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About Cayman
Cayman’s
Our native species, including parrots, iguanas, lizards and orchids are also high on the protected list. It’s unlikely that many visitors would want to put one of these in their suitcase, but animals and plants like these are highly sought after by unscrupulous collectors.
Wildlife laws
GET ADvICE
If you are at the airport or the port in George Town and are unsure about wildlife products already in your baggage, declare them to the Customs Officers who will give you advice. Before you travel contact the Department of Environment to apply for export permits. Import permits have to be obtained from your destination country before travel.
DON’T PAy THE PENALTy
Countries take protecting wildlife so seriously that anyone caught taking wildlife products out of the Cayman Islands without the proper permits faces confiscation of the products, fines or even imprisonment, either in Cayman or when they reach their destination. The laws are tough but necessary if we are to protect our environment.
We all like to take home a souvenir of the wonderful places we have been on vacation, but visitors should be aware that not everything found in these beautiful
islands and in its waters can be taken home with them. With eco-systems under threat, 160 countries around
the world, including the Cayman islands, have signed up to the Convention for the international trade in Endangered species (CitEs) which aims to combat the impact of commercial trade on animals and plants.
so here is our guide to the Dos and Don’ts of what you can take home after your stay with us.
The Cayman Parrot
MAKE SuRE IT’S LEGAL
If you are travelling with wildlife products or souvenirs make sure you do it legally. Find out if you need government approval or permits for any animal or plant, living or dead - including samples and parts. Our Department of Environment are only too happy to guide you. Just give them a call on (345) 949-8469.
THREE’S THE LIMIT
Conch shells are a popular souvenir and can be bought all across the island. The law says that up to three shells, a by- product of local fishing, can be taken home by individuals without special permission.
PROTECTING THE TuRTLES
Sea Turtles are beautiful animals to watch and get up close to at our Cayman Turtle Centre. But they are endangered throughout the world, so commercial trade in turtle products is banned. And that includes meats, shells and any other products that come from captive turtles at the Turtle Centre.
CARE WITH CORAL
Our coral reefs are stunning and one of the reasons so many scuba divers come to our shores to wonder at the undersea show. Not only is it against Cayman law to export raw coral but it causes untold damage to our reefs if these living creatures are broken off. If you want to take home pink and black coral jewellery you may need to get a CITES permit. Coral jewellery and similar items that are worn, carried or included in personal baggage do not normally require a CITES permit but some countries may still require it. Coral jewellery/ artwork that you have a store ship to your home will need a CITES permit which the store can arrange.
KEEP IT WILD
Orchids are high on the protected list
Sea Turtles are endangered throughout the world
Know
22 | destination Cayman 2019