Conyers Releases ‘Connie’ into the Wild

Director of BIRP Fred Burton shows a Blue Iguana to Janelle (left) and Javahn.

As part of its ongoing support for the Blue Iguana Recovery Program (BIRP), law firm Conyers Dill & Pearman released its sponsored Blue Iguana into the National Trust Salina Reserve on 23 November.

Conyers staffer Tracy Cuff trekked through ironshore forest for over an hour to deliver ‘Connie’ to her new home in a totally natural habitat. The firm had also held a dress down-day in May raising nearly $500 in donations for the Blue Iguana Recovery Fund.

Conyers said it has taken an active interest in supporting the Blue Iguana Recovery Program’s efforts in preserving Blue Iguanas, which rank among the rarest lizards in the world. The firm is also a platinum sponsor of the fund which entitled it to choose a specific iguana, namely Connie.

Janelle Syms, daughter of a Conyers’ employee, named Connie, who is one of only a few hundred critically endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguana species left in the world. She was chosen for release after the successful hatching of three youngsters, who have been taken to the facility
at the botanical park.

Ms Cuff said she was delighted to participate in Connie’s release.

“Not only was this a once in a lifetime experience for me, but how satisfying to know that you are a small part of this wonderful recovery programme and the reinstatement of these lovely blue iguanas back into the wild,” she said.

“Conyers’ Community as a whole has a very keen interest in this programme.”

The Blue Iguana Recovery Program breeds and rears over 80 Blue Iguanas a year, and with a number of sustainable economic activities, keystone grants and steady science-based conservation work, endeavours to save the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana from extinction.

As seed dispersers for native plants, the loss of these animals would have serious consequences for the health of Caribbean dry tropical forest ecosystems, officials said.

In addition to its involvement in the Blue Iguana Recovery Program, Conyers’ Community is also actively involved in a number of local charities and schooling programmes.