Episode 6: Filly's Story - A Jaguar at the Belize Zoo

In this episode we are going to take you to meet Humberto Wohlers, the General Curator at the Belize Zoo. The care of all of the Zoo's animals are under his umbrella, but today we are going to focus on the fascinating story of Filly, a young jaguar in the Human Jaguar Conflict Program. Humberto also shares how the zookeepers in the HJCP work with young jaguars, and how Filly's story is continuing to evolve.

This is the third part of our series on the HJCP
Episode 3: The Human Jaguar Conflict Program at the Belize Zoo
Episode 5: The Inspiration for Nacho House Cat, a Children's Book About Jaguars!

For more information on how you can support jaguar conservation, visit our #Habitats4Jags page

IE is an organization formed by teachers and scientists with a passion for developing inspirational stories about people and organizations involved in wildlife conservation and education.

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Transcript

…Hi everyone and welcome to the IE podcast. I'm Michael a biologist and co founder of inspired adventures. We have a really exciting episode for you today as we take you back to the Police Zoo in Tropological Center to meet with Humberto Wallers, the general curator of the Zoo. And Humberto is here to give us Filly the Jaguars story where she came from her interactions with the zookeepers, and what the future may hold for her. Filly is also one of the Jaguar ambassadors at the police zoo and the feature Zaguar for our Habitat's for Jags campaign So let's get started…Hi everyone This is Michael from inspired adventures and I'm here today with Humberto Wallers from the Belize Zoo, and Humberto is the general curator. Okay Of the zoo. And as you can imagine that's a pretty important position From our perspective what we're interested today is that Humberto knows about all everything about all the animals at the zoo Okay So that's gonna be a lot of fun talking to him Alright Doctor Michael I'm fine and I'm happy to trying you out in this in this podcast. Great. Has it finally started raining there Because when I was there about a month ago it was…the first about a week and a half we had…very nice rain and I'm happy for that. I guess the plants and some animals are much happier. Bad water because we did have a drought for a long, at least going for three months It was it was else surprising how dry and smoking fires…Not smoking And it was really it was really tough to see But as always you know the the staff of the zoo took such wonderful care of those animals I saw them in their washing down you know with the peers and you know making sure everybody had plenty of water So it's it's really great. Right. Today we wanna talk to you about Jag Wars Of course. And not just Jag Wars though because your job, although the zoo is well known for its jaguar conservation efforts, your job really encompasses…curating and taking care of all the animals there So why don't we just start with you telling me a little bit about yourself how many animals you're currently taking care of Okay And then we'll get some discussion about Jag Wars. Right So just to…go back a little bit for how long I have been working at this zoo. I I started in nineteen ninety one. And so this this gives me like almost thirty thirty three years. Of working at the zoo and all I have done…is zoo work rehabilitation…assisting animal caring for animals, So I started a zookeeper, and eventually I went up steps. And today I carried some other responsibilities…Of you know the taking care of the animal collection, which currently we have for the three species…and around a hundred and fifty individuals. Of those they are all native animals to beliefs, but the peers Jabarus Jaguars Macaz, and that has given me…enough to learn Although it's still time We still learn every time more and more. And so besides the animal collection I have a staff that I need to oversee and work with them. One of the the main things here is to know…different aspects of…animal husbandry where it comes to…the the diet where it comes to the the needs of the animals…most recently about…enriching their their lives, environmental enrichments behavioral enrichments, all that is part of what? We as the animal caregivers do. We have all also rescued many many young animals…injured animals, and we have taken that role to be able to restore them back to rehabilitate them. Some have been released because they're pretty good good enough to go back into the wild. Those that are unable for reasons, physical, you know damages or they they would stay at the zoo They they become part of the animal collection so…indeed we don't go there to pick animals out from the wild and bring them to the zoo but people would bring that to us They would call us and we we respond. Of course with the government's permission we we do all these rescues. And raising of you know infants, baby animals. Right. So You're right More than what I'm loving And then also…I have to ensure that our habitats…are…good enough for the animals that we care for. We need to provide them with enough shelters enough water…space for them to move around to get away from public if they want to. So we have to ensure that we have a habitat that is enough and good for that individual animal. So that is quite a lot for me to take care of. That is a lot And I've I've met a large portion of your staff and I think you're missing one important thing I'll tell you right now because you take amazing care of these animals anybody who has not been