Press Release: Temple Grandin Visits Blue Iguana Conservation Facility at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
22 April 2026 – The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) had the distinct honor of hosting the esteemed Dr. Temple Grandin at the Blue Iguana Conservation (BIC) Facility, which is nestled within the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Temple Grandin is a celebrated American scientist, animal behaviorist, and a leading advocate for autism awareness. Dr. Grandin has revolutionized the livestock industry and enriched the global understanding of neurodiversity.
During her visit, Dr. Grandin was taken on an exclusive tour of the facility led by Fred Burton, who played an instrumental role in the conservation of the endemic Blue Iguana (found only in Grand Cayman), bringing this remarkable species back from the brink of extinction. To date, over 1,200 Blue Iguanas have been released into the wild in the Salina Reserve and Colliers Wilderness Reserve, National Trust protected areas. These special places in nature are home to the Blue Iguana along with other plants and animals that occur nowhere else in the world including the Wild Banana Orchid, Silver Thatch Palm, and the Grand Cayman Parrot.
The private tour provided Dr. Grandin with a unique opportunity to observe the iconic Blue Iguanas in their natural habitat and to gain an in-depth understanding of the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these remarkable reptiles. Dr. Grandin met beloved Blue Iguanas “Forrest” and “Spike” who reside at BIC. These particularly charismatic Blue Iguanas were delighted to pose for the camera and enjoy some treats of papaya and banana. Dr. Grandin also had a chance to see hatchlings at the BIC nursery.
Dr. Grandin engaged with the conservation team to discuss animal behavior and shared her expert insights, drawing parallels between her extensive work in animal welfare and the specific needs of the Blue Iguana species. Her visit underscored the importance of conservation efforts and the role of scientific research in promoting biodiversity.
The event was attended by notable individuals, including Ally Olarou, Secretary and Director of Autism Cayman; Fred Burton, previous director of the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme and his wife Sarah; Candy Whicker, NTCI Council Member; Bill Petrie, Blue Iguana Conservation Manager; Jordan Whorms, BIC Warden; Catherine Childs, NTCI Environmental Programmes Manager; and Laura Butz, NTCI Marketing Manager.
Fred Burton shared a signed copy of his work, “The Little Blue Book,” with Dr. Grandin – a story about saving what was once one of the most endangered reptiles on earth. In return, Dr. Temple signed a copy of the book “Who is Temple Grandin?” for Blue Iguana Warden, Jordan Whorms, a young Caymanian passionate about her important role in Blue Iguana conservation. She was excited to meet Dr Grandin and proud to receive the signed book.
The Blue Iguana Conservation Facility is dedicated to preserving the endangered Blue Iguana species and fostering environmental education. This visit by Dr. Temple Grandin highlights the global importance of maintaining biodiversity and the ongoing need for support in protecting local wildlife and their natural habitat.
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Photo Credit: Main Photo, Candy Whicker. Artwork by Tansy Maki.
Photo Credits: Candy Whicker and Catherine Childs
