Wildtracks has officially completed its new Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility, a major step forward for wildlife conservation in Belize. This new purpose-built center replaces the original facility, which was first constructed over 30 years ago for environmental education, later evolving to support manatee rehabilitation in 2000 and primate care in 2010.
The upgraded facility offers dedicated spaces for manatee and primate food preparation, a spacious first-aid clinic, and expanded storage areas for equipment. These improvements enhance the capacity and efficiency of Wildtracks’ team and volunteers as they work to protect and rehabilitate endangered species.
What’s New?
- Food Prep Areas: Separate rooms for manatee and primate food preparation make operations more efficient. A new “fruit room” now stores weekly supplies of bananas, papayas, and other fruits, improving access and reducing handling.
- First-Aid Clinic: A larger, well-equipped clinic now supports health assessments, first aid, and on-site veterinary care for rescued animals.
- Better Storage: Upgraded storage areas keep equipment organized and accessible, streamlining daily tasks.
As one of Belize Fund’s grantees in its first grant cycle, Wildtracks demonstrates how funding from the Belize Blue Bonds is making a real difference in conservation in Belize. The new facility strengthens Wildtracks’ ability to rehabilitate and release manatees and primates, ensuring these species have a better chance of survival in the wild.
Wildtracks is also focused on community outreach, conservation planning, and inspiring future generations to protect Belize’s wildlife. The upgraded facility provides the tools and space to continue making an impact on marine and coastal conservation.
Wildtracks received BZ $150,000 grant from the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future, to support their efforts in advancing manatee conservation in Belize. Under the project, 24 participants were trained in critical skills like project planning, management, and grant writing; completing certifications for 20 individuals. Two site-level manatee conservation plans were developed, targeting Corozal Bay and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuaries, while one site-specific grant proposal was submitted. Wildtracks also trained nine wildlife authority officers, including Forest and Fisheries Department staff, in manatee rescue and rehabilitation, equipping them with hands-on experience. The highlight of the project is the newly constructed, purpose-built rehabilitation facility, which is three times the size of the original and fully supports manatee care. With this new facility, Wildtracks successfully rehabilitated and returned two manatees to the wild, continuing its impactful conservation work. Wildtracks is proving that sustainable funding can create lasting change for wildlife and the environment.
The construction of the new center was made possible through joint investments from the Belize Fund for Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), Twycross Zoo, Burger’s Zoo, Save the Manatee Club, and Edge Impulse.
Extracted and repurposed from WILDTRACKS, see original source here.
