Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Louis, Mauritius.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Post Louis, Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.

PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
The tragic fate of the Dodo
First documented by Dutch sailors in 1598, the dodo, a remarkable bird native to Mauritius, was a true wonder of the natural world. Standing nearly a meter tall, its robust body was cloaked in greyish feathers, while its tail featured a charming tuft of curly white plumes. The dodo’s prominent hooked beak suggested a diet rich in hard-shelled fruits. As a flightless bird, it boasted short, sturdy legs and diminutive wings, a testament to its evolution in an environment free from ground-based predators.

Renowned for its bold and unhurried demeanor, the dodo’s behavior likely stemmed from the absence of threats in its habitat. Its distinctive squawking call added a unique note to the symphony of sounds in the Mauritian jungle. This ground-dwelling bird primarily feasted on fallen fruits and made its nests in the natural clearings of the lush forests.

However, humans’ arrival on this untouched island marked the beginning of the dodo’s tragic end. Its fearless nature and inability to fly rendered it an easy target for hunters. At the same time, its eggs and young were vulnerable to invasive species like rats, monkeys, and pigs brought by settlers. The last confirmed sighting of the dodo occurred in 1662, leading to its tragic extinction in just 64 years.

The loss of the dodo had significant repercussions for the island’s ecosystem. The Tambalacoque tree, also indigenous to Mauritius, faced severe decline. The seeds of this tree relied on the dodo for a natural process that aided their germination as they passed through the bird’s digestive system. With the dodo gone, the number of young saplings of the Tambalacoque tree plummeted.

The story of the dodo and its connection to the Tambalacoque tree highlights nature’s fragile balance and poignantly reminds us of our responsibility to safeguard the planet’s wildlife and biodiversity.

SIGHTS
• Fort Adelaide
• Champ de Mars
• Natural History museum
• Marie Reine de la Paix
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Kaylasson Temple
• Le Jardin de la Vanille et l’Epice
• Blue Penny Museum

SHOPPING
Le Caudan Waterfront – Offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues intermingled with excellent hotels and restaurants overlooking the Port Louis Harbour.

Port Louis Market—The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing, wooden and traditional handicraft products, local jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices.

Chinatown—Located in the heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling Chinese and Far Eastern goods.

Today’s Excursion – Island Highlights

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden (SSRBG) covers an area of about 37.5 hectares, constituting various attractions in terms of flora and fauna of both terrestrial and aquatic origins. The origin of the SSRBG dates back to the French period. In 1736, the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, set up his domain around the present garden Main Gate. In 1767, the French Intendant Pierre Poivre, the garden’s creator, introduced vegetables, fruits, flowers, and spices from all over the world. It is the oldest Botanic Garden in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hilltop Fort

The hilltop fort in Mauritius is Fort Adelaide, also known as “La Citadelle. ” Located in Port Louis, it offers panoramic views of the city and harbor from its elevated position on a hilltop. The fort was built by the British and named after Queen Adelaide. 

Maison Eureka

The visit to the Eureka Mansion and its gardens provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The house is filled with antiques and photos of the period. It also has a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River.

6:15 – World Cruises Cocktail Party