to the belize zoo I know we talk a lot of about it a lot but it is a place of people of passion for conservation, but also the the communication…the the the stories you tell and the interactions with the general public, it is amazing how knowledgeable your staff you and your staff are Right I mean and just I mean you can ask them if almost an ask me anything question. Okay And if they don't know it they're usually running and finding the the the the keeper who knows that answer…If I don't know it another keeper would know it because we every animal animal that comes in have a story. Right Right And and and this is what we want to share. Right We want to share…the stories of how these animals come to us and how they become part of our community, right, or you know we're able to to to to work with them and they allow us to work with them as well. So it is it is a lot of a lot of work for for the staff itself. As you said if I don't know it the other stuff will know a story. Yeah. And and you do an amazing job with that I'm I'm we're gonna talk about the big cats today specifically the jaguars which are probably one of the signature animals of of the zoo you know along with the macaws and and that that appears Right Okay And a couple others but But I think that you know Jag Wars being the big cats, I've had the opportunity in in the time but I've been coming to the zoo to see the transformation of some of these animals and and it is almost through the sheer sheer will and work of of your staff you know to move some of these animals so that they become an animal ambassador, right to something we see up front because the ones we see up front are just a few of the jaguars you have. Right. We we have a few of them for public view but they are They have stories. Right The ones that we…have away from the public. And we refer to that as the human Jaguar conflict area. Again they have very good stories and they're very very beautiful cuts…on each one of them with different personalities. Yeah So, today we would like to get the story of a Pat which everybody had inspired adventures has kind of fallen in love with When we first approached you about the Human Jaguar Conflict conflict program and the facility…we'll talk about that The habitats for Jag's project will take to the very end. You gave us a picture, okay of a relatively…new jaguar Okay Her name is Filly. And I'll tell you what that that picture went through our entire staff We just said that's it This is what we're doing Everything is focused on Filly. You know no offense to Chici and the other Jaguars but she's she's a great, a great cat I understand she has a very interesting story So we would like for you to just tell us a little bit about…how'd you get Filly First of all we're why is she there? Right Okay So just to go back a little bit in two thousand and three, when Sharon…Bakten, our or our founding director. We had…the Forest Department…we sat down and discussed how can we help? There were comment there were reports coming from the Forest Department Office that around thirty to forty hours killed…for that year. Right. And so…we wanted to…assist in a way, help these pieces…still survive because you know there was there's, there was there's still development happening around the the homes of these travelers here. Besides that then you have the hunting pressure, You have hunters or out there hunting for the previous of that Java. And so we sat with the government and we decided where can the zoo help…in this. And we decided that if we establish an area known as the Human Jaguar Conflict…that will help us in assisting the farmers At least they know that…they will be okay than that their their livestock will not be…taken by jugglers. and at the same time, there were cases where jaguars used to be near homes where there are kids and there are families, and that was some of the concerns. And so we established this this human Jaguar conflict area. And…up to now I can I can count over…twenty five cats that have already come through our human Jaguar conflict program? Some comment in different in different…forward cuts then we'll have young young cuts. And so…those…that are older we have to keep them here because they they are not we cannot be able to release them Right That's that's the truth. Some of them come with bullet wounds, some of them compliance some of them come with you know injured leg. And so…go home and decide alright you guys could keep all these cuts there. And as the time goes you know the animals get all they get sick And so we…At least we give them…we give them a good home for the rest of the life here. With Filly, this was a very particular case where…the government had already made…several visit to a village called San Felipe. So the name Philip comes from that name called San Felipe alright It's a little village with around fourteen hundred people there. In an urban part of Belize in Orange Walk. And they had already approached the government…to help them with with this chagua. And they have noted that…some of it their calves were missing and they actually saw parts of it around around near the forest. And so they they approach the government. But the government the forest department they have different…steps. But to take…before…setting an actual truck. And so they went to set the camera traps to ensure…that that was the jaguar that was coming near San Felipe near mister De Leon's farm. Many of the of the villagers there have cattle ranch. So mister Delian called Forest department and said you know come set up your