Primate Rehabilitation and Research - Belize

The Central American jewel of Belize is home to two primate species:, black howler (Alouatta pigra), and Geoffroy's spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), both of which are globally endangered. Yet all too often these primates are bought and sold as illegal pets, endangering their health and the species' survival in the wild.

This project places you with a Belizean NGO formed in 1990 which run several programmes focused on conservation and sustainable development. Along with the Forest Department of the Government of Belize, this organisation now manages the national Primate Rehabilitation Centre, where confiscated or surrendered pet monkeys are transferred for rearing and rehabilitation before eventual release back into the wild.

The Centre caters for both howler and spider monkeys, with individuals integrated into groups for eventual release. Howler monkeys are rehabilitated to approximately 2 to 2.5 years of age, before moving into an extensive pre-release enclosure where they learn to move through the tree canopies and forage for food, before being released into a nearby Fireburn Reserve, as part of the reintroduction of this species to forests from which it was hunted out over 60 years ago . Spider monkey rehabilitation takes even longer – up to 4 or 5 years. You will play a critical role in this process, from being foster 'mothers' for the smallest babies, to providing daily care for the groups of older youngsters, and monitoring the monkeys through the pre-release and post-release phases of their rehabilitation. Activities are tailored to the current needs of the Centre, and to the interests of the volunteer, and may focus on the care of one age group of monkeys, or may even include tracking their post-release success living as wild monkeys in the rich forests of the Fireburn Reserve. A truly rewarding experience that makes a significant contribution to the conservation of these charismatic endangered species.

You will get involved in all aspects of monkey care - including food preparation (milk, fruit, leaves), feeding, and clean-up, cage and facility maintenance, making behavioural observations and record keeping. You can even work in the browse garden where monkey food plants are grown, or become involved in the post-release tracking of monkeys now living wild in the Fireburn Reserve.

Daily activities vary depending upon the ages of the monkeys in care at any one time: the youngest babies have a dedicated foster -mum appointed to look after them, whilst older groups typically have their first feed at 6:30am and their last at 4:30pm. During the pre-release phase, your work will also include monitoring of the monkeys' behaviour: structured observation of social interactions within the group, group cohesion and leadership, and their activities through the day.

In between caring for the numerous youngsters at the Centre, you may also help a small team in the post-release monitoring & tracking, following the released monkeys as they establish their territories in the tropical forests of the Fireburn Reserve.The post-release monitoring also includes gathering information on the tree and vine species consumed. The first release in 2011 was also the first step in the reintroduction of the endangered Yucatan black howler monkeys into the north east corner of Belize after an absence since the 1940s, so there is limited information on the local trees and vines on which they will feed.

Additional Reserve maintenance duties, such as trail maintenance, patrols, etc., will also be undertaken as time permits. Up to the release phase of rehabilitation, primate volunteers will be working alongside others who will be working on the Manatee Rehabilitation Programme. Don't miss this chance to help these lovable creatures re-adapt to life in the wild.

You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to get from Belize City International Airport, to the project HQ. You will be met at the bus station or local airstrip by a project representative.

Accommodation is basic, with shared thatched, screened cabanas (sorry - no air conditioning or fans!), with adjoining bathrooms. However, there is generally a breeze coming off the lagoon, temperatures lower than further inland. Food preparation and consumption are both social occasions, with everyone contributing towards cooking and washing up. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians are welcome. During post-release monitoring, accommodation is more rustic - in a field base located in the Fireburn Reserve, a wooden building with outdoor latrine and shower stall. Work is rotated between 5-7 days in the forest and 3-5 days back at the HQ.

* Min age 18 - Max age 80

* Minimum 4 weeks commitment - 25+ hours a week.

* Enthusiasm and interest to work with primates and their rehabilitation

* Basic English skills

* Full travel & medical insurance

* Necessary vaccinations 

* Necessary flights & visas 

Fee:

 $500 USD Project Fee per month + £249 GBP Placement Fee
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, 24 hour support, project activities and transport from the local  town to the project HQ.

We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations) and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
 

What's not included:

Flights, insurance, airport pickup, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these sorted.