Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Congratulations, Reyna Choj! She is the 2023 Miss Earth Belize, and will represent Belize in Vietnam for this year's Miss Earth pageant. She is a great role model for youths: she's volunteered with many NGO's, including the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, and is curuniversity of belize,rently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree at UB. Felicitations, Ms. Choj!

'Reyna was crowned by Simone Sleeuw (Miss Earth Belize 2022) on Monday, September 25th, in a private coronation held in San Ignacio, Belize.

The BWRC had their Wildlife Ambassador Program training at SHJC, and they have 23 new Wildlife Ambassadors. Education is the key.

'The team was glad to have 23 participants join us at Sacred Heart Junior College for our two day WAP Workshop. This group included, 20 students, two teachers, and a tour guide from the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

The BWRC is having their Wildlife Ambassador Program Conference on Saturday, January 28th, at the SIRH.

Register here - https://forms.gle/b3kLBcy19csKVFbH9

'Calling everyone who has completed the Wildlife Ambassador Program (WAP) online & on-site training! You are invited to attend the National WAP conference to be held on January 28th, 2023 at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Registration is a must so RSVP at the link below.'

The first episode of Gems of Belize was all about the BWRC.  Worth a watch. 

Episode 2 will be all about the Green Iguana Conservation Project, and will be shown on Wednesday.

'The National Channel, in partnership with the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, presents Gems of Belize | Season Premiere:

Belize Inna Time of COVID 19, episode 3, is out.  Learn about forest management in Mountain Pine Ridge and wildlife medicine from the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic,   It ends with a quick view of the garden at the Jungle Soul Project.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzO9cLlhLm/

In this episode we joined Philip Bedran as he gives us a tour of the pine ridge area he manages and shares with us his plan for sustainability after wild fires. We also visit with BWRC and the displaced wild life from the wild fires that hit around the same time as Covid-19 in Belize, and we hear of there challenges " Inna time of covid-19.

Video of the day.  The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic has a great video out showing some of their wild patients over the years, and talking about the new Wildlife Ambassador Program.  

"WAP’s Mission is to improve wildlife conflict response and reduce poaching, trafficking and trade by providing law enforcement and community with relevant tools and information.

BWRC Highlights of 2018: The Wildlife Ambassador program launch. Most of BWRC's patients are victims of wildlife traffic and human wildlife conflict. So in order to save more wildlife we need the help of community members and BWRC hopes to reach out with education to solve or avoid conflict. Thanks to WWF Russel E Train and Protected Areas Conservation Trust PACT as well as San Ignacio Resort Hotel for the support for the 1st Ambassador Workshop in October. 

Contact us bzwildlifeclinic@gmail.com if you would like to become a wildlife ambassador in your community and learn more. 

If you see a wild animal in trouble, or a wildlife species is "giving you trouble" call or WhatsApp our BWRC assistants for free advice at 615 5159 (or 632 3257)."

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic had their 5th annual Gala fundraiser, and once again, the food and atmosphere made for a wonderful night.

More pictures on Dropbox. 

Pictures on fb.

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is having their 2023 Fundraiser Gala on Saturday, November 11th.  The fun starts at 6pm, and they always have the best silent auctions.  It'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, so the dinner will be amazing.  

'Please join us for a lovely evening supporting BWRC's free medical and rehabilitation services for imperiled wildlife of all species in Belize.  Stay tuned for the menu to be announced soon as well as the schedule but as always there will be a delicious 3 course dinner at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel Bedran Hall, awesome silent auctions and door prizes.'

The dates for the 2023 Chiquibul Challenge have been announced.  Saturday and Sunday, April 1st and 2nd.  Contact the BWRC at 615-5159 for more information.

Shared on the Cayo Event Calendar.

'Register now for our upcoming Chiquibul Challenge half or full Marathon. Join the race for the conservation of Scarlet Macaws in the Chiquibul Forest!'

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is celebrating their 10th anniversary.  Their Fall Gala will be virtual this year.  They'll have raffles throughout the event, and will be unveiling their new logo.

"Excitement here at BWRC as we announce the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic's 2021 Virtual Fall Gala: Covid-19 Edition! Yes, you read that right, we are having our yearly fall gala virtually, this year celebrating 10 years of BWRC providing services for Belize's wildlife and your domestic animals."

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is having another fun run: the Manakin Maya Mountain Race.  This is a 10/20k race, and will take place on Sunday, February 3rd, and goes from Cristo Rey to San Antonio. 

"Be in Cristo Rey at 6:30. Race starts when registration is complete, around 7. 10k from Cristo Rey to San Antonio, 20k with turnaround. $30 if you register BEFORE Feb. 3rd. $40 the day of the race. Just send proof of deposit and name, team name, gender, age to bzwildlifeclinic@gmail.com, and pay into Heritage 4141053.

