Celebrating Collaboration and Creativity in Isabela: A Step Forward for Responsible Coexistence

Last week, Animal Balance had the privilege of returning to beautiful Isabela Island for a very special mission. Together with our incredible partners — the Municipality of Isabela and the ABG (Agencia de Regulación y Control de la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galápagos) we held a successful sterilization clinic that reached over 200 animals. Of these, around 150 dogs and cats were sterilized, helping to ensure healthier lives for pets and greater protection for the island’s unique ecosystem.

Our time in Isabela, however, went beyond the clinic. True to our belief that sustainable change involves the entire community, we embraced the power of art as an educational and transformative tool. In partnership with the Municipality, we organized a community mural paste-up event right in the heart of Puerto Villamil, on the wall behind the main convention center. This vibrant installation now proudly displays messages and artworks that promote responsible coexistence between people, pets, and the fragile environment of the Galápagos.

The mural creation was an inspiring experience for everyone involved. More than 20 community members participated, with kids and teenagers leading the way. We set up three creative workstations where participants explored themes of coexistence, compassion, and the importance of pet sterilization. These discussions also touched on local regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and the delicate balance of the Galápagos ecosystem.

The paste-up technique we used is playful and participatory. First, the participants created their own messages and artwork around the central themes, then we all took part in pasting these creations onto the wall, giving life to a collective expression of care and responsibility. It was wonderful to see the community come together, especially the younger generation, who bring fresh energy and hope for the future of Isabela.

To further amplify the role of art in community education, we also hosted a free workshop for local artists. The focus of this workshop was to equip them with tools and ideas to integrate art and games into their own educational activities. We were fortunate to welcome an artist from Quito to lead this session, bringing valuable experience and techniques to inspire local creatives. Moving forward, our goal is to empower artists from Isabela and the Galápagos to take the lead in these initiatives, making this kind of community engagement truly homegrown and sustainable.

This experience in Isabela reminded us once again of the power of collaboration — between organizations, authorities, artists, and the community. Together, we are building a culture of responsible pet care, environmental stewardship, and creative education. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible and look forward to continuing this journey alongside the people of Isabela.

Stay tuned for more stories of impact and transformation from across the Galápagos!

Jorge Vázquez F.

Animal Balance