WildeBelize, BELIZE

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in wildlife medicine at Belize’s premier wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center! You'll work side-by-side with a qualified wildlife veterinarian, gaining hands-on experience in real clinical settings. 

From learning reptile medicine during a visit to an iguana rehabilitation center to participating in annual health exams of resident animals, this program offers deep immersion in veterinary care and wildlife conservation. 

Be part of rescue intake procedures, assist with treatments, surgeries, and anesthesia, and take part in practical sessions on safe animal handling, environmental enrichment, diagnostics, and more. 

Labs will challenge and inspire you with topics such as suture techniques, radiography, necropsy, comparative anatomy, parasitology, and blood analysis. 

Through engaging case-based discussions, you'll explore Wildlife Medicine, One Health, and the critical role of veterinarians in conservation. 

Theoretical sessions will build your foundation in natural history, anatomy, physiology, anesthesia, zoonosis, and zoo medicine. 

Clinical days include differential diagnostics, dose calculations, and therapy design, giving you the unique chance to live the life of a wildlife vet in action.

1. Staffing and Supervision

• Veterinary Staff: The program is led by one qualified wildlife veterinarian who oversees all clinical procedures, field activities, and student supervision.
• Animal Caretakers: A team of animal caretakers with diverse backgrounds and qualifications in animal care and conservation support daily husbandry, enclosure maintenance, feeding, and general animal welfare tasks.

2. Facilities and Equipment

• A fully functional veterinary clinic equipped for a range of clinical procedures including diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, and anesthesia monitoring.
• Specialized facilities for reptile care, including access to an iguana rehabilitation center.
• Laboratory resources for practical sessions on diagnostics such as blood analysis, radiography, necropsy, and parasitology.
• Enclosures and rehabilitation areas designed for a variety of native species to facilitate hands-on husbandry and enrichment activities.
• Equipment and materials for safe animal handling, environmental enrichment, and veterinary procedures.

3. Educational Resources

• Structured practical training and supervision in clinical and husbandry tasks.
• Access to lectures, case-based discussions, and theoretical sessions covering essential topics in Wildlife Medicine, One Health, and conservation principles.
• Supportive learning environment fostering professional development through reflective practice and interactive engagement.

WildeBelize is a 12 day course that includes shadowing the wildlife vet and animal care taking staff each day. A cultural experience is scheduled for mid course, as well as excursions to the local zoo and iguana rehabilitation centre.

San Ignacio
San Ignacio
Belize