Backstage Pass : Model Victoria Elizabeth mingles with the iguanas

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

CTFashionMag.com

Nestled deep within the heart of the peaceful and pristine Grand Cayman Islands, the Queen Elizabeth Botanical Gardens showcases a multicolored mosaic of hundreds of species of tropical and sub-tropical plants spread over approximately 2.5 acres.

Additionally, the widely acclaimed park’s 65 acres is home to a variety of native birds.

Perhaps one of the most popular attractions at the park is the onsite Blue Iguana Conservation Center, a sanctuary for over 100 breathtakingly beautiful blue iguanas, a fascinating cobalt hued reptile, that is endemic to the Grand Caymans.

The Backstage Pass team was presented with the thrilling opportunity to do a spotlight feature on this iconic botanical garden and conservation park, accompanied by the personal and knowledgeable general manager, John Lawrus.

Lawrus was knowledgeable about the vast array of flora and fauna that inhabits the park. We were escorted on a highly informative tour of the gardens that began with a tranquil walk down the Orchid Boardwalk, a joint project with the Cayman Islands Orchid Society, that offers an close-up view of these plants in their natural habitat. Among the orchid types visible on the stroll were the national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid, Dollar Orchid and Monk Orchid.

Next, we headed over to the Blue Iguana Conservation Center, which houses a wide variety of blue iguanas, all of which are each microchipped and have their own set of unique beads for identification.

Placards are placed on the various enclosures which identify many of the reptilian residents in the center, including Delilah , Paul, Mya and Roman. A docent remained on standby to answer all blue iguana-related questions.

This expansive and exceptionally curated park offers a dazzling display of natural beauty sure to delight everyone.

Some highlights include:

WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION:

Woodland Trail: This trail leads through a natural landscape where you can spot wild Cayman Parrots and other native flora and fauna.

Lake & Wetlands: A popular spot for birdwatchers, offering views of both native and migratory bird species

GARDENS AND PLANT LIFE

Floral Colour Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden featuring various colored flowers, creating a vibrant and visually appealing space

Children’s Garden: An interactive area with features like a splash pad, observation tower, rock climbing wall, and playground. Largely a brainchild of Lawrus, the children’s garden features a multitude of areas for rest and relaxation as well as a play area with innovative and creative design, geared toward providing a fun filled, joyful experience for introverted and extroverted children alike. The Children’s Garden’s State of the Art Splash Pad is perfect for cooling off on a hot tropical day.

Heritage House & Garden: Learn about early Caymanian settlers and their way of life through a traditional home, a medicinal garden, and other exhibits. The primitive and charmingly rustic design takes one back on a journey to yesteryear, and the outdoor kitchen and “outhouse” further illustrate how starkly different daily life looked for families in days gone by.

Also featured at the Botanic Park is the Xerophytic garden, a garden for plant species that prefer dry climates and are drought intolerant, featuring the Mouse Trap Tree and Silk Floss Trees, just to name a few.

Special thanks to John Lawrus and the entire Cayman Island Attractions Team for hosting us!)

QUEEN ELIZABETH BOTANIC PARK WEBSITE: Home

PHONE NUMBER: +1 345-947-9462

INSTAGRAM: @qeiibotanic

BLUE IGUANA CONSERVATION CENTER:

http://nationaltrust.org.ky/our-work/conservation/blue-iguana-conservation/

PHONE NUMBER: +1 345-749-1132

INSTAGRAM : @blueiguanaconservation