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The Mini Zoo located at Union includes a collection of indigenous as well as
exotic species. Management of the zoo is done by officers who received training at Jersey in the United Kingdom.
The Indigenous animals include:
 Boa Constrictor (Constrictor constrictor orophias
): The Boa Constrictor of tete-chien as it is known locally is one of the four species of snakes native to the island of St. Lucia. The other three
are the Fer-de-Lance, the rare Maria Island snake and the tiny, soil dwelling, blind worm snake. The Boa is restricted to the drier areas of St. Lucia. They do not harm man and they are protected by law.
 Iguana (Iguana iguana iguana): The Iguana is the largest lizard found on St. Lucia. Iguanas are
basically green, with brown or black markings and a crest of spines along the neck. They grow up to six feet in length, about half of which is the whip-like tail. Iguanas are now mostly found along the
northeast coast of the island such as Louvet, Grand Anse, etc.
Parrots (Amazonia versicolor): The St. Lucian Parrot is known locally as the Jacquot. This
beautiful bird is mainly green in color, with a cobalt blue forehead, merging through turquoise and green on the cheeks with a scarlet breast. These birds occupy the forest canopy where they feed on
fruit, nuts, and berries of the surrounding trees. They mature in five years, laying two to three white eggs in a hollow between the months of February and April. For more information on the Jacquot click here.
 Agouti (Dasyprocta antillensis):The Agouti is a mammal indigenous to St. Lucia and is a member
of the rodent family. It has long, coarse brown hair and sits erect on long slender legs. The Agoutis became scarce as were established as protected species in 1980. Other mammals native to St. Lucia
include the Opossum.
 Redneck Pigeon (Columba squamosa
) : Locally called the Ramier. It is found mainly in the rainforest at high elevations. Often when flying, its silhouette is mistaken for the Saint Lucian Parrot.
The Exotic animal collection includes:
 Macaw (Ara ararauna) : this large bird ranges form Panama south to South America including
Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil.: this large bird ranges form Panama south to South America including Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil.
 Capuchin Monkey (Cebus apella): Eno our Capuchin came from South America and has been
here since 1980 making him one of the first animals housed in the mini zoo.: Eno our Capuchin came from South America and has been here since 1980 making him one of the first animals housed in the mini zoo.
Orange Winged Parrot (Amazonia amazonica): Amazona amazonica is widely distributed over
Northern and Central America and is also found in Trinidad and Tobago.: Amazona amazonica is widely distributed over Northern and Central America and is also found in Trinidad and Tobago.
 Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria): Our local land tortoise or Molocoy was introduced to St. Lucia many years ago.
 Green Monkey (Cercopithecus pygerythrus): The Green Monkey originally came from Senegal
and the Gambia in West Africa. This makes them Old World monkeys since these come from Africa and Asia. The coat of the Green Monkey is brownish Grey with specks of yellow and olive green,
appearing green in some light.
An Irresistible Invitation: Support the Mini Zoo, become a Member of the Friends of the Union
Zoo. Contact the Forestry Department at Union (758) 450-2078 or 450-2231 ext. 317 for further information.
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