Blue Iguana Named “Charles” Released

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) and Blue Iguana Conservation (BIC) has released a blue iguana named Charles into the wild of the Collier’s Wilderness Reserve in celebration of King Charles III Coronation. In 2018 then Prince Charles visited the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility and was famously photographed with our ambassador blue iguana “Peter”.

The Blue Iguana release was joined by Mr. Isaac Rankine, Member of Parliament for East End, schoolkids from East End Primary School, Melanie Carmichael, National Trust for the Cayman Islands Chair, Catherine Childs, NTCI Environmental Programmes Manager, Luke Harding, Operations Manager Blue Iguana Conservation, and Peri Smalldon, Iguana Warden BIC. Our video of the blue iguana release can be viewed on the National Trust for the Cayman Islands Facebook page. Video filmed by Stuart Wilson, NTCI Historic Programme Manager.

“The Blue Iguana Conservation team have wonderful memories of then Prince Charles visit to the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility in 2018. Releasing a blue iguana into the wild in honour of King Charles III Coronation was a special moment for the Blue Iguana Conservation programme. We felt it was a unique way to join in the celebration of the Coronation. We are grateful for all of the support we have received both locally and internationally” says Luke Harding, Operations Manager at Blue Iguana Conservation.

This special occasion took place days before the third annual International Blue Iguana Day, on 8th May 2023. Over 53 countries celebrate this special day raising awareness for Grand Cayman’s endemic and endangered blue iguana. To support and learn more about Blue Iguana Conservation please visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.ky  or follow @blueiguanaconservation on Facebook and Instagram.