Belize

Placement Fee: $975

The site is located in a transition zone between pine ridge/savannah and tropical moist forest but most of the fieldwork and release sites are across the river in the karst hills. The climate is generally wet.

The work for volunteers will vary. There are almost always a few animals at the facility - all being prepared for release. The howler monkeys are the most labor-intensive and volunteer help is most needed collecting natural foods (they are leaf-eaters primarily) two or even three times per day. This takes a fair bit of training to identify the plants and a lot of walking to get them.

Most of the work does not involve much, if any, close contact with the animals. It is important that volunteers understand this prior to coming down or they will be disappointed with the strict protocols. There is also field work; post-release monitoring of two howlers released last year; primate surveys and preparation for releasing two more howlers next year.

Volunteers with animal handling experience are preferred along with knowledge of reintroduction projects. Volunteers should be flexible and enthusiastic and understand that the work and schedule can vary tremendously.

Currently at the site there are; howlers, parrots and a toucan. The director "specializes" in howlers and parrots but takes other animals as well. Mostly, they come to the project through the Forest Department as confiscated pets - as opposed to rescued/orphaned animals. The project operates under the approval of the Forest Department. The Forest Department is particularly strict concerning activities in protected areas, in regards to fires, cutting bush, etc. Volunteers will have to be able to take direction well and work on their own as necessary.

Volunteers should be able to commit for more than three weeks to make it worthwhile to train them (both for them and for the project).

Meals and lodging: (tent or cabinas), and food: approx. US$15 to $20 per day for meals and lodging.

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