cameras and you know, ensure that this is the same jaguar that is doing…it's going after our our livestock…near the village…And it happens that they set all the traps since January…and it went all the way to, like, April. Mhmm. And that jaguar did not show up on that camera…Which is kind of what what we thought was happening. However the…the the villagers kept…calling and said the jaguar is back again So should government said the first department said well should we set traps again or not? And…they took that decision on their own, and they set a trap there. Alright They set a trap. And in the early mornings of April eleven I can remember. Mister De Leon called me. Not he didn't call the forest department because…he said…the jaguar is in. So let's call the people who…can be able to transport the jaguar back to to to to the zoo. He he said he said his truck like the night before. And he used some of the same carcasses…hooked the pole in the trap, and left it right in the edge of the forest. You know the normally the practices…here in Belize is that they there there's no fencing for your cattle They're they're like you know they have their pasture but the the forest serves as their their their boundaries. But that's that's the home of the jaguar. And so…when he called…He said please come prepared to take a jaguar back because…if you guys don't do that, the rest of the villagers…wanted to. Eliminate the jaguar Right. And so that's in most cases. In most cases that is what…the villagers would do The people want to do that. And so to avoid that, we set off…quite early. And took off to San Felipe…I had the company of the of the first department…And because we had to do anesthesia on the same on the same day, I I took a vet with me and we did we did anesthesia. Mhmm. When we got there we saw you know quite a…a very own cut that…could…and be a possible good candidate for any breeding program Mhmm…at that time we didn't have like, the…we didn't have any anything in…in in position to to set colors or to radio truck this is Jaguar. And so we brought it to the zoo…And we estimated that…she could have been like maybe…two years old, maximum, based on…on a physical exam at this at the moment, And so we estimated that She could have been probably older or younger but that is what we we estimate because of the…the the when you look at the jaguar smut and the and the teeth are still…in a white coloration, the canines, you could say…is still learning to hunt. But this one is was a little bit older I would say you know two years old she's already able to hunt on her own. Because at one year I think…Jaguar still remained with the mom. So at two years she was already you know hunting her own. However she she we all decided that you know we're gonna keep her, because we didn't have nothing in place to…to to release her. Mhmm We did we did not came to an agreement to say well we want to release, you know this chat we're here So We brought it to the Human Jaguar Conflict program. We did evaluations…She she weighed no more than maybe sixty seventy pounds. Wow So she was she was still growing…And she joined other jugglers side by side. As you know we we, we still have we have to juggle with with the space. Right And we we give you know, one jaguar…a time to use the habitat and then we we rotate. So we could give we're able to give them the the time that they require to to scratch to walk around in habitats be able to to look at the other jugglers. and so Philip…in just prior to COVID we start we start discussing a transfer…So this this is kind of the what the story is for for Filly…The…the…once she was brought here, we sat on with Sharon and decided okay, this drug war cannot be released because we are not prepared We're we don't have the collars We don't have…we we will keep her for the program. And we they hope that, you know Azoo in the US would be interested…in this beautiful jaguar. Very Yep Yeah So…in two thousand and nine nineteenth…just before that we started discussing with Milwaukee Zoom. About a possible transfer because we have already made a previous…transfer a jaguar to Milwaukee Zoo. This jaguar was one of our jaguars that we rescued as well right from the wild. And you know when I had the cat but but the great cat. That's a great cat Yes. A great cat. So we we did that, and they are interested in filling out. Right So…so it's been…some years now that we have been discussing…But our…greatest keep back is the…US and fish and wildlife permits because they have to review. They have to It's just a process. Right It takes a long time. And so that is what we are waiting for right now. And while she's waiting, the keepers are…daily…working with her so that she could become…Some of those behaviors can can change through through through training. Right And it takes a long time. So what's was it that the last three months? We moved her…Beside another jaguar beside another female jaguar so that we can again rotate. We we got her with chicken. Yes. So chicken is sharing that space with with with with Filly. And so we give like a half day and a half day to the next server. So they share that, which is basically what we want to do is that Philip can can be able to integrate into a certain setting that she would be able to see people because she's when she moved to the US she will she will need to adjust a lot from the climate, from you know a different…habitat…designs and, you know new area new territory. And so she's getting used to that. As I said keepers…do spend a lot of time in the morning…to train her to