Saving manatees and monkeys in Belize

Benchmarks for success in wildlife rehabilitation can be measured through contribution to the next generation - this was celebrated two weeks ago when Twiggy, one of our first rehabilitated manatees, turned up with....a new born calf!! Over the years, Twiggy has developed a routine of turning up in the lagoon twice a year for a week or so, hanging out with the soft-release manatees before she is off again into Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Shipstern Lagoon, living her life as a wild manatee. We have always joked that one day, she would turn up with a calf.

Twiggy had arrived two days earlier, no calf in sight. An early morning by the terrace enjoying the sunrise led to Shannon, a member of the Wildtracks Team, being in the right place at the right time to see Twiggy swim up with a newly born calf at her side, accompanied by one of the other rehab manatees. A proud mother showing off her contribution to the next generation of Antillean manatees in Belize. For a species that is at increasing risk from boat traffic, every calf counts. We don’t know whether this little addition to the manatee population is male or female, but in watching Twiggy care for it over the last two weeks, we do know that she is providing the nurturing care that it will need to grow successfully. Once she is ready to take it out of the sheltered lagoon, she will teach it where to find seagrass, freshwater and ensure it has the life skills it needs for the future. It is success stories like this that your support helps to make a reality!

Video: Twiggy brings her newborn calf to visit

Manatees are not the only rehab animals that have provided opportunities for celebration over the last three months. News from the Fireburn community at our primate release site in Belize’s Northeastern Biological Corridor was of a sighting of Penny, one of the endangered Central American spider monkeys in last year’s release troop – a year on, and she is reported as being healthy, fit and fully settled into life in the wild. Seeing these agile primates living free and fulfilling their potential is the ultimate reward for all the hard work that goes into preparing them for freedom.

We can only achieve these successes with the support provided by our donors and volunteers – so we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for ensuring all wildlife in our care has the care needed, and the opportunity to return to the wild…you are a part of their stories!