OUR STORY.
Belize Bird Rescue began in 2004 with the rescue of two confiscated parrots. What started as a small effort to help birds in need has grown into Belize’s only facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild birds.
THE STORY
OF BELIZE BIRD RESCUE.
The story of Belize Bird Rescue did not begin with a carefully planned conservation project. Like many rescue centres, it grew from a moment when help was needed.
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In 2004, Nikki Buxton and her partner Jerry had recently moved to Belize from the UK. Their plan was simple – escape the British weather and begin a quieter life in a warm and welcoming country.
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But only a few months after arriving, everything changed.
​​​A Boy With a Bucket
One day, while Nikki & Jerry were working on their new property in the Cayo District, a young boy passed by carrying a bucket.
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“Hey Miss, wanna buy a parrot?” he asked.
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Inside the bucket were two tiny Red-lored Amazon chicks – filthy, featherless, and terrified. They had been taken from their nest to be sold as pets.
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Nikki was horrified. Removing baby birds from the wild was something she had never encountered before, and she could not imagine leaving them to their fate.
The two chicks – later named Bonnie and Clyde – became the first birds in what would eventually become Belize Bird Rescue.
Learning As We Went
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At the time, there was no plan to start a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
The immediate goal was simply to keep the birds alive and healthy. Information about caring for wild parrots was scarce, and many of the resources available assumed access to avian veterinarians and specialised supplies that did not exist locally or even online.
Instead, Nikki and Jerry worked with what was available, developing diets from natural foods and gradually learning what the birds needed to thrive.
Word Travels Fast
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News of the released parrots spread quickly in the local community.
Soon people began arriving with birds they could no longer care for, or parrots they hoped could also be given their freedom.
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And just like that, Belize Bird Rescue was born.
Developing Parrot Rehabilitation
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Over the years Belize Bird Rescue developed specialised techniques for rehabilitating former captive parrots.
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Many birds arrive with clipped wings, poor nutrition, and little experience of natural behaviours. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring their health, encouraging natural foraging, and helping them re-integrate socially with other parrots.
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Once strong enough, the birds move to larger flight aviaries where they rebuild their flying ability before release.
​Working for Conservation
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Belize Bird Rescue now works with all species of indigenous birds, including raptors, waterbirds, shorebirds and songbirds.
The rescue also works closely with the Belize Forest Department, providing a safe destination for birds confiscated from illegal captivity and supporting wildlife protection efforts across the country.
Milestones
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2004 – Belize Bird Rescue founded
2006 – Began working with the Belize Forest Department on confiscated parrots
2010 – Rescue established at current property
2016 – Organisation becomes fully independent
2023 – IFAW Animal Action Award
2025 – Founder Nikki Buxton awarded MBE
Belize Bird Rescue Today
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What began with two rescued parrots has grown into Belize’s only facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild birds.
Thousands of birds have passed through the rescue over the years, many returning to the forests and skies where they belong.
And it all started with a boy carrying a bucket.
​​​​​​​Help Birds Fly Free
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Belize Bird Rescue operates entirely through donations and grants.
Your support helps rescue injured birds, rehabilitate former captive parrots, and return them to the wild where they belong.
Donate today and help give Belize’s wild birds a second chance at freedom.