The Belize Wildlife Emergency Response Team (BWERT) assists the Belize Forest Department with wildlife emergencies, rescues and rehabilitation. BWERT was discussed at the BWCN Conference and 14 conference members expressed interest. See list of interested organizations and individuals.
Wildlife emergencies range from nuisance animals (like owls nesting in the attic) to problem animals (predators) or injured and orphaned animals. BWCN wants to provide information and in the future members of BWERT will hopefully be able to provide physical assistance when necessary.
The Emergency Response Team is open to interested individuals.
Please contact us for more information.
10th of Decembre 2009: Despite our inoficial state (beeing a group of interested individuals) we have received some requests to assist wildlife rescues since the conference: In Octobre BWERT joined with the Forest Department to see about a diseased wild tapir at Bacab Resort. Unfortunately this animal could not be saved and died after a couple of days. None the less the experiences gathered will serve for the future.
On Saturday the 14th of November 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 likely scared and therefor proceeded to chase and beat this monkey untill 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 myself (the vet) joined to rescue the lost howler. After a couple of hours of roof and tree climbing and 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.
