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THE BEGINNING
Dr. Zitzer, a seasoned taxidermist with a passion for preserving biodiversity, embarked on a journey to introduce Belize to the world of taxidermy exhibits. It all began during an Audubon bird Christmas count in the Toledo district, where Dr. Zitzer conversed with numerous enthusiastic birders. To his surprise, he discovered a lack of initiatives focused on the preservation, collection, and display of the country’s rich biodiversity.
Drawing from his extensive experience in creating specimens for museums in the United States, Dr. Zitzer recognized an opportunity to fill this void in Belize. He took the initiative to apply for a collection permit from the Department of Forestry, paving the way for his project to take flight.
The first breakthrough came when a non-profit avian rescue center called Belize Bird Rescue generously provided the inaugural specimen—a Collared Aracari. This marked the beginning of Dr. Zitzer’s mission to showcase the beauty and diversity of Belize’s avian species through taxidermy.
Eager to share his collection with the public, Dalena, Dr. Zitzer’s partner approached the coordinator of the San Ignacio Santa Elena House of Culture with his vision. Recognizing the educational value of the exhibit, she warmly welcomed the idea and offered the space to host the first taxidermy bird exhibit in 2016.
Predecessor Exhibits Leading to the Belize Natural History Archive
PREVIOUS EXHIBITS
Through collaboration, passion for conservation, and a commitment to education, Dr. Zitzer’s taxidermy bird exhibits at various locations in Belize blossomed into a platform for both locals and visitors to appreciate the country’s natural heritage and foster a deeper understanding of its diverse avian species.
The Belize Audubon Society made significant strides in promoting awareness and appreciation of Belize’s avian diversity through captivating taxidermy exhibits. In 2017, with the construction of the visitor center at Saint Herman’s Cave National Park, the society requested the display of seven birds to enhance the educational experience for visitors.
As the Belize Audubon Society commemorated its 50th anniversary in 2019, they aimed for a grand celebration by showcasing a special exhibit of over 30 meticulously prepared taxidermy birds crafted by Dr. Zitzer at the prestigious Museum of Belize. This temporary exhibit served as a focal point of the anniversary festivities, drawing attention to the beauty and importance of Belize’s bird species.
ST. HERMAN’S CAVE NATIONAL PARK, VISITOR CENTER
Simultaneously, the Saint Herman’s Cave National Park hosted a permanent exhibit featuring the initial seven taxidermy birds, enriching the visitor experience and highlighting the park’s natural heritage. Meanwhile, with the relocation of the House of Culture in San Ignacio/Santa Elena to a permanent building, Dr. Zitzer’s private collection found a new home, further expanding the reach of avian education and conservation efforts.
THE MUSEUM OF BELIZE
These three distinct locations—the Museum of Belize, Saint Herman’s Cave National Park, and the House of Culture in San Ignacio/Santa Elena—served as hubs for showcasing the diverse avian species of Belize. The exhibits not only captivated thousands of local students but also left a lasting impression on foreign visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich biodiversity and the importance of avian conservation.
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