AN education volunteer has recently initiated an online campaign to raise funds from around the world to improve a jaguar’s current enclosure housed at the Zoological Park (zoo) in the city.Sarina Kawall, the zoo’s education volunteer, underscored that ‘Apostle’, the jaguar, is about seven or eight years old and came to the zoo as an abused animal. Apostle was captured in a mining camp and subjected to extremely brutal treatment before being rescued by other miners.

Thereafter, she had been tied up in a bag and beaten and consequently had large open wounds on her skin. Due to the care of the zoo keepers, Apostle has fortunately made a complete recovery.
This campaign, Kawall said, is geared at raising funds to improve Apostle’s life at the zoo by rehabilitating her enclosure, which is in a rough condition since at present she is confined to the concreted portion of her enclosure for security reasons.
Moreover, Kawall noted that the “green” space behind the animal’s enclosure which is used for exercise and recreation is currently termite infested and it is not a safe environment for a 250 lb animal to be in, nor would it be safe for zoo patrons to be around.
Additionally, she indicated that although there are plans for a full ‘open’ cat enclosure for the future, this seems unlikely for the time being.
CONSERVATION FOCUS
Administered by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), the zoo has drastically moved from a focus on entertainment to focus on conservation, rehabilitation and education. Annalise Bayney, the PAC officer, who oversees such issues at the zoo, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that at present Kawall has raised USD1,950 (all private donations from around the world) through her online campaign.
“The rehabilitation will cost USD8,300 to properly repair the area behind the enclosure. Repairing this ‘green’ space will allow the jaguar to run and be ‘outside’, rather than be confined to a concrete space all day. This will add enrichment to her life and daily activities,” said Bayney.
The plans noted by Kawall, include a complete dismantling of the current structure behind the concrete space and rebuilding with concrete and metal fences to safely contain the feline while allowing Apostle the freedom of exploration and usable ‘green’ space.
Lastly Kawall stated, “I am hoping that some human beings can help to make up for the cruelty that this jaguar has suffered from other humans, even though she will never know your kindness.” Donations can be given to the zoo.

By Shivanie Sugrim