Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

World Tapir Day was this weekend, and the Belize Zoo crowned April the Tapir - ceremonially they crowned her paper mache double - as the new Miss Belize in honor of her 30th birthday.  The yearly event at the zoo was attended by 100's of students from around Belize, and the ceremonial crowning was done by four students from the Buena Vista school in Spanish Lookout.  April is the oldest living tapir in a zoo, already having outlived her life expectantcy by 5 years, in the world.  Happy birthday, April!

"To many of you watching this, the news that a new Miss Belize was crowned today will come as a big surprise.  The venue was the Belize Zoo and Education Center and the occasion was a very special one – the thirtieth birthday of a celebrity who over the years has become the face of the zoo.  Today News Five was invited to the birthday celebration of April the Tapir, and joined the many friends and guests there for what is always a memorable event."

The Belize Zoo celebrated World Tapir Day with a birthday celebration for Fuego.  He even got some birthday cake especially for him.  It was another great event at the Belize Zoo.  Ya'axche has some great pictures from the event, and Channel 5 got some video and did some interviews.

"Another smashingly successful National Tapir Day at the Zoo!  Over 250 guests from all over the country joined us to celebrate our national animal, the 'Mountain Cow.'  Excitement and energy were high, especially when Belize's new tapir ambassador, 'Fuego,' finally had his first birthday fiesta!  Students bravely addressed the crowd and shared why tapirs were important to them and their country.  

The young, talented musicians from Panerrifix Steelband kept us entertained with steelband melodies, followed by an enthusiastic sing-along session by the entire party crowd, lead by TBZ Director, Sharon Matola.  While students had their refreshments and played clever tapir games, Fuego munched away on his splendid birthday cake made of sweet potatoes, carrots, honey, and all the things a young, growing tapir loves to eat!  TBZ thanks all our special guests that made this day extra special.  Here's to another 30 years of magical mountain cow events."

The Belize Zoo is celebrating World Tapir Day tomorrow.  It's a special party, because Belize's famous tapir, April, is celebrating her 30th birthday.  Panerrifix Steel Band will be playing there, and the Belize Tumblers will also perform.  It'll be a fun learning experience for the entire family.  The festivities start at 10:00am.