6th May 2023 – 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.

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About the National Trust for the Cayman Islands

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-governmental organization whose mandate under the National Trust Law (2010 Revision) includes the preservation of the historic, natural and maritime heritage of the Cayman Islands for present and future generations.

About the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme

The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme began in 1990 with only 30 dedicated Blue Iguanas and the primary goal to restore the wild population to 1,000 Blue Iguanas, encouraging viable population in the long-term. Having met its primary goal in 2018, the initiative formally transitioned to the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme in 2019 with a new focus of sustainably conserving the native species of Grand Cayman.

About the National Trust’s Environmental Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ environmental programme was founded on the concept that the protection of native plants and animals is best achieved by protecting the natural areas in which they depend.

About the National Trust Conservation Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ conservation programme strives to protect Cayman’s native species and the habitats in which they live, and includes the endemic Blue Iguana of Grand Cayman, the Sister Islands Rock Iguana and Cayman’s native bat species.

About the National Trust Historic Preservation Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands introduced the launching of its Historic Preservation Fund at its Annual General Meeting in September 2021 for the purpose of inviting increased support of its continuing efforts to encourage the preservation and protection of historic homes and buildings for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.