Simon and Baker Travel Review
A recent article in Simon and Baker Travel Review, written by Ms Josette King, describes Casa del Caballo Blanco as an "intimate retreat..perched on a scenic hilltop...offered a panoramic view...and provided a unique opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of a small Belizean community." Noting that the grounds are a birdwatcher's delight and that the food was as delicious as it was varied Ms King describes the staff's "exceptionally welcoming attitude as an outstanding asset of the lodge." Please take a moment to see her pictures and read her very complimentary review at Simon and Baker Travel Review.
In December of 2007, Linda Reynolds and Brian Hatoff visited CDCB and provided the following comments to the San Francisco Chronicle column "Follow the Reader;"
We recently returned from a phenomenal trip through the Cayo District of Western Belize. While there we stayed at a beautiful lodge, Casa del Caballo Blanco. The grounds and buildings are immaculately maintained and built in a traditional style. The lodge is the perfect place from which to explore largely untouristed and unexcavated Mayan ruins. The lodge's guide, Ricky Manzanero is superb. Spotting tropical birds and jungle wildlife amidst the ruins is a unique experience. One need not stray far from the lodge to spot an incredible array of birds that can be seen along the nature trail that runs through the nearby jungle. The meals served at the lodge are among the best we've had in our travels - reflecting the diverse cuisine of Belize. An added bonus - the lodge is run in conjunction with the area's only non-profit bird rescue and rehabilitation facility (www.casaavian.org). For those looking for adventure, tranquility and an opportunity to experience the incredible offerings of western Belize this is the perfect spot.
In March 2006, avian veterinarian Dr. Debra L. Scheenstra DVM (a member of the CASA Advisory Board), and her husband David, were guests at Casa del Caballo Blanco:
Thank you so much for a wonderful time at the enchanting Casa del Caballo Blanco. The gracious treatment by all of the staff and the amazing food was above and beyond what we could have anticipated. You have chosen a beautiful place to pursue a wonderful endeavor and we hope and pray everything will fall into place quickly and smoothly. Thank you for allowing us to share in this vision.
In January 2006 following a week of fieldwork and data gathering, visiting biologists Wendy Dexter and Jeff Alvarez (members of the CASA advisory board), inspired by guide Lenny Gentle and the work of Tony Garel, wrote,
....they gave us the sense that things we would consider small actions here (in California), could
make an immense difference to the native biotic communities there....I really can't thank you enough for the comfortable cabana, the delicious meals, the great company...How do you thank someone for enlarging the boundaries of experience and filling you with new ideas. There really aren't words.
Casa Avian Support Alliance has relied in a large part on the support of organizations with similar missions and goals in the successful effort to obtain recognition from the Government of Belize as a non-governmental organization (NGO), referred to as a non-profit in the United States. We are grateful for the letter of support provided to us by Aves Sin Fronteras (Birds Without Borders) and would like to share the following excerpts from that letter.
The concept of Casa Avian Support Alliance (CASA) as planned could have an important role in the conservation of the avian population in Belize and the phenomenon of bird migration.
Having a constantly available facility and staff to service birds (injured or abandoned) along with
rehab facilities is greatly needed in Belize.
Gil Boese, Ph. D
President, Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, Inc.
Founder, Birds Without Borders - Aves Sin Fonteras
Vice Chairman and CEO, Zooological Society Of Milwaukee
Simon and Baker Travel Review
