety.
More and more, Belize is being known as an eco-paradise, due to the vibrant eco-tourism industry, environmental education in our schools and the efforts of individuals, groups and businesses in caring for and protecting our land, water and wildlife.
We’ve posted stories about crocodile and manatee rescues in the past, and here’s a lovely one about concerned individuals, a local business, a government department, wildlife rescuers and the Belize Zoo all working together to save one of Belize’s iconic birds.
We think such efforts should be acknowledged, so why not share this one if you like it?
From The Belize Zoo
“The Best Little Zoo in the World”
Welcome To The Zoo, Jabiru Donovan!
Over two months ago, juvenile jabiru stork, “Donovan,” was rescued within the forests of the Orange Walk District. The young fellow who found the badly injured stork was Donovan, and so to honour his heroic actions, his name became the name of the jabiru.
It was thought by all that young stork Donovan took a tumble from his nest. In doing so, the baby bird’s wing was severely injured. Luckily for “Donovan,” after a quick stop at Cheers restaurant so that an effort could be made to get some badly needed water into the weak stork, Donovan was taken to the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic. Intensive care was provided. Dr. Isabel and her crew of assistants, attended to “Donovan’s” injured wing, but sadly noted that it was way beyond repair.
Medications and food became a daily part of “Donovan’s” life. Belize Zoo Animal management supervisor, Humberto Wohlers, became the “fish delivery man”, taking bags of fish to the clinic, assisting in the dinner needs for “Donovan.” Oh, how the youngster loved those fish!
Meanwhile, at The Belize Zoo, an enclosure was being rejuvenated for Donovan. A pond for wading was added and logs for perching were a part of the new exhibit. Also, seeing that our jabiru storks, “Boomer” and “Coaster,” very much enjoy hanging out on large rocks, well, those, too, made their way into the new exhibit.
Donovan arrived needing much attention and multiple daily feedings. It did not take the youngster long to get to know and trust his zoo caretakers. Besides fish, Donovan was given chicken, liver and boiled egg. Sound good? Another part of the dinner plate was gobs of soaked dog chow. These savory meals saw that Donovan became stronger and steadier with each passing day.
Recently, and to the noticeable joy shown by Donovan, he has been let out to roam in his roomy exhibit. Donovan literally jumps up and down when he first enters his new home. Such a happy bird! Donovan will be a superb ambassador representing his species in the wild. Seeing the young jabiru will surely serve to bring a feeling of pride to his zoo visitors. Belize is home to these magnificent birds, and hopefully, will provide safe and secure habitat for jabiru storks in future years.