Holland Bay Sanctuary: A Vital Safe Haven for Jamaica’s Crocodiles

Nestled atop Jamaica’s Coat of Arms is the crocodile, a reptile that has existed in the country long before its human inhabitants and, perhaps, one of the most recognisable aspects of the island’s global identity.

It is for this reason that the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has embarked on a public education drive to enlighten Jamaicans on how to co-exist with the animal, and supports facilities like the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in St. Thomas.

JIS News trekked through vast fields in the far eastern section of the parish to participate in a recent NEPA-organised media tour of the sanctuary.

Home to more than 40 crocodiles – 22 of which are between seven and thirteen feet in length – the Sanctuary sits among the remains of the Holland Estate, which was an 18th century sugar cane plantation.

The facility was built in 2018 and is completely off-grid and self-sufficient for both water and electricity harvesting, with purpose-built enclosures designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitat.

Sanctuary Founder and Administrator, Lawrence Henriques, an obviously passionate advocate, delivered an engaging lesson on the crocodiles’ biological, recreational and sociological habits.

He is concern that the crocodile has been experiencing a “rough time” due to habitat loss and illegal killings, highlighting that Jamaicans lack sufficient knowledge about this remarkable animal.

“What we’re trying to do is to raise awareness about the reptile and the need to protect what we call our national species in Jamaica. It’s been here over two million years on our island, long before human beings ever found Jamaica. We need to keep this animal on the face of Jamaica – not just in picture books or in a museum – as a preserved specimen,” he says.

The Sanctuary operates as a multipurpose facility which, according to Mr. Henriques, “also acts as an insurance policy whereby we keep a number of animals as stock animals which we use to educate people; at the same time, they can be used for breeding, if necessary, for restocking.”

The facility collaborates with NEPA to rescue, recover and rehabilitate crocodiles, as required.

It accommodates crocodiles at various stages of development—from hatchlings to mature adults—and extends care to those that are injured, displaced or rescued.

Noting that the animals are scattered along Jamaica’s southern coastline, Mr. Henriques points out that, “from time to time, there is a need to recover and remove the animal because it is in a particular position or place where it could be a danger to itself and to people.”

Having been involved in crocodile conservation for more than 40 years, Mr. Henriques is familiar with the animals at the sanctuary by name and personality.

He debunks common myths about crocodiles, explaining that their often-perceived hostile behaviour is actually a defense mechanism triggered by unwarranted human interference.

“We’re trying to educate the communities, basically, to leave the animals so they can stay in the environment as opposed to being destroyed, and create that awareness and the need to keep the species alive,” the advocate points out.

Mr. Henriques advises that while the sanctuary is not an attraction, visitors are welcome.

“It is… not a fee charging entity. People can come, they can learn, they can spend a whole day here, they can picnic, they can go to the seaside which is just a half a mile away to the beach, and they can walk the place,” he says.

Mr. Henriques assures that the sanctuary is safe, adding that visitors “are not going to get hurt by anybody or any animal.”

“They can enjoy themselves, learn about the sanctuary, learn what we do and see the animals. It’s about getting people exposed to this species as well as the type of environment they live in,” he adds.

The Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary is currently supported by ‘Gatorland’ in Orlando, Florida.

It is one of several international crocodile/alligator facilities provided with financial and logistical support under the direction of Gatorland’s International Ambassador, Savannah Boan.

The Sanctuary operates under permit from NEPA, which also provides an annual stipend.

“Other stakeholder partners include the Hope Zoo, which provides crucial support for health screenings, animal rescues and logistical operations.

Mr. Henriques emphasises the urgent need for additional funding, and encourages donations in cash or kind to support the continued operations and upkeep of the facility.