Wildlife Health
& Conservation
Spend one week living & learning at the Tropical Education Center, a “living classroom” of the Belize Zoo in the heart of the Maya Forest Corridor.
Experience the life-changing power of working with animals as you learn about wildlife conservation techniques and work alongside local conservation experts.
Prepare for the future
- Using conservation techniques like tracking, attaching radio collars, and caring for wildlife in captivity
- Working alongside local conservation experts to preserve special species like jaguars and howler monkeys
- Exploring the Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve as you learn about the history and culture of Belize
By attending Wildlife Health & Conservation, you can earn up to 40 veterinary hours, a required part of every vet school application.
2024 Program Dates & Tuition
Full for 2024
What’s Included
Authentic, local meals
Comfortable Accommodations
10:1 Teaching Vet-to-Student Ratio
Up to 40 veterinary hours
Round trip airfare*
*Roundtrip airfare from the designated international airport hub is included. Any travel costs from your location to that hub are not included.
Program Highlights
Conservation Technology
As you learn from some of the world’s leading conservationists, you’ll get the chance to take their innovative technology for a test run, from deploying GPS trackers and radio collars to learning about blow darting and bird banding.
Habitat Exploration
Belize is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, rainforest, and thick pine forests. You can look forward to immersing yourself in each of these tropical habitats.
Explore Local Culture
Belize has a rich cultural history that stretches back over three millennia to the Maya civilization. You can look forward to exploring the Xunantunich Archeological Reserve and tubing through the painted caves hidden deep in the karst hills.
Human Jaguar Conflict Program
The Belize Zoo’s world-renowned jaguar rehabilitation program safely removes jaguars from human-populated areas and relocates them to the Zoo for care and research.
Your Adventure, Day by Day
Day 1
Arrival in Miami
Day 2
Journey to Belize
Day 3
Orientation to Belize
Day 4
Intro to Wildlife Issues
Day 5
Captive Animal Care
Day 6
Field Day at Runaway Creek
Day 7
Community Wildlife Conservation
Day 8
Departure
Image Gallery
What some of our students and their parents are saying…
This program allowed me to not only gain more career experience but social experience as well. I was able to learn so much while I was here while also having fun. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested.”
I enjoyed this program so much and loved everyone on staff. This is a trip I’ll talk about for the rest of my life.”
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For the safety of students, staff, and animals, not all animals may be touched or handled by participants. The teaching veterinarian and other professional staff members will advise students of the proper time, place, and method to handle animals when it is safe to do so.