FRIENDS OF GATORLAND GLOBAL
Friends of Gatorland Global play a vital role in advancing our mission to protect, conserve, and educate the world about alligators, crocodiles, and their habitats. Their partnership helps support critical conservation work, global research collaborations, and educational outreach programs that inspire safer, more respectful coexistence with wildlife. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and invite you to learn more about how you can join us in making a lasting impact.
CUBA TEAM
Etiam Arturo Pérez-Fleitas, B.Sc., M.Sc.
Etiam is a research specialist for the Enterprise for the Conservation of Zapata Swamp, where he leads the conservation programs for Crocodylus species and their ecosystems in the Zapata Swamp in Cuba.
His research is focused on the intersection of ecological and genetic models to address critical questions regarding the geographical distribution and evolution of species. He is particularly interested in understanding how ecosystem modifications can influence the evolutionary trajectories of species and the structure of metacommunities through shifts in population interactions.
A member of the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group and the Cuban Society of Zoology, he has authored or co-authored ten publications in peer-reviewed journals and won multiple research awards.
Gustavo Sosa Rodríguez, DVM, D.Sc., M.Sc.
Dr. Sosa is a leading Cuban expert in crocodilian health, reproduction, and conservation, with over 25 years of experience working in the Zapata Swamp, home to the critically endangered Cuban crocodile.
As the senior veterinarian at Cuba’s national Cuban Crocodile Breeding Farm, Dr. Sosa has played a central role in both captive and wild population management, contributing to groundbreaking research on reproduction, environmental DNA, satellite telemetry, and reintroduction strategies. His work has helped establish baseline health data for the species, define temperature-dependent sex determination ranges, and uncover patterns of multiple paternity in hatchlings.
A recognized leader in his field, he is an executive officer of Cuba’s Crocodile Specialist Group and an active member of the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. Dr. Sosa has shared his expertise globally through numerous international conferences and peer-reviewed publications, and continues to train the next generation of veterinarians and wildlife professionals dedicated to crocodilian conservation.
JAMAICA TEAM
Lawrence Henriques
Lawrence is a lifelong conservationist and founder of the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in eastern Jamaica, the island’s only dedicated facility for the rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term protection of the endangered American crocodile.
For over four decades, Lawrence has voluntarily partnered with government agencies like NEPA to rescue injured or threatened crocodiles, raise public awareness, and support the species’ recovery through hands-on care, education, and habitat protection. The Holland Bay facility serves as a vital safeguard for Jamaica’s dwindling crocodile population, ensuring that, even in the face of poaching and habitat loss, these iconic reptiles have a future in the wild.
Through the sanctuary, Lawrence has led efforts to monitor wild populations, release hatchlings, and engage local communities in conservation.
Jan Pauel
Jan is a Jamaican businessman living in Kingston.
An avid conservationist, for the last 25 years he has been collaborating with local and international NGO's and Universities on research and conservation of Jamaican Bats, Iguanas, and Crocodiles. These activities include field research, lobbying local and international governments and assisting to craft legislation to protect endangered fauna and habitat in Jamaica.
Currently, he is the Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary Team Leader.
Joey Brown, M.Sc.
Joey is the General Curator of Hope Zoo, a non-profit zoological and wildlife rescue facility in Kingston, Jamaica. There, Joey manages a collection of over 1,400 animals, an animal care team, along with the conservation headstart program for the Critically Endangered Jamaican iguana.
Joey is also one of the founding board members for the Animal-Assisted Recovery Care (AARC) Program which recently launched the first animal therapy initiative in Jamaica at Bustamante Children’s Hospital.
Joey's research focused on the ecology and diet of the Critically Endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis). Additionally, his studies took him to Fiji for research on the Critically Endangered Fijian Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis). Joey’s graduate research focused mainly on the spatial ecology, diet, and use of headstart programs as a conservation tool for threatened species.
Joe Wasilewski
Joe is a wildlife biologist and conservationist with over four decades of hands-on experience working with reptiles, particularly crocodilians and iguanas.
After beginning his career at the Miami Serpentarium under famed herpetologist Bill Haast, Joe earned his biology degree from Florida International University. Since 1977, Joe has utilized his deep expertise to consult numerous universities and zoological parks on animal welfare. He has served as Vice President of Biodiversity for Jadora International, contributing to REDD+ conservation initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is a current Director for Natural Selections of South Florida, an environmental consulting firm specializing in wildlife management and conservation.
A recognized authority in his field, Joe is a long-time member of the IUCN’s Crocodile and Iguana Specialist Groups and serves on the Tomistoma Task Force. Joe has significant research experience and has published numerous studies. He frequently collaborates with major media and scientific organizations, including National Geographic, BBC, and Discovery Channel, and is committed to community-driven conservation that balances wildlife protection with sustainable local engagement.
Damion Whyte, MPhil
Damion holds a B.S. in Environmental Biology and a MPhil in Zoology. He is pursuing a PhD in Zoology at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.
With over 26 years of experience in environmental advocacy, he actively engages as a biologist focusing on various vertebrates. He is a passionate environmental advocate on social media, including RoostersWorldja on X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. He has also published over 11 peer-reviewed articles and more than 85 scientific reports.
He is also an adjunct lecturer at UWI, Mona. Damion serves on several government committees in Jamaica: a member of the Scientific Authority, the Chairperson for the Endangered Species Working Group of the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Deputy Chair for the invasive species advisory group, a member of the Jamaican Iguana Recovery Group. He is also a member of several NGOs, including Birdlife Jamaica, Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals, Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM), Natural History Society of Jamaica (NHSJ) and PMI Jamaica Chapter.
