Wildlife Ambassador Training
BFREE Staff gather in the BFREE Commons as they prepare for their training program.
By Rocento Pau, BFREE Office Administrator
On May 9 and 10, the staff of BFREE participated in Belize Wildlife Ambassador Training. This program was offered by Dr. Isabelle Paquet Durand and her team from the Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) based in Cayo, Belize. This training is part of a larger initiative that BWRC is offering to communities and organizations throughout Belize.
Participating in the training was a profoundly eye-opening experience both for me personally and for my coworkers at BFREE. It deepened my understanding of animal behavior, conservation challenges, and the ethical responsibilities we have when interacting with nature. Because of this great experience, we were able to learn many new things.
Staff of the Cacao Team participated in the two-day training.
Dr. Isabelle Paquet Durand led the training.
All staff received a t-shirt and certificate upon successful completion.
One of the most impactful parts of the training was learning how to recognize and respond to wildlife in trouble. We learned about observing subtle behavioral cues—such as body posture, vocalizations, or avoidance movements—all of which has made me more conscious of the impact human presence can have. This workshop is crucial, especially to get to know the laws that are in place but not enforced to protect wildlife in our country. Through this form of education, I can share with my family, neighbors and my community at large.
Eighteen staff members participated in the training workshop.
I was also particularly struck by the emphasis on safety—both human and animal. I learned how to approach injured wildlife, use protective gear, and follow appropriate protocols to minimize harm and avoid the transmission of zoonotic diseases. The 2-day training taught me that compassion must always be balanced with caution and respect for wildlife’s autonomy.
Beyond the technical skills, the training reinforced the importance of conservation work of which I am proud to be a part of the work that BFREE is doing.
Understanding the interconnectedness of species, their habitats, and human activities has motivated me to be more proactive in my role as a steward of the environment. I now see that every small action, whether it’s minimizing waste on a trail or educating others about endangered species, can contribute to broader preservation efforts.
Overall, the wildlife training strengthened my personal commitment to ethical wildlife engagement and conservation advocacy. I leave the experience feeling more equipped, more aware, and more inspired to protect the natural world.
On behalf of the BFREE staff, we would like to thank and acknowledge Ms. Heather Barrett and Mr. Jacob Marlin for allowing us to participate in this workshop. Also, we are grateful to Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand and her dedicated team for working tirelessly to take care of and educate others about injured wildlife.
