Description

Wildlife Medicine and Conservation in Belize is designed to bring the world of wildlife conservation into focus through experiential learning methods. Belize is the leader in wildlife conservation in Central America and is known for its' animal diversity and ecological progressiveness. This is an interdisciplinary overview of wildlife biology and the health issues confronting wild and zoo animals, and animals in rescue, rehabilitation or breeding programs combined with practical field experience. Through lectures, field trips and externships, students will be introduced to zoo medicine, rescue and rehabilitation, and focuses on a veterinarian's role in conservation. This intense course has flexibility built in to accommodate individual student interests.

Students will have the opportunity to work alongside zookeepers in the internationally famous Belize Zoo, assist the green iguana project in preventative medicine, and visit several wildlife projects and programs in Belize. Work at the Zoo will include data collection for analysis, behavioural observation as well as the creation of an animal profile. Class sessions on wildlife biology, anatomy and pathology lay the foundation needed to confront habitat and disease issues. Existing wildlife programs like the Jaguar Program and the Harpy Eagle Program will be utilized as case studies. Most of the student's time will be spent on externships and practical labs. The program also includes field trips to learn about conservation organizations, research projects, the Community Baboon Sanctuary, iguana breeding, butterfly farming and more. Students will study a broad spectrum of animals including the jaguar, howler monkey and the iguana. the opportunity to collect data for ongoing research projects is also available to students. The field work will provide unique experiences and problem-solving skills which will assist students in developing careers related to animal health and wildlife conservation.