Monday, August 24th, 2020 – The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a conservation organization that has been proudly serving Belize for the past 137 years. Visitors to the zoo total approximately 86,000 annually, of which fifty percent are Belizeans.
With the closure of the airport and the domestic state of emergency measures caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic the income stream for the zoo has been severely impacted. The zoo is currently opened by appointments only, and it is only through the generous donations from merchants and the public that they are able to feed the animals and keep staff employed. As a result, The Belize Zoo reached out to the Belizean community and the Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund seeking financial assistance.
Being deeply committed to the protection of animals and wildlife around the world, as highlighted in his recent book publication, “Unfair Game”, Lord Ashcroft pledged his avid support to this most needed effort.
Today, Mr. Lyndon Guiseppi, chairman of the Lord Ashcroft Covid-19 Relief Fund met with Mr. Celso Poot, representative from the TBZYEC Management Team to hand over a donation in the amount of $20,000.00. Mr. Poot expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of the TBZTEC management, staff and animals. He further explained that the funds will go directly into the care, nutrition and enriched quality of life for over 200 animals which represent 45 native species of Belizean wildlife.