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Giant Iguanas Invade the Cayman IslandsBlue Iguanas have taken over Grand Cayman’s street corners, squares and boulevards in an extraordinary outdoor art event: Blue Dragon Trail, presented by the National Trust, National Gallery, and Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Cayman Islands. The exhibition mixes together arts and entertainment in an attempt to conserve the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana – the most endangered iguana in the world.
The Blue Dragon Trail spans the entire island of Grand Cayman. From the world famous Seven Mile Beach to the tranquil Rum Point, visitors and guests alike can follow a special trail map created by the National Trust and DOT and view all of the artists’ colorful interpretations from the traditional to the abstract. The Blue Iguana Recovery Program is dedicated to preserving the world’s most endangered iguana, the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana. The program combines education, fundraising, and habitat enhancement to improve breeding success.
“The Blue Iguana Conservation Program has achieved real success over the last few years through valiant efforts by the National Trust and National Gallery,” stated Pilar Bush, Director of Tourism. “With the Blue Dragon Trail our guests and locals will have the unique opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary cause and enjoy the celebration of Cayman arts and culture that emanates from each sculpture.” Blue Iguana Recovery Program Special Projects: The Cayman Island's National Trust's Blue Iguana Recovery Program is working to pull the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana back from the brink of extinction. With only 10-25 of the original population left in the wild, the Program has had great success hatching some 87 youngsters this year alone, and steps are being taken to restore the population in the wild. The establishment of a protected area of suitable iguana habitat is being sought to ensure the survival of these unique, colorful and charismatic creatures. Sponsor a Blue IguanaFor $600, sponsors have the unique opportunity to sponsor or name their very own Iguana. The naming and/or sponsorship program is designed to directly fund the efforts of the Blue Iguana Recovery Program. When sponsoring a Blue Iguana, the sponsor will be covering, one-on-one, the full costs of keeping a Blue Iguana in the Program. Sponsors can chose from a variety of individual Blues, some in captivity, some roaming free in the Botanical Park. Those who sponsor an iguana will receive monthly news and updates on its progress. All sponsors will receive a variety of iguana goodies, along with quarterly postings on the adventures and misadventures of their iguana. For $750, sponsors can participate in both aspects of the program. For further information about the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana and the Blue Iguana Recovery Program including the free electronic newsletter “Blue Iguana Tales” please contact: The National Trust for the Cayman
Islands The Blue Iguana Recovery Program Located 480 miles south of Miami in the quiet western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is a trio of tiny islands. It is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its beaches and diving spots, and ranked as the world’s fifth largest financial center, the Cayman Islands offer exciting recreational opportunities along with friendly, high quality, modern service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky. Edited by Erika Wright |
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Responding to the call to save these unique creatures on the brink of
extinction, 15 larger-than-life-size sculptures were commissioned, inspired by
the impressive form of the Blue Iguana. Local artists were let loose on the
sculptures, painting the Dragons in colors and themes limited only by their own
imaginations. These diverse and durable works of art were recently “released”
around Grand Cayman. Each carries an interpretation of the artist’s inspiration
and information about the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana – a bright and permanent
reminder of an ancient treasure of Cayman’s natural heritage.
Indigenous
to Grand Cayman, the Blue Iguana is Cayman’s largest native land animal. The
dragon-like blue lizard can grow over 5 feet long and weigh over 25 lbs. It has
permanently red eyes and clawed toes, which bend in three directions, for
climbing and digging. Other distinctive features include: it lays
leathery-shelled eggs, is vegetarian, communicates by head-bobbing, sunbathes to
keep a core body temperature of 100 degrees F, and sleeps in rock holes and soil
burrows.