Thank you!

We would like to extend our thanks to the many people who have supported us in so many different ways over the past decade.

As part of our celebration we will be introducing our newest residents to the Zoo. This endangered species inspired us to blend a century old Mayan ceremony with a Native American ground blessing and protection ‘smudge’ which will be performed by an Aboriginal Elder. As a mark of respect for this sacred ceremony , we ask that you remove your hats during the blessing.

The conch blowing that you hear at the beginning of our ceremony, was used by the Mayan people to gather everyone together. This is followed by drumming, which was the Native American signal to gather.

The actual ceremony is in three parts:

1. The first part signifies the Mayan warriors on guard of their sacred animal.
2. The second part is the ground blessing and protection ceremony. This uses medicinal herbs and plants to create a smoke or smudge, this smudge will then cleanse the evil spirits and as the smoke rises it takes our prayers up to the spirits of our forefathers.
3. The third part is the trade as the Mayan warriors entrust their sacred animals to the care of the Native warriors.

Thank you from Keith, Diane and all of the past present and future staff, and residents of Papanack Park Zoo – we couldn’t have done it without you!