tony garel

Tony Garel

Curator of the Belize Zoo

Wild animals have always been part of Tony Garel's life. Even as a young boy in Jamaica, he enjoyed observing animals. When he was 9 years old, his careful observations helped him to discover a new species of butterfly.

When he was a teenager, his family moved to Belize. Tony brought with him his love of animals, and in Belize there were many new species to observe and learn about. He developed a passion for reptiles, and started a collection of lizards, turtles, snakes, and even crocodiles. His interest in reptiles led him to the Belize Zoo, and after graduating from high school he began to work part time at the zoo. Soon, he was working full time for the zoo. Today he is the curator of the Belize Zoo, and an internationally respected herpetologist.

Tony has traveled to zoos and captive breeding centers in Europe, North America and Australia for workshops and training. He recently co-authored a Field Guide to the Snakes of Belize. This is the first book of itÕs kind, and will help people from all over the world learn about the snakes of his home country.

One of Tony's most recent accomplishments is the Green Iguana Breeding Center at the Belize Zoo. This program will help to provide the people of Belize with a source of iguana for food, and protect the wild population from extinction.

Tony cares deeply about the animals around him. Through his work with the reptiles and the zoo, he has helped his fellow Belizeans understand the importance of protecting their environment.