get some behaviors, perhaps we're not getting everything together but we're working on that So Filly is we're preparing Filly for a new a new home in Milwaukee…And you have a lot of success with this I wanna come back to a couple of things you said that I I'm not sure our listeners understand is that the zoo, right the belize zoo is not a breeding facility You don't you don't you do not breed Jaguars's there Right So Well, no We don't We we are not We're not breathing, but we are supporting Exactly. a breathing program in the US Right You know where where where jugglers are…you know the population of jaguars in captivity…might be very low and they want to fortify that that genetic pool there Exactly. Yes Right So so by sending…our jugglers there we're we're contributing to the conservation of the jugglers. I guess a very important role I think that people don't always understand they they see Zoos as being breeding facilities but yours you're really a front line rescue facility I mean you went back in in the very beginning You said about these twenty five jaguars, and I think people need to realize these are twenty five jaguars that probably would not have lived another year Right Right Right They would have been shot or died because of their injuries or…and and to be able to go up front of the zoo and see Lindau Martin, okay Ben you know Edgar, you know some of these that have been given us a second chance on life And then there's that part of it and then there's the there's the there's the Filly story right that you know The Filly story Right Yeah So So I'll all of them are actually playing a great role because…Lindo was a jaguar that I brought from from Blue Creek. It's it's another mennonite community. We brought Edgar Hill from a mennonite community as well…Markin was kept in captivity for for in in a private collection in a private SSR private collection…And he was moved to the zoo. We had…many many of our jaguars have passed away They they were you know, there are came from the wild, right as adults. Right. And they adjusted pretty well. All due to the keepers' effort in in training them in bringing them closer to people. Just today I had some folks along with me and it's for the first time the very first time they have seen a juggler…up close. Right Right Just the fence. Right So it it gives them that…that satisfaction to see…our jugglers and how we treat them on what we're doing with them. It had a life changing effect upon me I am not a jaguar biologist and now I would say that probably the majority of my time is spent either working with you or on materials or you know or children's books will coming out soon and you know education materials to what people know and it's it's inspiring It really is you know to to see to see your love of these animals And I and I think that you know it's gotta be really interesting to be able to work with something like Filly because you're talking about changing her behaviors…You know I have house cats I can't seem to change their years and their house cats You know I imagine that a jaguar presents some unique problems or challenges shall we say Right To try to get you know together to keep Filly a Right. Who's now…easily well over a hundred pounds Last time I saw her she was she's doing she she's doing well isn't she Right She's she's probably less than a hundred pounds Okay Yep For females they're they're a little bit smaller Right Right She would Yeah Mills males have reached our own a hundred and twenty hundred and thirty. Mhmm The biggest one…I ever had that brought I brought from the wild was or or actually rescued was a hundred and forty pounds, which is quite a big a big cap Or yes for for police. Yes Four beliefs four beliefs. So…how…I mean briefly I mean or how do how do you change the behavior of a jaguar? I mean how would how would you is is it is it just a reward system or is it getting to actually know the animal and and develop…the keepers have to understand the natural history of the animals. Right They need to know some natural history some biology. Whole whole males re…respond versus how females respond…And…it takes…every day…to meet…a jaguar and have him do a behavior that you want. Mhmm. You have to set up your you have to set up your stations…where you want to see…your juggler. Mhmm. For instance…Ben, who came…from…some part of Belize…He was probably the easiest Jag to work with. And I I give Curos to Roxy and Jose…that within a short period of time, Ben was able to accept fluids through…through through of IV…IV line. One it's sub q. Mhmm. Not directly in the vein but it goes sub q which is he required it because of kidney issues. And so he needed more fluids. A lot of times Jaguars refused to drink water. Mhmm And so because we knew that Ben…needed that after an examination…We hang up that fluid…next to his fence and where where we want this where the station is just good enough so that he could sit there…and what…makes him do that is our true positive reinforcement. He loves to eat. No better thing to give them a nice treat. Mhmm And so while you're doing that, one is feeding one keeper is feeding and another keeper is you know, starting to to introduce, not sharp stuff but blunt stuff. And it takes many days to to be able to…to to to do this to Right. Just to stick his his skin…Eventually you start introducing something a little sharper…and then eventually the needle. Right And it's all true positive reinforcement. Everything has to do with with food You want you want a behavior. It comes through positive reinforcement. You