Saving manatees and monkeys in Belize

It's not just manatees - there is always a steady flow of wildlife moving through Wildtracks - including monkeys, raccoons, coatis, and many others. Working closely with the Belize Forest Department, we provide rehabilitation for any animal (with the exception of the large cats - jaguars and pumas) that needs a second chance at life in the wild….

Our newest arrival in the Primate Nursery Unit is Midge, short for “Midget,” a globally Endangered Yucatán black howler monkey. She came to us a month ago, and was estimated to be just one week old. Since then, she has been settling in - feeding well, gaining strength each day, and beginning to explore her world. When she’s not resting in her incubator, she’s hard at work building the muscles and skills she will need for her future back in the wild. Midge still has a long rehabilitation journey ahead, but one day she will be ready to join others of her kind and return to the forest where she belongs. Each arrival like hers reminds us why wildlife rescue is so essential for Belize’s biodiversity.

Over in the Manatee Rehabilitation Area, we also welcomed Twix, now in intensive care. At around eight months old, he is older than our usual manatee intakes and arrived with pneumonia. He is not out of the woods yet - his breathing is still raspy, but he is eating well and remains lively and inquisitive, giving us hope. Twix is currently on antibiotics and in quarantine until his health stabilizes, after which he will join Kit and Kat.

Kit and Kat, our two younger manatees, have begun their soft-release phase, heading out into the lagoon each day to explore their natural environment. Earlier this month, they were joined by an unexpected visitor - a third manatee who swam up to greet them. Thanks to the tiny PIT tags (microchips) that all released manatees carry, we were able to identify him as Mitch. Mitch first came to Wildtracks in 2014 as a small calf and was released in 2016. Nearly a decade later, he has grown into a large, healthy adult - an inspiring reminder of the long-term success of wildlife rehabilitation.

We also have exciting updates on facility development. The construction team is completing our second intensive-care pool, the protective mosquito-free enclosure for the intensive-care area is nearly finished, and a new grant has just been approved to build bathroom facilities for the rehabilitation center. These improvements ensure we are well prepared for the future and can continue providing the highest standard of care.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Whether a volunteer or a donor, you make it possible for us to rescue, heal, and return these amazing but threatened animals to the wild....watch out for our Giving Tuesday appeal on December 2nd, where every donation goes a little further from GlobalGiving matching funds - support from our Wildtracks family is critical, helping us give every rescued animal the future they deserve.

We have an active volunteer programme that supports Wildtracks’ ongoing work in rehabilitation of threatened species, and we recently benefited from the forward-thinking generosity of a donor who invested in expanding volunteer opportunities for young Belizeans

Today we are sharing a report from one of our Belize volunteers - Abel.

Volunteering at Wildtracks has been a fulfilling experience. It feels so good to know I am a part of saving our wildlife and restoring biodiversity to our ecosystems. Each animal here has its own story and reason for being here, many of which are tragic. I would recommend volunteering to any Belizean capable of doing so as not only will you be contributing to the preservation of wildlife, but you will also gain skills such as teamwork and time management, along with responsibility. We as Belizeans need to get more involved in conservation, as the work that Wildtracks and other organizations like Wildtracks does is essential and requires a lot of manpower. If we are not willing to help our own wildlife, then what does that say about the future of our country?

Hosting Abel and the other volunteers, whether from Belize or from across the globe, is always an inspiring experience. Their energy, dedication, and willingness to contribute shine through, not only during the day’s work but also in the meaningful conversations that unfold around the dinner table each evening. These informal exchanges create a unique space where people of all ages and backgrounds connect, sharing their stories, experiences with wildlife, and perspectives on conservation.

Volunteering at Wildtracks is more than just supporting the day-to-day care of animals -  it’s about becoming part of a collaborative effort to protect and rehabilitate Belize’s wildlife. For many, it’s a transformative journey. Local and international volunteers alike gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, deepen their understanding of ecological issues, and build lifelong friendships grounded in shared values.

The diversity of voices and cultures enriches the Wildtracks community, fostering mutual respect and cross-cultural learning. For young Belizeans, especially, the opportunity to volunteer offers exposure to the world of conservation and the chance to develop new skills, confidence, and a greater sense of environmental stewardship. Volunteers leave with a stronger sense of purpose, knowing that their contributions, large or small, are part of something meaningful and impactful.

Volunteering isn't for everyone...animal care involves long days, and when manatee calves have arrived, short nights. But for many Wildtracks volunteers, it has given them a new direction in life, a second home, and a second family that they return to year after year...