Jean Vergara recounts adventures with the Buckeyes Abroad Fiji program:

At first glance, you think that Kula Eco Park is just your average Fijian zoo. However, roaming its grounds, you realize it is much more than that. It is an experience in conservation. It is a movement toward rehabilitation. It is a reminder of the importance of sustainability. And it is a living classroom for those with the passion to learn.

The Buckeyes Abroad students were welcomed by both a sunny day and warm smiles from the Kula Eco Park staff. Leading them through the gift shop (which was a hard distraction and an almost impossible feat), we made our way to their outdoor lecture space. The melodic sounds of swaying coconut palms, chirping birds and children’s laughter created a wonderful symphony. It was apparent…we were in paradise.

After the guide gave his presentation on the history, purpose and mission of the Park, we were each given a chilli hibiscus flower. The presenter told us that the flowers were a traditional gift of welcome. He also said that placing it behind your right ear symbolized that you were married/taken and placing it behind your left ear symbolized you were single/hunting. I asked for 10. He laughed and said I was “super hunting.”

Soon, we were off and ready to tour the Park. By dividing us into two groups we received a much more personal tour of the Park. Miti was one of our guides. He is hilarious and very knowledgeable of Fiji’s flora and fauna.

OSU student holding iguanas

As an expert animal handler, I watched on (and participated) as the students were able to interact with some of the Park’s creatures. They had the opportunity to hold iguanas, play with snakes, talk to birds and also feed a couple hawksbill sea turtles. Although they are not as cute as the cuddly koala I met in Australia last year, they were nevertheless interesting.

The calm before the revenge of the fruit bat

One iguana had a particular crush on a student and left a love mark on her. She was a good sport. I think she realized that the iguana knew from the flower behind her left ear that she was “hunting.”   A funny animal moment would be when a mischievous fruit bat teased the Buckeyes. They were crowding around the fruit bat as he ate a piece of papaya for lunch, which I think may have slightly annoyed him during mealtime.

“Aww isn’t that cute!” “Sweet…he’s eating!” “Oh that’s so awesome!” These were some of the things overheard by the bat cage. I observed from afar.

Soon, I heard giggles and shrieks. The fruit bat decided to pee on the voyeurs and laughed shortly afterwards (yes…the fruit bat literally laughed). It was a life lesson: Never to get too close to a fruit bat during mealtime (as with any animal, mammal and human).

Peacock

We then had an encounter with the local peacock. Miti explained that the peacock was not native to Fiji, but was the national bird of India. Afterward, we checked out the marine life display and trekked over to the “Wildest Bridge in Fiji.”

Traversing the “Wildest Bridge in Fiji”

The suspended bridge was fun to cross over! Students and staff alike were zigzagging and jumping, creating quite a “wild” bridge experience. Then, we continued onto a nice and easy nature stroll through the Park, ultimately ending with a pleasant surprise…LUNCH!

I love food! The BBQ lunch at Kula Eco Park is one of my favorite meals in Fiji and the fact that I get to relive this joy five times this summer is mind-blowing. To ensure the safety of the group, I was sure to sample a bit of everything before they started. It was much appreciated.

We feasted on steak, fish, chicken, sausages and an array of sides along with platters of tropical fruits. I have a strict policy enforced during mealtimes…NO FOOD LEFT BEHIND! And OSU did not disappoint. They were hearty eaters.

Enjoying the lunch feast at Kula Eco Park

Lunch was over and so was our time at Kula Eco Park (named after the national bird of Fiji – the kula). It was informative, entertaining, enchanting and delicious.