Thomas Belt Zoo, Juigalpa

This zoo, one of two in the country, doesn´t get much publicity. I can see why: it´s something along the lines of a national discrace that only well meaning foreigners can cop a ¨doing the best they with what they´ve got¨ argument. Sad need for both money AND vision.

Caiman display was the only one that looks good in fotos. Good news is that they are working on a big new first class Swan pond at the entrance. A first step to get public support and local pride, I hope.

Come early in the morning for feeding time, when the animals perk up a little. The ¨check guns at ticket booth¨ sign, stray dogs, and buzzards sitting on top of the cages give this zoo an ambiance like none other I´ve ever seen.

I thought the ¨don´t give the chimp cigarrettes¨ sign was kinda funny till I saw some kids feeding cigs to the geese. The guard burns a lot of shoe leather, but he can´t be everywhere at once.

Needles to say, I´m making these comments in hopes that there are some out there in Nicaliving land who might have the means and will to help this zoo out. I´m not talking just about money, they need volunteers,etc. A 4 inch mission statement on the almost bare bulletin board says they want to be an educational, conservation, and tourist attraction.