Updates by Blue Iguana Recovery Program
Pedro's body has been found. I don't know all the details but I'm thankful he can be laid to rest properly. R.I.P. Pedro
May 16, 2008
"The comments, updates, information, etc shared on this page comes directly from the individuals working in the Blue Iguana Recovery Program. They include John Marotta, and Samantha Hicks. You may also see postings here by other volunteers, visitors and representatives of the program.
With death comes life and how true that is at the botanic park and what a salve it proves to be - not to mention a diversion for John, who appears at the end of every long hot day looking like a badly beaten mud wrestler....
The stats so far are this, Sunset and Juan Beans seven eggs, laid on the 13th May and Elizabeth and Forrest laid on the 15th May a whopping 17 eggs. This is an extraordinarily early start to the laying season, we are anticipating several females to double clutch as a result. How good it is to look forward."
_______________________________________
May 17, 2008
"More eggs today! This time from one of the QE II Botanic Park free roamers, Red-White. John and his volunteer digging team found her nest on the Woodland Trail and recovered 9 eggs, now all safely in our incubators. That brings the egg count to 33 already, and lots more on the way...
Island Vet's Dr. Elisabeth Broussard gave Billy and Archie their regular treatment this morning, taking over from WCS's Dr. Stephanie James who returned to New York last week. Billy is recovering his legendary strength and making his displeasure at being handled very clear, Archie is still not quite himself, but is also showing signs of gradual recovery."
______________________________________
May 19, 2008
"Billy and Deborah have produced four healthy eggs! This is a major breakthrough for the programme. Billy has to this date no confirmed offspring, despite being paired each year and as a founder this is a situation we have been desperate to remedy. Finally yesterday four of the fourteen eggs unearthed were found to be viable.
It is a extraordinary time for this to have happened. Deborah was underground laying when the animals were attacked on the 3rd May. If she had been visible she may well have been killed. Billy put up the fight of his life in order that he could still be with us.
Deborah went to extraordinary lenghts to hide her precious offspring. John has spent many days painstakingly searching for them, a task made harder by Deborahs diversionary tactics. Its hard not to project a greater understanding of the situation upon her. These animals are amazing!"
______________________________________