Lyla Escobar Vigilia

Belize Support Staff

Lyla attended Rutgers University to study on a working farm and earn a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. This exposure allowed her to work with a range of animals, including cattle and chickens. As a young child, Lyla first discovered her concern for animals during a trip to the Philippines, where she wondered about the lives of cats and dogs on the streets. Her experience as a student of Loop Abroad in Belize showed her other sides of animal life through the Large Animal and Wildlife courses. She is excited to return to Belize as a teaching assistant to a wonderful team headed by Dr. T in San Ignacio. Back in the U.S., Lyla has volunteered at a local wildlife center and continues to petsit throughout her community. In her spare time, Lyla gets creative through performing with Kpop dance teams and sewing her own costumes. Lyla lives in New Jersey where she has cared for own pets, including cats, dogs, and rabbits.