can't do negative reinforcements otherwise you will get negative. It was not It was a negative jaguar. Yes. Okay so these things here we we have been learning…through the program, Milwaukee Zoo has provided an an…anshayan Mountain, having the keepers…learning to do observations and doing animal training…to…jugglers and birds and different things So so these are all taught through the the professionals coming in to teach us how to how to do all these behavioral trainings. So, again it's a lot of time invested but it is required because you want that behavior. How can we be able to mitigate an animal if if it's wild? It's not like you know even even a domestic cut sometimes gives you trouble, a jaguar will be, you know, harder for for for us to deal with. Learning to introduce medication learning to learning to see their mouth If you want a jaguar to to show his his mouth if there's anything or if there's any teeth…that is is it's infected or something missing there then he can give you all that behavior if you train him to do that Alright So it's So like the lineup procedure And Right and the role Those aren't circus tricks there Yeah Those those are are those. I would say I I don't call them tricks It's just Right Exactly That naturally they would do that. Right Right It's it just they just swing around but they do it because…somebody learned to do that and taught him oh well this is funny, you know and and…When he do that then you reward, you reward the cut for doing that. And you get a chance to check out And you get a chance to see you get a chance to see the belly If there's Right There's this big story if there is you know if there's any irritation between those legs. And so it gives you that opportunity to observe your animals. Many times keeping…isn't just about taking food to the animal and and water. It takes more than that. It requires some clinical…eyes to see your animals and it see whether your animal is eating where he's not eating. Is he coming to you Is he responding? There's something wrong with him? So all of that is basically part of what the what the training is all about. And with Jaguars you know, I was one day I was surprised to see you know, Jaguar with, you know with the IV line with fluids and vitamins…sticking the skin and the keepers are actually feeding the jugmarum He's he feels happy that is what he wants to do Right Right And then we have we have another jaguar that we could actually draw blood from his tail Mhmm. Through through through a little port. He stick he's still but he's happy eating all his his food So that is some conditioning there. There's some training happening. But every individual has a different character. And so right now we are working with Filly…so that she gets prepared for that. You know when she goes, if she happens to go to the to Milwaukee, there's some training already…done with her. Right That's amazing patience. I mean it it takes a lot to not just understand the animal but amazing patience on behalf of the keepers. You can see that I've watched Roxy work with Ben. I've seen in the early days in the early days when a chickie first showed up I remember the the care that was given to her by by Sharon and the keepers Right Oh it's just that this that pure that pure patience, with them. Right So you have to sit down and wait until she responds. Or or or it's a capital animal response So we just have to sit there and wait…until you could be able to get some behavior. Right. Well they are cats and they do usually what they want to do without without…Do you have a question? I don't think I do Okay The one thing I just wanna make sure we touch on today This has been absolutely amazing is you know Filly has become an ambassador for our Habitat for Jag's program you know something that IE is assisting…the the belize zoo and your vision to build the facilities you need to you know be able to handle these these jaguars It doesn't seem unfortunately, like there's any you know there there's gonna be fewer problem jaguars or problem probably encounters because the last time I was in Belize a lot more land is being turned over into agriculture. And this has been great you know I said I don't I don't know if there's actually a problem jaguar but if you start to tear down their forest and turn it into farmland…you have a problem with a jaguar I think…Is the farmers is the development. Right You know on on Jaguars, they they require…some large truck of land to be able to find food made shelter. And if that's not there, and if the food has been…what is triggering the jaguars to enter the farms…you know, then then then you will see more more reports Actually every report that comes this year we already had like, we had at least…four five reports…of jaguars. Right But we cannot do we cannot report we cannot respond to every every Sure…Every category. it has it has some…some guidelines that we need to follow. And the last thing you wanna do is set the trap. Right Mhmm. But the jugglers are not the problem. It is the…the the development farmers and people are developing right in the in habitat of the of the big car Right. Right Right Right They're backyard As well He was a survivor as well Exactly. Yeah. So the Habitats for Jag's program is looking to construct…okay a state of the art facility. Okay to help you with this mission also to enable for for our listeners to to enable the animals to be able to move more easily in and out of that facility for medical for medical treatments and Right. And expand and expand that out And it's gonna be