In celebration of International Women’s Day, I am sharing a recent private tour of the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility with Girl Power Cayman and Miss World Cayman Islands. Both Miss World Cayman Islands and Girl Power Cayman share a passion for raising awareness about the environment and supporting our community.  On a personal note, it has been such a privilege working with these wonderful organizations.  I am constantly inspired by this strong group of women.  I am thankful for the amazing friendship and sisterhood we all share.  I am so proud of Girl Power Cayman’s enthusiasm and interest in learning more about conservation and ways to help protect our environment.  

As previously mentioned, Jaci Patrick, Miss World Cayman Islands 2019 and Girl Power Cayman recently visited the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility located at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.  We had an incredible guided tour learning fascinating facts about Cayman’s endangered Blue Iguana, which is endemic to Grand Cayman.  The girls were able to ask questions and get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the life of Cayman’s iconic Blue Iguanas.  Highlights from the tour included seeing the baby Blue Iguanas up close, an incredible photo opportunity with Sir Peter, the famous Blue Iguana that has been photographed with HRH Prince of Wales, as well as seeing the largest Blue Iguana at the facility, Opy.  “It was my first time taking a tour of the blue iguanas at The Blue Iguana Conservation Facility and I was fascinated to learn about their friendliness and uniqueness to Cayman. Sir Peter was so calm and friendly of which I was surprised. It was an awesome experience. Thank you to the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility for taking their time to educate us on this unique experience” says, Pamela Ebanks-Small, Director of Miss World Cayman Islands and Founder of Girl Power Cayman.  Overall, it was an epic day, filled with incredible memories.  The Blue Iguana Conservation Facility works hard protecting and preserving this incredible species.  To learn more about the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility, click here.  

Interview with Jaci Patrick, Miss World Cayman Islands 2019

Do you remember when you first saw a Blue Iguana?

The first time that I saw a blue iguana was at Queen Elizabeth’s Botanical Park when I was a little girl. It was so great to see how much the Blue Iguana Recovery Program has grown since then. This program is doing an excellent job to conserve our blue iguanas.

What do you love most about Blue Iguanas?

What I love most about the Blue Iguana is that they are native to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. I think that’s what makes them so unique; they aren’t found anywhere else in the world. This is why it is so vital that we protect the Blue Iguanas.

What was the most interesting fact you learned about Blue Iguana’s while on the guided tour at the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility? 

The most interesting fact that I learned about the Blue Iguanas on the guided tour is that they don’t have any predators.

What was your biggest takeaway after visiting with the Blue Iguanas Conservation Facility?

My biggest takeaway after visiting with the Blue Iguanas is that although the Blue Iguana Recovery Program is doing a tremendous job at protecting our Blue Iguanas, they also need our support as a community. I think it’s important that we spread awareness, donate and get involved whenever we can.

Girl Power Cayman Highlights With The Blue Iguanas

About Girl Power Cayman: “Girl Power Cayman is a non-profit organisation which mentors young women between 15 and 25 years old. Their mission is to inspire, nurture and empower young women with lifelong knowledge, skills and values to succeed in today’s challenging and competitive society” – Kelsie Woodman-Bodden of Girl Power Cayman Chairwoman.  If you’re interested in learning more about Girl Power Cayman please contact Girlpowercayman@gmail.com   

A couple of members of Girl Power Cayman share their experience with the Blue Iguanas during their private tour at the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility. 

“I think I have been to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park maybe once or twice in primary school but as far as I can remember I don’t think I’ve seen the Blue Iguanas up close like I did on the Girl Power tour. I’ve always seen them in pictures, but I never expected them to be so big. Our guide, Alberto, provided us with a very informative tour. Although I have been keeping up with the population released in the wild, I didn’t realise the steps that they took to ensure they weren’t cross-breeding, the ways they identified them with the coloured beads on their necks and the way they change colours depending on their conditions.”

-Rosita Ritch

“This was my first time at the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility located at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park and also seeing the blue Iguanas. It was a wonderful interactive and educational experience! My favorite part of the tour was meeting Sir Peter and getting to take a picture with him!”

-Taneil Lee

Take A Tour And See The Blue Iguanas Up Close

If you are interested in taking a tour at the Blue Iguanas Conservation Facility to see the Blue Iguanas up close, see the baby Blues and learn interesting facts about them contact tours@nationaltrust.org.ky 

All proceeds from the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility Tour go directly to Blue Iguana Conservation. 

Photo Credits: Eco Chic Cayman