Dear Members,

The construction mentioned in the last newsletter (regular exit on Laws Street and the Education entrance) has been delayed but will soon be back on track. Unforeseen problems, such as water lines that have to be moved and one section of glass that failed to ship, will not deter us much longer. In the meantime, if you have recently been to the DWA you may have noticed that the rainforest appears to be more tropical than usual. This is the result of a current project in which we are replacing the rainforest roof with new panels. Those being installed have a 50% LT (light transmission), as compared to a 23% LT for the original Kalwall panels installed prior to the opening of the rainforest in 1997. This will provide more light for the plants and sunlight is also an important factor for the health of our many animal species. When you see the new and the old panels together you can really tell the difference! The old roof was darker, not only due to age, but also because the exterior of the original roof was an “aqua” color, as compared to “crystal” for the new one.

Spring break at the DWA was as usual, busy and visited by many new guests. It is always interesting to see and hear what is most enjoyed and questioned by newcomers. Before they enter the doors at regular admission, they are intrigued by the Shoebill, often described by many of our younger visitors as “weird, prehistoric-looking, or freaky.” We are considering adding a touchscreen to better explain this unique bird as described in A Beak Fit for a King.

On the other side of the facility, the DWA Frog car is one of the best photo ops. It is entertaining to observe the poses with the giant tree frog. The vehicle was wrapped in 2008 for the Year of the Frog, but has become a “landmark”. Things That Go Jump in the Night details some of our serious involvement with various amphibians.

What Happened to His Saw is about an interesting animal, a guitarfish, in the Cenote exhibit that raises some concern that perhaps he is an injured sawfish.

Flying overhead in Mundo Maya are many fairly small, brilliantly colored birds. All Colors of the Rainbow describes some of the species of tanagers that live and reproduce wherever they choose, in the DWA rainforest.

The Book of the Month is of particular interest to us, as it is entirely about the Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica, a conservation partner of ours since 2002, when our first sloth was transferred from there.

Thanks for your continued support of the DWA.

Daryl Richardson
Director