Sharon R. Matola

I am so sorry and sad to read that Sharon Matola has passed away.....The world certainly was a better place with her in it...She did so much for so many.I am honored that I met her yrs ago...My most sincere condolences to her family ( especially Marlene), friends and all the animals she loved so much. I am so sorry Marlene & Steve. Rest in peace Sharon. Debbie Coughlin Lubinski

I just finished reading The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw which was loaned to me in February during my first trip to Belize. I stopped at the Zoo on my first day in Belize but sadly it was closed. On my next visit to Belize I had hoped to get to the zoo again and meet Sharon. After reading this book about her activism and battle to stop the Chalillo Dam and save the Scarlet Macaw's breeding ground I felt I must meet Sharon. I googled her name today to learn more about her and learned of...

Ah! I met Sharon when she began her zoo and inspired the youth of a nation. She had the vision to see that pride in one's surroundings is pride in one's self. I brokered a grant to expand her love of nature to all of Belize. May you swing from the trees with your spider monkeys and Rambo, Sharon. We are grateful!

Sharon, even in death I am in awe of you and your accoplishments. You saw a problem, and you solved it. You single handedly improved the entire economy of one country. You swam across the Rio Grande with, literally, a monkey on your back. And, you created a zoo! The Best Little Zoo in the World--and it is and always will be! I love and miss you you so much. I am comforted that your pain is gone, your work is done, and you will have everlasting peace until we meet again.

I lived on Woodring Avenue up the street from Sharon and Marlene. I went to school with both of them at Northern High. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Sharon. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

My heart is broken to know Sharon is gone. She was an amazing friend and a wonderful woman who touched many lives. Rest In Peace.

Sharon changed my life as a young 16 year old. Almost 30 years later, I remember almost everything she taught me, she was that inspirational. I was looking forward to the day I could take my son to Belize to meet her and all of the wonderful creatures she protected. My heart is heavy. My thoughts go out to her friends and family.