Belize | Houston Zoo Volunteers in the Wild

Upon arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local Belizean guide. Start the 45-minute drive westward to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. After checking in, have some time to settle into the tranquil surroundings before gathering for an orientation session at the field station. This introduction will familiarize you with the program, the conservation initiatives you will be participating in, and the extraordinary biodiversity that calls this region home. The Tropical Education Center (TEC) is in the heart of the Maya Forest Corridor, the last remaining forest connection between the Maya Mountains in southern Belize and the Selva Maya in the north. As the evening sets in, enjoy dinner before attending a captivating presentation about the Belize Zoo and the Maya Forest Corridor. This session highlights the ecological significance of the corridor, its role as the last remaining connection between Belize's two largest forest blocks, and the conservation challenges it faces. Additionally, learn about Houston Zoo's ongoing support in protecting this critical landscape, as well as the innovative solutions being implemented to enhance habitat connectivity and wildlife protection. After an insightful discussion, retreat to your cabin and fall asleep to the sounds of the tropical savanna. Room type: Cabins with AC and private bathroom.

Wake up to the calls of tropical birds and step outside to experience early morning birdwatching on site. This morning session provides an excellent opportunity to observe some of Belize's most spectacular bird species in their natural habitat, as the Maya Forest Corridor is home to an outstanding variety of avian life, with more than 300 bird species recorded here. After breakfast, the group will split into rotations for a full day of hands-on conservation activities. In the morning, one group will venture into the field to participate in camera trapping and acoustic monitoring. Here, participants can assist in deploying and checking trail cameras used to monitor the presence of elusive species such as jaguars, tapirs, and peccaries, as well as learn how acoustic receivers are used to detect and analyze the sounds of human disturbance, helping researchers monitor biodiversity in an unobtrusive way. Meanwhile, the second group will participate in animal care and well-being at the Belize Zoo. Working alongside zookeepers, gain insight into the daily routines of animal care, assist in enrichment programs, and learn about rehabilitation efforts for rescued wildlife. This unique behind-the-scenes experience provides participants with a deeper appreciation for the dedication and science behind wildlife conservation at the Belize Zoo. After a midday break for lunch at TEC, the groups will swap activities to ensure that everyone experiences both conservation fieldwork and animal management. Later in the afternoon, gather for an engaging discussion on fire management in the Maya Forest Corridor. Learn about the challenges posed by wildfires, the impact on local ecosystems, and how controlled burns are used as a conservation tool to protect and restore habitats. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner before attending an informative presentation by the staff of the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation (FWC). This talk will prepare the group for tomorrow's expedition to Runaway Creek Nature Reserve. Room type: Cabins with AC and private bathroom.

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling journey to Runaway Creek Nature Reserve, a sprawling and pristine 6,000-acre rainforest reserve within the Maya Forest Corridor operated by the FWC. This reserve protects a diverse range of habitats, from pine savanna and transitional forest to seasonal wetlands and broadleaf forests. The trek through this rich landscape leads to two remarkable sites - the Painted Cave and the Guardians of the Cave. These ancient caves hold deep archaeological and cultural significance, having been used by both the Maya civilization and Runaway Slaves seeking refuge centuries ago. Today, these caves serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, providing shelter for species like bats, snakes, and even large predators. If lucky, it may be possible to spot a rare spider monkey foraging or resting in the towering trees just outside the cave entrances. A highlight of the trek is the opportunity to check trail cameras strategically placed within the caves, which capture stunning images of jaguars, pumas, and other wildlife moving through the area. Seeing recent footage of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Return to the TEC for lunch and a visit to the zoo exhibits. After an immersive experience from a visitor's perspective, unwind with a refreshing dip in the TEC pool to cool down before dinner. In the evening, continue the adventure with a special nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo to observe some of Belize's most fascinating night dwellers, including owls, kinkajous, and jaguars in their most active state.

Following breakfast, set out on an unforgettable cultural excursion to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most impressive Mayan archaeological sites. Reaching the site requires crossing the Mopan River via an old-fashioned, hand-cranked ferry, adding a unique historical perspective to the journey. Once across the river, a short hike leads to the heart of this ancient city, where towering temples and intricate stone carvings tell the story of a powerful Maya civilization that flourished here more than 1,400 years ago. The highlight of Xunantunich is El Castillo, a 130-foot-high pyramid that dominates the skyline. An optional climb to the summit offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Belize - lush jungle stretches to the east, the Guatemalan lowlands sprawl to the west, and the majestic Maya Mountains rise to the south. After a morning of exploration and discovery, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Placencia. Check in at Umaya Resort and enjoy a drink before dinner. The Placencia peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches along with dozens of cayes; the fringe of the peninsula is covered in mangroves, which are a superior habitat for birds and marine life. Many birds, fish, shellfish, and marine organisms begin their lives within the protection of these special areas. Nearby, the Belize Barrier Reef is a superb coastal reef system with dozens of dive sites and even more snorkel spots and island beaches. These sites have been left in a more pristine state because they have felt less impact from boats and divers. Room type - Lagoon View

This morning after breakfast, travel to the Placencia Pier to embark on a 45-minute boat ride to Belize's Barrier Reef in preparation for a snorkeling field trip. Spend the morning snorkeling around reef patches to view multicolored formations and thriving marine life. Belize's impressive barrier reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of an even larger coral system - the Mesoamerican Reef System, which runs for hundreds of miles along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Reefs are important living organisms that provide shelter and food to fish and other marine life such as algae, sea turtles, mollusks and crustaceans. Have a picnic lunch, and then continue snorkeling among the reef in search of more tropical fish and interesting coral formations. At the appointed time, navigate back to shore and return to Umaya Resort to freshen up and enjoy some free time until meeting for dinner.

Spend the morning exploring the stunning Belize Barrier Reef. The waters near the Placencia Peninsula are known for their clarity, diverse marine life, and snorkeling spots. The colorful coral gardens and varied marine life along the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, leaves visitors in awe and inspires an appreciation for marine conservation efforts in Belize. Bask in the privilege of snorkeling up close with different marine species, like parrotfish, trumpetfish, lobsters, and much more. Additionally, it may be possible to spot stingrays gracefully gliding over the sandy bottoms or watch nurse sharks resting under coral overhangs. Have lunch, and then spend the afternoon participating in a beach cleanup activity in nearby villages. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for Tropic Air flight to Belize City. Note: 1 Personal Item (15lbs 18in Width x 14in height x 8in depth (46X35X21cm) and 1 Checked Bag - (height 30 inches, width to 18 inches, and depth to 13.5 inches (76X38X34cm) included.