On the southwest coast of the island of Jamaica, Saint Elizabeth Parish spans 468 square miles of forested mountainous land. The capital of the parish is Black River, which incidentally sits at the mouth of the river by the same name. Far up the Black River lies the little town of Lacovia. This quaint locale was once the home of escapee Madagascan slaves who chose to join the Maroons just before the First Maroon War in 1731.
During the 19th century, Lacovia became a common place for members of the Jewish community to settle. It was once the largest Jewish settlement in the Caribbean and there are still many monuments to their presence left today. Lacovia is most famous for two things: the Jamaica Zoo and cashews. We will discuss the zoo further down, but for now let's take a look at the little district of Cashoo. At Cashoo, a traveller can find cashew nut plantations everywhere as the nut is the area's largest cash crop. There is also the Cashoo Ostrich Park in which ostriches are bred, horseback riding is available and river tubing is organized.
In the Burton District of Lacovia there is the infamous Jamaica Zoo! The zoo claims they have over 25 different species of animals and birds, including Llamas, Zebras, Lions, Monkeys, Crocodiles and Toucans. Peter, the Ball Python is a particular favourite as he is happy to be used for photo opportunities. There is also Sof, the pet crocodile and Lizzy the little green Iguana. Donkey rides are a popular activity for children, even the family dog! When the kids have seen enough, there is even a playground and restaurant on site to provide a welcome break for the whole party.
The founder of the zoo, Basil Fearon, was lucky enough to grow up around exotic animals as his father was a trained veterinarian. Basil began collecting animals when he was just 12 years old and never looked back. He started with dogs, cattle, bees and scorpions; but later imported a pair of zebras with a few Llama. When his father passed away, Basil Fearon decided to share his love of animals, and his collection with the world. He established the zoo and called it Jamaica Zoo as a way to represent his country of origin.
The Jamaica Zoo is the classic Jamaican establishment. The facility is simple, laid back, family oriented and committed to representing the nation. Visit Jamaica with an open mind, without the trappings of North American expectations and enjoy the uncomplicated, down-to-earth attitude of the Jamaican culture.
During the 19th century, Lacovia became a common place for members of the Jewish community to settle. It was once the largest Jewish settlement in the Caribbean and there are still many monuments to their presence left today. Lacovia is most famous for two things: the Jamaica Zoo and cashews. We will discuss the zoo further down, but for now let's take a look at the little district of Cashoo. At Cashoo, a traveller can find cashew nut plantations everywhere as the nut is the area's largest cash crop. There is also the Cashoo Ostrich Park in which ostriches are bred, horseback riding is available and river tubing is organized.
In the Burton District of Lacovia there is the infamous Jamaica Zoo! The zoo claims they have over 25 different species of animals and birds, including Llamas, Zebras, Lions, Monkeys, Crocodiles and Toucans. Peter, the Ball Python is a particular favourite as he is happy to be used for photo opportunities. There is also Sof, the pet crocodile and Lizzy the little green Iguana. Donkey rides are a popular activity for children, even the family dog! When the kids have seen enough, there is even a playground and restaurant on site to provide a welcome break for the whole party.
The founder of the zoo, Basil Fearon, was lucky enough to grow up around exotic animals as his father was a trained veterinarian. Basil began collecting animals when he was just 12 years old and never looked back. He started with dogs, cattle, bees and scorpions; but later imported a pair of zebras with a few Llama. When his father passed away, Basil Fearon decided to share his love of animals, and his collection with the world. He established the zoo and called it Jamaica Zoo as a way to represent his country of origin.
The Jamaica Zoo is the classic Jamaican establishment. The facility is simple, laid back, family oriented and committed to representing the nation. Visit Jamaica with an open mind, without the trappings of North American expectations and enjoy the uncomplicated, down-to-earth attitude of the Jamaican culture.
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