GUARDSMAN Serenity Fishing and Wildlife Sanctuary staged their first Animal Day, coinciding with World Animal Day 2000 two Sundays ago at their Bushy Park location in St Catherine.

The inaugural staging of the event was not only an educational family experience, but was also a fun day for the host of families who visited the park to get “up close” with the animals.

The day featured dog shows by Helmut Lechner with his dogs, Champs and Ruff. This was a hit among the patrons, particularly the children. There were also the release of doves from the lawns and a free rein horse performance.

A tour of the zoo gave the visitors the chance to get “up close” with the various animals at the sanctuary. Among them were the water buffaloes, that were presented to governor general, Sir Howard Cooke by Cuban leader, Fidel Castro; a number of Scarlet Ibises — a gift to the sanctuary from the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basedeo Panday; peacocks; ostriches; iguanas; a family of llamas; the first brood of baby macaws born at Serenity; plus a few donkeys from Monsterrat.

The Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), and BirdLife Jamaica Limited also hosted booths at the park.

World Animal Day, is a United Nations project designed to promote and facilitate a greater understanding between man and his fellow animals who share the earth.