Special
events
STRI special events,
January and February 2025
Summer activities, SI Journeys visit, Temporary relocation of Bryde's whale from Galeta Marine Lab to Punta Culebra and more.
Summer activities
Punta Culebra kicked off 2025 with special summer activities. Through the end of February there will be tours of the coastline to learn about the species of organisms that live there, in addition to a variety of interactive activities.
Sloth monitoring
This year we will continue with the monthly census of the sloth population at Punta Culebra. During the first census of the year, a total of 10 sloths were counted, all of which were sleeping at the time of the census.
SI Journeys Visit
Punta Culebra recently hosted a special group from SI Journeys. The 160 travelers visited the Center, learning about its history, STRI's research, and the variety of public program activities.
Temporary relocation of Bryde's whale from Galeta Marine Lab to Punta Culebra
The Q?rioso educational program will temporarily receive a new member to its collection of artifacts: the incomplete skeleton of a Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei). The remains of the cetacean were originally located at the Punta Galeta Marine laboratory and its relocation is a joint effort of the Scientific Coordination Department, scientists from the Archaeology Laboratory, and the Public Programs team. The objective is to transport, curate and exhibit the remains of this whale at Punta Culebra for educational purposes. The team consists of Andreina Ríos, Q?rioso Program Coordinator, Félix Rodriguez, Scientific Coordinator, Dr. Ashley Sharpe, Archaeologist, Aureliano Valencia, Technical Researcher, Luz Cedeño, Scientific Assistant, and Adrian Lezcano and Leslye Barría, Q?Bus lead guides.
National Board visits STRI
Members of the Smithsonian National Board recently visited STRI's facilities where they learned firsthand about the laboratories and studies being carried out in Panama.
STRI at the Panama Istmo Vivo exhibit
STRI was part of the Panama Istmo Vivo exhibition, organized by Fundación Albatros Media and Voces de la Naturaleza.
This traveling exhibit was dedicated to highlighting Panama's natural wealth and promoting concrete actions to protect our environment, while promoting sustainable tourism.
SI Board Dinner
Punta Culebra hosted a farewell dinner after an intensive week of activities for members of the National and Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Institution, who were visiting Panama, some for the first time.
STEAM Summer Camp 2025
The Punta Culebra Nature Center of STRI organized a STEAM summer camp focused on resilience. For a week, campers aged 7 to 14 participated in scientific activities exploring resilience with sharks and butterflies, molecular biology, DNA detection, and insect navigation research. Additionally, the camp included art sessions and a visit from El Lunario, connecting participants with music.
Unidos por las Aves – Teacher Training in Panama Oeste
STRI and the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NCZBI) organized a three-day training for teachers and school principals from public schools in Panama Oeste. As part of the Unidos por las Aves project, participants visited several STRI facilities and received training focused on migratory birds. The goal is to connect students and teachers from Panama Oeste and Virginia, USA, so they can share their experiences and observations about migratory birds in their areas.
Q?Bus Visits the Gamboa Laboratories
On February 6th, the Science Bus team visited the Gamboa Laboratory to showcase their activities in schools. The administrative and scientific staff got to know the team, participated in educational activities and games, and some even volunteered for future visits, donated materials, or offered to develop educational activities.
5th Environmental Education Fair by MEDUCA
In commemoration of World Environmental Education Day, MEDUCA organized the 5th Environmental Education Fair in Cárdenas, with the participation of various organizations. The STRI Public Programs team was present, interacting with around 100 attendees, including administrative staff, teachers, and students. Throughout the half-day event, STRI representatives like Martha Mesía, Karina Hassell, and Raimundo González shared scientific information and details about STRI programs, promoting environmental knowledge.
4th Classroom Experience Meeting by SENACYT
The IV Classroom Experience Meeting by SENACYT, in collaboration with MEDUCA, was held at Hotel Decapolis. STRI presented a workshop titled “Resilient Reefs: Become an Engineer with the Smithsonian.” Twenty teachers from various regions of Panama participated in this event, which fostered collaboration and the exchange of innovative pedagogical strategies. The event featured Karina Hassell, Andreina Ríos, and Raimundo González.
Afternoon of Chocolate at STRI
Before Valentine's Day celebrations, we organized a fun Afternoon of Chocolate. The folks from Nomé showed us the amazing process of turning cacao into chocolate. We had a blast learning and tasting different chocolate products during their lively and engaging talk. Plus, we got to enjoy the delicious Cerro La Vieja chocolate, a Bird Friendly product, and learned about its careful production process.
