Our Story

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve was started as a non-profit foundation in 1985 as a conservation dream by Jean Baulu, a Canadian primatologist. This nature attraction began with seed money from the Canadian International Development Agency. It evolved with the support of his wife, Suzanne Baulu and the assistance of many concerned and environmentally active Barbadians, in particular the late Mrs. Iris Bannochie, founder of Andromeda Gardens.

During the first few years, the natural mahogany forest was home exclusively to Green monkeys, but over time other animals from the Caribbean region were added. The concept of the park permits visitors to see animals in their natural habitat. Also committed to cultural preservation, Jean Baulu spearheaded a project to restore the Grenade Hall signal station in the adjacent forest and created a micro-museum with the support of the Barbados National Trust. A pathway serpentines Grenade Hall forest allowing visitors to explore the diversity of trees and plants, with signage explaining their origins and medicinal properties.