The event offers a full array of fun designed for kids, families, and people of all ages, including an endemic wildlife walk with a native animal checklist, free native animal activity books, and a variety of wildlife-themed art activities.
Festival-goers can get an up-close look at St. Martin’s native wildlife at the Endemic Animal Discovery Station, where experts will be on hand to talk about the live endemic animals on display and answer questions. A Bird Observation Station staffed by a professional birding guide will be set up on the Great Salt Pond next to the Zoo, where attendees can learn to use a variety of birdwatching scopes and binoculars to spot native birds and other wetland wildlife. At the Art Station’s craft workshop, children will enjoy creating their own endemic animal crowns to become kings and queens of the Festival.
Admission to the zoo will be free for all ages during the event, and guests are invited to see what’s new, including a ten-panel installation of signage telling the story of St. Martin’s native animals. “The story of our native animals, particularly those that can only be seen on St. Martin, is one the most fascinating things we can share about our natural heritage,” explains Les Fruits de Mer co-founder Mark Yokoyama. “It encompasses some of the most important concepts in biology, but it is also very specific to this one tiny island where people and nature are living together.”
While this year’s festival is the third Endemic Animal Festival on St. Martin, it is the first to be held at the St. Maarten Zoo. With new native animal signage and a variety of new native plants and trees, the zoo is developing its potential as a botanical garden and a space to observe native animals. This Sunday will also feature the launch of the completely renovated petting zoo, and a sneak preview of the new Monkey Bar, which will offer a special mini-menu of savory panini, barbecue, salads, snacks, and drinks at the Festival.
“Don’t forget to bring your camera,” reminds Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “In addition to all the free, fun Festival activities, we’ll also be announcing the theme for this year’s Heritage Photo Contest. You can even start working on your entries at the event!”
The third annual Endemic Animal Festival takes place from 9am-noon on Sunday, April 24th at the St. Maarten Zoo on Arch Road in Madame Estate. The event is open to the public and completely free, thanks to the generous support of the 2016 sponsors: Buccaneer Beach Bar, Calmos Cafe, Delta Petroleum, Hotel L’Esplanade, Lagoonies Bistro and Bar, Loterie Farm and Tri-Sport. For more information, visit: https://www.lesfruitsdemer.com or find Les Fruits de Mer on Facebook.