Belize Wildlife Emergency Response Team
The Belize Wildlife Emergency Response Team (BWERT) assists the Belize Forest Department with wildlife emergencies, rescues and rehabilitation. BWERT was first discussed at the 2009 BWCN Conference and 14 conference members expressed interest.
Wildlife emergencies range from nuisance animals (like owls nesting in the attic) to problem animals (predators) or injured and orphaned animals. BWERT provide physical assistance when necessary.
The Emergency Response Team is open to interested individuals.
Click here to download the current list of BWERT members.
Please contact us for more information.
October 2009: BWERT joined with the Forest Department to find a diseased wild tapir at Bacab Resort. Unfortunately this animal could not be saved and died after a couple of days. Nonetheless the experiences gathered will serve for the future.
November 2009: BWERT joined forces to relocate a "lost" howler monkey. This full-sized male had likely been chased from his troop and crossed the Western Highway. On the other side of the road there was no suitable habitat and the humans he encountered were scared, chasing and beating him until he fled up into a tree in the middle of the village. Fortunately concerned citizens called for help and a team comprised of Robin Brocket from the Wildlife Care Center, Jerry Larder from Belize Bird Rescue, Brittany Dean (primate researcher in Runaway Creek Preserve) and Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand (the vet) joined to rescue the lost howler. After a couple of hours of roof and tree climbing and several attempts to sedate the animal, he was captured and brought to the Belize Zoo. Fortunately the animal showed no signs of injury or disease and was released back into the wild (in a suitable habitat, on the right side of the road) a few days later.
Please check our Facebook page for more recent wildlife rescues...