Panama turned 11 today. Now if you are not quite sure 'who' Panama is, he is the most famous Harpy Eagle in Belize. To mark this occasion, the Belize Zoo threw him a party; not with confetti, cake or ice cream but with the warm presence of his human friends.
Courtney Weatherberne reporting
These students are here to celebrate Panama's 11th birthday at the Belize Zoo. Although there were recreational activities for the kids, it wasn't your usual birthday party celebration, but a celebration nonetheless of this majestic creature.
Sharon Matola, Founding Director, Belize Zoo
"Well I raised Panama, so he is a special boy to me and its very satisfying to see kids share a love, a likeness, a bond of compassion for a bird that looks like he could pick you up and drop you on the floor right - he wouldn't do that. He is a terrific symbol and a wonderful ambassador for Harpy eagles everywhere."
At first sight, Panama may seem intimidating with his 5 inch talons, sharp curved beak, 6 foot wing span and piercing eyes. But according to his caretakers, these attributes don't define his character.
Sharon Matola
"They are sweethearts. They may look mean, but they are little "tweety" bird inside. I think people sometimes misunderstand apex predators and usually they are pretty fierce animals, well they have to be. They are apex predators and they are hunters. What they do is simply balance the ecosystems and you can look all over the world; when you remove the predators, problems occur."
And these youths were not afraid at all, in fact they were all impressed with Panama's predatory features.
Courtney Weatherberne
"This is the first time you are seeing Panama?"
Philip Castillo, Hattieville Government School
"Yes ma'am."
Breayne Staine, Hattieville Government School
"Panama is big and huge and that he is a big and pretty bird."
Cameron Williams, Hattieville Government School
"His beak is strong and he uses his claw to bore his prey when he catches them."
Tyrone Garnett, Hattieville Government School
"Panama is a super hero of the sky."
Sharon Matola
"We are amazed of how popular Panama is. It's wonderful because he represents a vary sparse population of Harpy Eagle that still live in Belize, but the more we get to know him and the more we get to appreciate his beauty, the more they will be respected and that's the whole focus of today and as you can see we have a lot of kids out here. They are going to have a great day and they are going to take back with them great memories and that Harpy Eagles are cool and necessary for our country."
Panama was brought to Belize on March 20th, 2003. He had damaged his left eye during hatching and was taken to the Belize Zoo. Harpy Eagles have a 40 year life span.
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