Saving Belize's Birds 2026

Although the final quarter of the year is not yet complete, we can already say with absolute certainty that 2025 has been a record year for Belize Bird Rescue. To date, we have received 343 birds, making this our busiest year ever. We will be sharing a full year-end report in January, which will provide a comprehensive overview of our record-breaking activity in 2025.

Despite this broader trend, the last quarter itself was typically quieter. This gave us valuable time to focus on much-needed paperwork, facility maintenance, and the ongoing care and assessment of our long-term rehabilitation cases.

Among our parrot intakes were five selfless owner surrenders and three lost pets. These cases resulted in one additional yellow-headed parrot joining our permanent sanctuary population, bringing the total number of non-releasable parrots in our care to 80.

During this reporting period, we successfully released 25 birds back into the wild, including 14 parrots and 3 raptors. We also completed our latest enclosure build, creating a new, light, and spacious aviary for a second group of non-releasable red-lored parrots.

Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to be even busier. As the Forest Department’s captive wildlife permitting program draws to a close in March 2026, we anticipate an increase in confiscated and surrendered parrots arriving at our facility.

Although our original mission focused primarily on rehabilitating and releasing birds, over time we have inevitably taken in an increasing number of birds with permanent disabilities that prevent their return to the wild. These sanctuary birds are now an essential part of our work at Belize Bird Rescue, and we are committed to providing them with lifelong care in safe, enriched environments.

You may have seen our recent December Giving Season appeal, which is running through the end of the year. Our ambitious goal of $25,000 will carry us well into 2026. With just over 2 weeks to go, we are currently at 40 percent of the overall total. Together we can smash this goal - we would be so grateful if you could like and share our social media posts, or even share this report, to help us reach new supporters!

At present, we are caring for a total of 231 birds, the majority of which are parrots rescued from the illegal pet trade. Your continued generosity this Giving Season will help take us confidently into 2026, ensuring that every bird in our care receives the support and care that it needs and deserves.

Thank you once again for your support, and wishing you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful Holiday season.

Links:

• Facebook Fundraiser video