Most of us are familiar with the classic film ‘Groundhog Day’, starring Bill Murray.
The story follows a selfish, egotistical weatherman who, through some unexplained magic, ends up stuck in Gobbler’s Knob (Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania) on an ever-repeating 2 Feb. What some people may not know, however, is that the ritual of groundhog Punxsutawney Phil being lifted up and presented to a crowd is completely real. It happens every year in front of a crowd of thousands, with the prediction of six more weeks of winter or an early spring all hinging on whether or not a large rodent sees its shadow.
Up until now, the complete lack of groundhogs in Cayman had prevented local scientists from following suit, but thankfully, the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary has presented a solution in the form of Lil’ Bit – its resident agouti, which is also a member of the rodent family.
On Saturday, 5 Feb. from noon-4pm, the park will be hosting the first-ever Agouti Day, with activities for all ages, culminating in Lil’ Bit taking centre stage for his weather prediction. The whole ‘shadow’ thing is old hat so, instead, the agouti will be given one of his favourite nuts, and the subsequent meteorological announcement will rely on what he does with said nut.
“If he buries it, we’re looking at six more weeks of winter breeze,” said Ron Hargrave, owner of the Parrot Sanctuary. “However, if he eats it, we’ll be getting an early summer.”
Agouti Day is the brainchild of Hargrave’s wife, Lana, and Z99 radio station’s Tim Hartman and Teri Lynne, who were looking for a way to put a fun twist on a well-known US tradition.
“We were actually going to have it last year,” Hargrave said, “but decided to wait until this year so we could really promote it properly. We’ve now got T-shirts printed, and five-foot-tall cutouts of Lil’ Bit for photos and selfies – the whole hog.”
There will also be live music from the interestingly-named Agouti Stew band (don’t tell Lil’ Bit), hermit crab races (bring your own racer along), face painting, airbrush tattoos, and Z99 onsite from 1-3pm. If you get peckish, you can order food and drink specials from Tukka East, delivered directly to the sanctuary.
Exploring nature
While Lil’ Bit prepares himself for his big moment in the spotlight, families can explore the nature reserve and meet many of its furry and feathery residents (along with a few slithery ones).
When I visited there for the first time in July 2020, I didn’t have particularly high expectations, but that attitude completely changed after we walked through the front gate. The place is beautifully laid out over a wide area, nicely residing betwixt and between the local flora. There is a reptile room, observation deck, slides, and multiple enclosures housing doves, iguanas, and Cayman parrots being rehabilitated after injuries. Chickens happily wander around the property, and there are many spots where children can sit and visit with bunnies, guinea pigs or a tame cockatiel.
It is all the realisation of a dream that Hargrave had a while back. He wanted to create a space where abandoned or injured animals could be helped, while showing children how to respect other living creatures. He designed it to be fun, educational and – most importantly – local.
It took him and a few other men a couple of years to clear the land, cut back the rock and create paths with wooden railings for ease of navigation. The result is a preserve that feels like part of the landscape, rather than overwhelming it.
Preserving the Cayman Parrot
One of the most important jobs of the sanctuary is to protect and rehabilitate Cayman parrots that have been injured. Not all the birds brought there are fit for release, even after they have received treatment, and therefore they stay as permanent residents. Others are looked after and fed until they can fly out, which is always a wonderful sight for the staff.
“We’ve had all sorts here,” said Ron. “Birds that have been abandoned, sold, hit by cars or really badly neglected.”
Entry fees paid by guests help to sustain the rehabilitation programme and cover costs of feeding and nurturing the other animals that enjoy a happy life at the preserve.
Will he, won’t he?
No doubt, many will be gathered in great anticipation on Agouti Day, waiting to see if Lil’ Bit buries the nut or eats it. Among those monitoring the situation will be Kerrie Forbes, meteorologist at the Cayman Islands Weather Service.
“Even with all the advances in technology, we cannot dismiss the importance of nature’s instincts,” she said, with a smile. “We will eagerly await the prediction made on Agouti Day and, of course, adjust our weather forecasts appropriately.”
The government minister for East End, Isaac Rankine, and Miss Cayman Islands Universe Georgina Kerford have confirmed their attendance at the event, which is shaping up to be a popular day out.
With a cold front supposedly on its way for the weekend of 28 Jan., could that be an early indicator that the nut will be going in the ground on 5 Feb., or will it simply be a red herring? It’s anyone’s guess until Lil’ Bit makes the final decision.
Considering what a fairly miserable couple of years it’s been, events like these are just what everyone needs to lift their spirits.
“It would be awesome if all families and friends come out and spend the day with us,” Hargrave said.
On a final note, I highly recommend the homemade zipline near the exit gate, perfect for kids. It’s a great way to end your visit to the Parrot Sanctuary. Just give yourself at least 15 minutes with it, as once they get on, they don’t ever want to leave.
| Agouti Day is 5 Feb. from noon-4pm at the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary in East End, located on the left just before Tukka when heading east. Entry fee is $10 per person for all ages. For more information, email [email protected] or call 936-4400.
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So what happened? We need to know. 😉