an exciting prospect Okay And people will see Filly being the ambassador of that for now Yep On on on on our website. And we'll follow-up with more about that People are interested go to our website or or the zoo's website and pick up some more information about that that very important program to build that Right So yes that that would be one of the, I would say the most…comprehensive facility that we we thought for training…jugglers…it's we design some of those habitats…we did not incorporate training. And and that is what we want to do now with your help and your your campaign, to ensure that…the training can be done…in a much professional manner…and that every jaguar can come into one centralized station…that when the jaguar step ins, the first thing he's gonna meet is a scale, while we write the width, and go straight into…the training. Well yeah we expect that every drug work could get some training throughout the day because I mean we have to we have to shift our own, but we expect that…that centralized error will will help us a lot with with the training that we started already And we want to continue for more jugglers that possibly will come in Like I said it's developing…rapidly…and so we don't know when we're gonna be called for another know juggle that needs the help. Right So…You're doing an amazing job with it I'm I for everybody at a I e you know, we are we are you know just really inspired really about every time we're down there you know it's it's it's it's not just Jaguars. The same love and compassion goes to every animal okay down to down to the the little birds up to otters. Okay…You know a quash you know they're all they're all they're all treated They're all treated the same you know and it's amazing…it's amazing to see the animals respond to to you know the care you give them They know They do know Okay They you know they may not they may not like being there but they but they're They are they're you know they're very much aware of the effort you're putting in as as everybody else Is there anything you'd like to add or or tell people okay about how to help with your mission or how to learn more about it. Well personally they they can go your website and to the Belize who to know the kind of work we're doing. but because you know this who is a nonprofit organization. We we we…how will we get help to student entrance fee But for projects like this, you know we require…set…money's funds to be able to accomplish that project itself. Just…the entrance fee will not be able to help us with that Right. We need we need more support…and the support that they give will…essentially help the jugglers survive and and and be able to to stay at the zoo for you know as long as as they can. Some jaguars that, are able to be released, you know we we released them. Right So Not every every juggler that comes in through our gates or through our program will remain here. And this is all based on…medical examinations…to know the their their state to see how fit they are if they're okay if they have issues…We we don't know. But…with everybody's help I think you know we will be able to have something more concrete more more workable here at the Belize Zoom for for the Human Jaguar Conflict conflict program…That's amazing. Thank you Thank you for your time today Okay Thank you It's always it's always so fascinating to talk to you and to learn about what you know okay and how your interactions i I tell people all the time and you know I think I've got a great job in this world I wish I had yours Okay. I have this love of animals that There's there's no day that I can see It's it's a work day. Right Exactly…Yeah. Hard to believe I've seen you I've seen you there first thing in the morning and the last person to walk out sometimes I've had the night tours and you've still been walking out the doors…So this has been this has been basically what I am doing every day Right even on my days off I think about my animals about the zoo, about my staff, you know how or they can or they can appreciate more of our wildlife We have them already. Right But you know we still we still need more support. What I really like is the fact that you've made the Belize zoo for the Belizean people Right You encourage them to come and and learn about their animals that many of them don't see because they live in cities. Right…Puma and Jagwar or an otter, you know or otter Okay And I mean how do you miss neo I mean he's he's one of the most animated creatures on the…But also you know everything down to you know to the spider monkeys and power monkeys and and to peers and everything So Some of the some of the the the greatest moments you could have here is, you know being able to…first, be able to rehabilitate an animal that's in need of you know, some care and being able to, okay, Let's let's release it. You know it's a form of satisfaction you know you are contributing you're sending them back Right. Those that will remain you know they remain as part of our our family here, our arc. I I I feel like…there is no day that you know, we will say no to an animal here. Right We're always here to help. To guide as well because we have other rehabilitation centers that that do that And and and so we we work, you know together for the same for the same…real but the same motive the same objective. well yeah so Thank you Humberto That was that that was simply you for taking the time with us today Okay No No I think I think we should have more of this and because I want to share more of what we do here at the Zoom. I would love