Wildtracks Information

Conservation - Education - Sustainable Development in Belize Wildtracks, based in Belize, was established in 1991, and registered as a Belize non-profit conservation organization in 1996. It works in four programme areas: Conservation and Research Sustainable Development Education and Outreach Support The Manatee Rehabilitation Centre falls under the Wildtracks Conservation Program, which has as its objective the long term protection of biodiversity of Belize. The Centre is managed in partnership with the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network, under the National Manatee Working Group, and the Forest Department of the Government of Belize. Since the establishment of facilities at Wildtracks in 1999, the majority of manatee calf rescues have resulted in successful rehabilitation back into the coastal waters of Belize after an average of 24 months care. Volunteers play an active part in the care of young calves and their subsequent preparation for release. The Primate Rehabilitation Programme was transferred to Wildtracks in late 2010. Keeping primates as pets is illegal in Belize, and the Forest Department has an ongoing, zero tolerance policy for the illegal trade and keeping of primates, with confiscated monkeys being sent to Wildtracks. Where feasible, monkeys are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Volunteers play an active role as surrogate mothers for young primates, and provide care for the groups as they grow older, as well as being involved in pre-release and post-release monitoring. Wildtracks funds the majority of its activities through its consultancy wing, focused on conservation projects at site and national level that fall within the overall mission and objectives of the organization. Where necessary, however, Wildtracks also seeks grants to fund specific infrastructure or project requirement, or seeks donations, particularly for the support of the rehabilitation programmes.