Wild Tracks Belize: Exploring Nature's Beauty

Wildtracks is a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Sarteneja, Belize, that works to protect and conserve endangered species and biodiversity. The centre, which is not open to the public, was established in 1990 with a manatee rehabilitation programme. It has since expanded to include a primate rehabilitation programme, with monkeys confiscated from people keeping them as pets illegally. Volunteers play an active role in the care of the animals, with many staying at Wildtracks for up to three months at a time.

Wild Tracks Belize is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centre

Wild Tracks Belize was established in 1990 and registered as a non-profit organisation in 1996. The centre works across four programme areas: Conservation and Research, Sustainable Development, Education, and Outreach Support. The Manatee Rehabilitation Centre, which was set up in 1999, is one of Wild Tracks Belize's most successful programmes, with the majority of manatee calves rehabilitated and released back into the coastal waters of Belize. The centre also hosts officers from the Belize Fisheries and Forest Departments for courses on manatee response, rescue, and rehabilitation.

The Primate Rehabilitation Programme was transferred to Wild Tracks Belize in 2010. Keeping primates as pets is illegal in Belize, and the Forest Department has a zero-tolerance policy for the illegal trade and keeping of primates. Monkeys confiscated from people keeping them as pets are sent to the centre for rehabilitation and, where feasible, are released back into the wild. Volunteers play an active role in caring for the primates, acting as surrogate mothers for young primates and providing care as they grow older.

Wild Tracks Belize funds its activities through its consultancy wing, focused on conservation projects, and also through grants and donations, particularly for the support of the rehabilitation programmes. The centre is not open to the public but does host educational school visits from local village schools.

It was founded in 1990 with a manatee rehabilitation programme

Wildtracks, a non-profit conservation organisation based in Belize, was founded in 1990 with a manatee rehabilitation programme. It works to protect wildlife through habitat conservation, effective rescue and rehabilitation of endangered and threatened species, and community engagement. The organisation is committed to strengthening national and site-level conservation of ecosystems and species, building engagement, and strengthening capacity towards effective environmental stewardship at all levels in Belize.

The Manatee Rehabilitation Centre, established in 1999, is managed in partnership with the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the National Manatee Working Group, and the Forest Department of the Government of Belize. The centre has three primary objectives: to provide rehabilitative care for orphaned and injured manatees found in Belizean waters, to release rehabilitated manatees back into the wild, and to raise awareness of Antillean manatees and the importance of manatee conservation.

Belize is home to the Antillean manatee, a sub-species of the West Indian manatee. With an estimated population of between 700 and 1,000, it is the regional stronghold for this globally endangered species. However, the regional population is increasingly threatened, even in Belize, where numbers are declining. Manatees face increasing threats in Belize, particularly from increased boat traffic and watercraft collisions. While most manatees do not survive such collisions, a small number of orphaned calves and injured individuals are rescued and require rehabilitative care.

The rehabilitation process for manatees is intensive and requires constant care and monitoring. Upon rescue and transport, calves are offered rehydration solutions and then measured, weighed, and treated for any visible injuries upon arrival at the centre. They are then introduced to the Intensive Care Pool, where they remain in constant contact with carers for the first 48 hours or until they are stabilised. Rehydration solutions and milk formulas are gradually introduced, and manatees are encouraged to develop normal manatee behaviours and eating habits as they grow. As they mature, manatees are moved to larger pools and eventually to the Lagoon Enclosure, where they learn about natural water flows, changes in salinity and temperature, and begin to move with more freedom.

The success of the manatee rehabilitation programme at Wildtracks is due in large part to the dedication of its volunteers, who provide round-the-clock care for the manatees. Volunteers stay at Wildtracks for up to three months and contribute financially to room and board. Their passion for the work is evident, and they form a tight-knit community that operates as one large family.

The centre also cares for monkeys, confiscated from people keeping them as pets

Wildtracks, based in Belize, is a non-profit conservation organisation that works to protect and conserve endangered species and biodiversity. It was established in 1991 by husband and wife couple, Paul and Zoe Walker, who relocated from the UK in 1996. The centre cares for monkeys, which are confiscated from people keeping them as pets. Keeping primates as pets is illegal in Belize, and the Forest Department has a zero-tolerance policy for the illegal trade and keeping of primates. Monkeys that have been confiscated are sent to Wildtracks to be rehabilitated and, where feasible, released back into the wild. Volunteers play an active role in caring for young primates, acting as surrogate mothers, and providing care as they grow older. They are also involved in pre-release and post-release monitoring.

Wildtracks has over 40 monkeys in enclosures across their property, with the two native monkey species in Belize being the spider monkey and the howler monkey. The monkeys are in various stages of pre-release, with babies being cared for and played with by volunteers. The rehabilitation process is long and difficult, but Wildtracks has a phenomenal success rate, with over 90% of primates successfully returning to the wild. The centre also provides medical help for the monkeys, treating everything from mange to obesity and broken bones.

In addition to their work with monkeys, Wildtracks is also involved in manatee response, rescue, and rehabilitation. They host officers from the Belize Fisheries and Forest Departments and the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development for a 3-day course on manatee response, rescue, and rehabilitation. Wildtracks has been recognised for its conservation efforts, receiving awards such as the James Waight Award through the Belize Audubon Society and MBEs on the UK King's New Years Honours List.

Volunteers work all day, every day, tending to the animals' needs

Volunteers at Wildtracks, a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Belize, work tirelessly around the clock to care for the animals and ensure their needs are met. The centre, located just outside Sarteneja, is home to 38 monkeys and three manatees, as well as a variety of other rescued and injured animals. Each volunteer is assigned a specific role, tailored to the needs of the animals in their care. For example, volunteers act as surrogate mothers for young primates, providing them with the love and attention they require to thrive. This involves preparing formula, feeding the babies, and ensuring they are comfortable and safe. As the primates grow older, volunteers continue to provide care, gradually preparing them for their eventual release back into the wild. This may include creating stimulating environments for the animals to encourage natural behaviours, as well as providing pre-release and post-release monitoring to ensure a smooth transition.

The dedication of the volunteers knows no bounds, as they work tirelessly from 6 am, sometimes until as late as 10:30 pm, to ensure the animals are well looked after. Their days are filled with a variety of tasks, from preparing food and cleaning enclosures to providing enrichment activities and socialisation opportunities for the animals. They also assist with medical treatments and check-ups, working closely with veterinary professionals to ensure the animals receive the best possible care. In addition to their daily care responsibilities, volunteers play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and release process. They closely observe the animals' behaviours and document their progress, helping to create tailored release plans that maximise the chances of successful reintroduction into the wild.

The work is not without its challenges, as volunteers must deal with the emotional toll of seeing animals in poor condition upon arrival or facing rejection during the release process. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties, as volunteers form deep connections with the animals and witness their progress and growth. The joy of seeing a baby manatee nuzzle their ankle or watching teenage Howler monkeys learning to howl makes all the hard work worthwhile. The volunteers' passion and dedication are evident in their every action, as they selflessly dedicate their time and energy to improving the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Volunteers at Wildtracks come from all walks of life, united by their shared love for animals and the environment. While some are students seeking to further their education in marine biology or conservation, others are professionals taking a break from their careers to make a difference. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they all share a common goal: to contribute to the protection and conservation of endangered species and biodiversity in Belize. Their contributions go beyond the day-to-day care of the animals, as they also assist with community engagement, educational initiatives, and the development of sustainable practices to ensure a brighter future for Belize's unique wildlife.

The centre is not open to the public, but hosts educational school visits

Wildtracks, based in Belize

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