Panama Canal and Barro Colorado Island
After a successful crossing of the Gatun locks late last night aboard the Sea Voyager, we were ready with a vivid spirit to explore for the first time this week in a tropical rainforest. We had the honor to visit the facilities of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island. This cradle for many researchers has provided an enormous knowledge for the scientific community, as well as naturalists and general public, about the most intricate interactions that occurred in the natural realm of a tropical forest.
After a hearty breakfast, we were welcomed by the naturalist from BCI who lead us through different trails in the main island or on a Zodiac cruise around the island’s vegetation draped edge. The timing when you are exploring a rainforest is always significant. To be able to witness the dynamics of a tropical forest, we depend a lot on good luck and good guidance. Today we had both. We enjoyed several wonderful sightings including the Central American agouti, northern tamandua anteater, white-throated capuchin and mantled howler monkeys, and even a special inhabitant of the forest: the extremely elusive Geoffroy's tamarin. This small primate, which weighs only 1 pound, is an endangered species protected by CITES, as they have for many years been illegally captured for the pet trade.
After exploring the flora and fauna of the Gatun Lake and BCI area, we welcomed our pilot on board around 1230. He led us through the last sets of locks at Pedro Miguel and Miraflores. Around 1900 hours, the Pacific waters greeted us for a comforting good night's sleep, waiting for a brand new day.
After a successful crossing of the Gatun locks late last night aboard the Sea Voyager, we were ready with a vivid spirit to explore for the first time this week in a tropical rainforest. We had the honor to visit the facilities of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island. This cradle for many researchers has provided an enormous knowledge for the scientific community, as well as naturalists and general public, about the most intricate interactions that occurred in the natural realm of a tropical forest.
After a hearty breakfast, we were welcomed by the naturalist from BCI who lead us through different trails in the main island or on a Zodiac cruise around the island’s vegetation draped edge. The timing when you are exploring a rainforest is always significant. To be able to witness the dynamics of a tropical forest, we depend a lot on good luck and good guidance. Today we had both. We enjoyed several wonderful sightings including the Central American agouti, northern tamandua anteater, white-throated capuchin and mantled howler monkeys, and even a special inhabitant of the forest: the extremely elusive Geoffroy's tamarin. This small primate, which weighs only 1 pound, is an endangered species protected by CITES, as they have for many years been illegally captured for the pet trade.
After exploring the flora and fauna of the Gatun Lake and BCI area, we welcomed our pilot on board around 1230. He led us through the last sets of locks at Pedro Miguel and Miraflores. Around 1900 hours, the Pacific waters greeted us for a comforting good night's sleep, waiting for a brand new day.
