The Belize Zoo is referred to in many guidebooks as “The Best Little Zoo in the World”. Documentary filmmaker, Richard Foster, is the reason we have a glorious zoo in our country. Way back in the early 1980’s, Richard was in quick need of someone to assist him in order to finalize a natural history film. His “quick fix” was inviting a biologist by the name of Sharon Matola to Belize. He had heard that she had worked with animals, and was rather fond of “rugged living”.
Shortly after this initial get-together, scientist Carol Farneti arrived to bring her extremely fluent knowledge of tropical wildlife into Richard Foster’s world of natural history filmmaking . Richard and Carol began travelling to places far and wide on exciting and difficult film projects. India. Africa. South America, this talented team turned wildlife experiences into magical films, films which received great admiration, and won many significant awards.
Meanwhile, back in Belize, biologist and animal behavior specialist, Sharon Matola, realized that the troop of wildlife in Richard and Carol’s backyard, was in need of a “strategy survival” plan. Without an active film project, how could these very special “ex documentary film stars” be supported? She came up with quite an unusual idea. How about calling the backyard menagerie A ZOO, and charging anyone who ventured into the compound a slight fee to support this rather unplanned and brand new little zoo?
A turning point occurred when Sharon introduced the idea to Richard. Mr. Richard Foster was a most quiet and private person. He could have easily said, “You must be joking!” “Not in my backyard!” But quite the opposite response was voiced. Richard thought that this would be a unique and effective way to educate the people of Belize about the special wildlife living in their country. He worked with many Belizeans on film projects, and through countless working relationships, became fond of our nation’s unique citizens.
Carol became Richard’s wife as well as his film-making partner. It was clear to all, that this dynamic pair brought a sense of marvel to the natural history film world. Sharing film adventures, yes they did! And Richard and Carol also shared very strong support for the up and coming Belize Zoo. It is easy to say that no zoo in the entire world has had this kind of beginning or such an “out of the ordinary” style of growth and development.
Unfortunately, a very happy story became bleak and very sad. In August of 2018, Richard Foster, while his wife Carol was seeking medical care in the United States, was robbed and brutally murdered. The outcry over such a senseless act was and still is defiantly strong. We are forever grateful and honoured to have had Richard as part of our Zoo family; since TBZ’s inception, he was at the foundation and heart of this institution, and, through his camera lens, passionately shared our commitment to the protection of Belize’s wildlife and their habitats. Richard was an influential part of many of our conservation programs for over three decades, and is deeply missed by all at TBZ.