Paul Saban's Page

It has been a very busy month, especially as so many of our volunteers have now returned to the U.S for the summer.

It began with a call from Panama City. A Jaguar Cub was being offered for sale to the expat community - illegally of course. The Summit Zoo could not take it and we were asked if we could help. That night at about midnight, my good friend Roy and I set off to drive through the night with the intention of being on their doorstep at dawn and then to turn around and drive back.… Continue

Following the very sad death of little JJ we had not really contemplated having another baby monkey yet but today, we came upon a little Capuchin boy, about 2 months old. Typically, he was tied to a pole on a cord about 2 feet long. Usually, they are on the ground but this time, the little guy was 5 feet off the ground to keep him away from the dogs which jumped at his 'perch' every time he showed his face over the edge. His whole world was a 4ft diameter circle of bare boards and his food… Continue

Yesterday, Jenny and I went down to Panama City to meet with the Halit, The Director of the Summit Zoo. We were given a tour of the old and the new areas, much of which was disappointing but we did see a lot of animals that we hadn't seen before and we learned a bit, as I think she did. We are all animal people and conservationists so of course we have a lot in common. Paradise Gardens is not a zoo and so our main ideals are different, but we complement each other and the welfare of the birds… Continue

Maisie, our Juvenile Howler is now just over a 14 months old and she joined her friend Yahoo, who is a little older, at the sanctuary about a month ago. Everything has gone well and we visit her regularly. She is able to go off into the forest with Yahoo and they have now encountered wild Howlers from troops that live in the area. A couple of days ago a young Howler male visited their enclosure and there were friendly exchanges. Yesterday, the 2 girls went into the forest with Michelle and… Continue

PARADISE GARDENS will be holding a volunteer workshop this wednesday, 12th March, at 2.00pm . If you have time on your hands, like animals and plants and enjoy talking to people, this is a fun way to spend a few hours a week. Call Beverly Stearns on 6638 7215 and reserve a place.