Walkers encouraged for 10K distance. 1st place in 20K wins free entrance to the 2019 Chiquibul Challenge Marathon. Join us for an early morning workout on one of the prettiest paved roads in Cayo. Enjoy nature, help BWRC raise funds for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and get fit at the same time."

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is having their Race for Conservation on December 30th.  It'll go from Cayo to Bullet Tree for the 5K part, and all the way back for the 10K run.  It's a great way to get ready for the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon.  Contact the BWRC to enter.

"End 2018 on a healthy note with our 5k or 10k run! The route is from Cayo to Bullet Tree (5K) and back (10K). 5K return transportation will be provided. Registration is $20 for 5K and $30 for 10K. Bring the whole family for a healthy morning activity. Pre-registration is requested to allow timely start of race by 7:10 am. First prize 10K race will be free participation in the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon."

The Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic's Cayo Race for Conservation was this morning.  They had a 5k and a 10k route(from Hode's to Bullet Tree, and back), and the winners of the 10k got a free entry to the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon, which is in 3 weeks.  The results are now online.

"Here some pictures of todays event. Thank you to Jasmin Ford for these images! Congratulations to all winners and participants (see event page for webscorer results)!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors: Hode's Place, Parrot Nest Lodge, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Sweet Ting as well as BWRC (t-shirts and prints). Thank you also to our volunteers for water stations, time keeping, shuttling and more! While we did not raise any funds with today's race, we hope fun was had by all and fitness encouraged with an early morning in beautiful nature just around town.

Special congratulations to the 10 K winners who qualified for free participation in the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon (18th of February): Junior Chiac (in 44:13 min) and shout out and congrats to BWRC's professional intern and team part-time Team for Conservation member Nuria Holzleg (in 51:44 min). See you in Chiquibul next!"

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is having their 5th annual Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, November 18th.  Once again, they'll have some delicious lionfish and Garifuna inspired dishes.  It'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, so you know they food and atmosphere is going to be outstanding. 

"Join us for BWRC's annual Gala fundraiser with silent & live auction, Garifuna inspired menu, door prizes, cash bar, games and more. Find that special gift, Christmas present and enjoy good food and company. Join us to celebrate BWRC's 5th year of service to Belize providing free veterinary care to injured, orphaned, neglected or imperiled wildlife. Menu, ticket prizes and further info forthcoming soon. Thanks for your support!"

The Chiquibul Challenge Marathon is on Sunday, March 12th.  There are half and full marathon categories.  Email the registration form to bzwildlifeclinic@gmail.com if you're planning on participating.  Have fun, get a great workout, and help protect the Chiquibul.  They are also asking for volunteers to help during the race.

"Join the race for conservation and participate or sponsor the first Chiquibul Challenge Marathon!  Run or walk a half marathon (20km), or go for the full distance (40km) in one of the most beautiful and pristine places on Earth. Learn more about the challenges for Chiquibul and contribute to its conservation...

For the first year we expect to increase awareness of the Chiquibul, its beauty and threats, and to celebrate fitness. Proceeds of this race will be shared between 2 non-profit conservation organisations: Friends for Conservation & Development (FCD) and the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic (BWRC) to support it's conservation work with the Scarlet Macaws of the Chiquibul in partnership with FCD.

We need lots of volunteers, sponsors for transportation, food and water, Gatorade, prize money, and station prizes, medals, t-shirts and printing. We need race officials, time keepers, massage therapists and a clean-up crew."

Chiqui has moved into her new home at the Belize Zoo!  There was a celebration at the zoo for the event.  The U.S. Embassy also got some great pictures of the fun.

"CHIQUI'S BIG DEBUT!  After many months living behind the scenes, Chiqui the jaguar has finally moved into her new home on-site at the Zoo!  We have been fundraising tirelessly since we received her in early June to create a comfortable living space for this special cat.  Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors both in Belize and abroad, this became a reality and was celebrated yesterday with a wonderful ceremony.  Zoo Director Sharon Matola opened the celebration with a energetic performance of 'Chiqui's Song,' with the help of our little friends from KLIC Preschool.  Representatives from Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize were present to say a few words and carry out the official ribbon cutting for the exhibit. "

The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic teamed up with the Forest Department and Wildtracks to talk about wildlife, and why it should be allowed to stay wild, to Billy White Village.  Thanks, BWRC!  

In related news, they are having their annual fundraising Gala on Garifuna Settlement Day at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

"Thanks to a fabulous team of educators (tagged in pics) from BWRC, the Belize Forest Department and Wildtracks for participating in another follow up event for a special patient, with so many lessons to be learned (sorry lengthy post on this one).  A kind human sent young Howler Monkey 'Molly' to the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic - BWRC for veterinary care and to return to the wild."