On the Coral Coast of Fiji, our program stops at Kula Eco Park to observe endangered species of Fiji and learn about necessary breeding methods to restore dwindling population numbers.

Kula serves as Fiji’s center for the captive breeding of endangered species and the environmental education of school children. By instilling an environmental conservation mentality in young children, the Park hopes to foster a mindset toward protecting endangered lands and animals in the country.

Kula guides showed our students through the park’s various enclosures and described characteristics of each species. Any visitors to Kula can walk through these areas though, but our group also received a behind-the-scenes look at the breeding area and the salt-water marine filtration system.

Oh, and don’t forget the up close and personal holding of critters. The Wake Forest and University of Montana students, pictured left with lead professor Dr. Robert Browne, held banded iguanas, a crested iguana and a Pacific boa.

Yes, a Pacific boa…a young one but a boa nonetheless!