to have future talks with you about other animals too you know their their stories. And and I think people will really enjoy you know hearing these types of stories about how these beautiful animals okay are rescued, rehabilitated…or saved Thank you…I I forgot to mention on affiliate the day we were because I was trying to remember all the stories…how we we went to rescue Filly. But on the way back we got…we got stopped by the police…And the police…the policeman…said what are you taking behind that box? And they had this thing in mind that they wanted to…can we see what you have there? And we said you know what sir? We have we're carrying a jaguar. We're we're from the Belize zoo, and…I said well okay I just thought you know something…something is going on here that you're taking this box I said you know what This box is covered. we're going back to the zoo taking a jaguar that we rescued from from being killed. So…the officer has understood that afterwards It's just about you know changing the people…way of thinking Yeah. So…I like I like Filly for that because, you know, she's she's still young She's six years old I forgot to say she's we estimate then because she she could be younger older, and the hope is that she will join a male…jaguar…by the name of Francisco…Francisco is the son of Pat the great cat. So it's a Louisiana with Belisian. Right Oh wow It's the same blow. That is amazing. Right So that is that is the that is the whole the whole the whole story So she will be joining a Belisian…in in in Milwaukee. Hopefully this year because we're we're still, you know the permits are are still there at the US fish and wildlife. And we're just waiting for that form That's great Yeah We'll have to go up there and see them then Sure. And you should bring you should bring Ashley with you I will Yes But bring her to the Belize as well. Yes. Let's keep on him about that Alright Ashley. Okay…So…That's great What we'll do is I'm gonna take a couple of those extra pieces you put in and put them back into the story Sure Sure Sure I can move them around a little bit and everything And if you wanna do it we could do it again Just Yes Oh no I thought I thought it was absolutely…absolutely amazing. Okay It the story was exactly…it's exactly what I wanted I wanted people to feel…what you do Okay Not just we have a jaguar and we're saying it to the to the Milwaukee zoo That that's just a such a small piece. Right I'll do at the very end of this. I will have another voice over for me telling people how that they can get more involved I'll send them back to my page I'll say go to the Belize zoo. Right I mean, IE doesn't take well not doesn't take any donations We don't we don't we send them to you guys Okay Or to…neotrophic conservancy right the BCNC or something like that Right So so we but we have we have the little things you know the the decals. We're doing a couple other things as well. but Ashley I want Ashley to hear this because she's really her story We have a recording of her story too About why she decided to write a book about Jaguars And it was it was really Humberto by the by the fact that she didn't really know very much about them And she started to hear us talk about the stories and then she just fell up with them and wanted to write a a children's book on it I think it's an amazing story of how you know you plant little seeds Okay And you don't Great. You don't know what's gonna come from it Right So…That is the most effective way of…having people understand…the importance of having animals like jaguars. Right Starting from, you know from below, writing Adrian's book. Yep And it's the same path Sharon took She Yes she probably she probably understood that she could not change the older folks, but she could have started with the younger kids writing story books Yep. From The owl who's doing the owl. she wrote was the most recent one about the zoo's, collection…a tour around zoo. So it's true it's true The stories…that we will…we're hoping to change…the people's mind And the kids the it's gonna grow in them that they will learn to treasure some of our for animals. At least they still have, you know it's great. I'd love to have you back on for more Sure. For more stories Are are working recording when we come down there next. We're gonna Feel free Feel free too I'm I'll I'm here I I don't go anywhere I know you don't…And and and by the way never ever apologize for taking time for the animals I would I would have been more upset if you had said I'm really busy and I'm gonna do this I'm like that's not we're fine Right Okay If you do this we're we're absolutely fine. And it was it was good So, well thank you so much Okay So my my my satisfaction was been able to rescue a jaguar, fit it to the color, and back to the jungles of Billy's…where it belongs. That's great But that gave me a satisfaction…that I was able to to help with this…Hi I'm Ashley Mosley marketing direct for IE and author of a fun new book Notshow Housecat. This book was inspired by Filly and Jaguars at the Belize zoo. You can pick up a nacho gift set which includes the signed copy at the IE store, while supplies last. Or get your copy at retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Proceed for this set go towards the habitats for Jags program…As always I wanna thank you for listening. You can learn more about Filly and our Habitat for Jags campaign on our website. If you're a conservation educator with a story to tell let us know by sending me an email to michael inspired adventures dot com…See you next time…