Our First Day in Flores

A tucan

By Julia Hvoslet

Today began with one of my least favorite things – an early wake up call.  My alarm went off at 3:30am and our flight left for Flores at 6:30am.  

I have only ever been on such a small airplane once, and on top of my already outrageous fear of flying, I was thrilled when we landed.  What was not so thrilling, however, was the weather.  I had high expectations for the Northern Guatemalan heat, but we got virtually none of it.  We touched down in Flores to overcast skies and strong winds.  The rain hit and it became so bad that we had to postpone our trip to the animal refuge and sanctuary for two hours.  

By 11am we were on our way; and to perpetuate my anxiety level, fourteen of us traveled across a crocodile-filled lake on a boat made for four people so that we could get to the sanctuary.  I was really excited to visit the sanctuary to be able to see animals I have never seen before.  The animals we included a puma, spider monkeys and a toucan, among several other exotic animals.  What grabbed my attention the most was across the way on another section of the river where the animal refuge was located.  

A crocodile greets Julia...

The refuge, ARCAS, houses dozens of animals that have been trafficked for their meat, skin, and prize money, among other reasons.  The refuge held Scarlet Macow parrots, wild monkeys and the main attraction: a 7 year old jaguar.  As we approached the café of the majestic animal, we were instructed to remain silent, as we could have easily startled the jaguar.  Our tour guide explained that they received the massive cat when it was 4-5 months old, and nearly dehydrated to death.  We also learned that as a part of this animal refuge, 95% of the animals there will be successfully released back into the wild after a certain number of years; however, the jaguar could not be released ever.  It had become too accustomed to humans and never learned how to catch its own prey.   After being given this information, I reflected on a few things.  Humans have ability over animals at times.  Animals and nature also have power over humans.  I also reflected on the power of resiliency.  Albert Schweitzer believed in a culmination and balance of humanity, animals, and nature, and today emphasized the epitome of all three in a cohesive circle of life, which the Mayans also believed in.  It is difficult to comprehend the power of nature at times, but today helped.  I believe that seeing the pyramids in Tikal will further emphasize the vastness and ingenious of humans, animals and nature.