OUR TEAM.

Belize Bird Rescue is run by a small dedicated team supported by volunteers, veterinary advisors and conservation partners who share a commitment to giving wild birds a second chance.

MEET
THE TEAM.

Nikki Buxton MBE
BSc. Hons
Founder & Director

Nikki provides the day-to-day medical care, hand-rearing, and rehabilitation management for the facility. As Founder and Executive Director, she has led Belize Bird Rescue since its inception in 2004, overseeing the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of thousands of wild birds.

Although BBR now works with every species of indigenous bird, Nikki’s particular passion will always be the parrots. She has played a key role in developing rehabilitation techniques for former captive parrots rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, helping many birds regain the skills needed to return to the wild. Nikki also works closely with the Belize Forest Department and other partners on issues relating to parrot conservation and the management of captive wildlife.

Nikki was awarded an MBE in 2025 and received the IFAW Animal Action Award in 2023 in recognition of her work in wildlife rescue and conservation.

Oscar Valle, BA

Avian Care Manager

Oscar cares for the birds daily and knows the long-term residents better than anyone. He cleans the aviaries, adds enrichment and keeps a close eye on the physical and mental condition of the birds. He works closely with interns and volunteers and provides training and assistance where required for the Forest Department inspections and enforcement. Oscar knows all of our birds and has incredible awareness of any changes in health and behaviour.

Orlando Valle

Husbandry & Enrichment

Orlando has been part of Belize Bird Rescue almost since the very beginning. He works tirelessly to support the daily care of the birds – feeding, collecting browse, and planting fruit trees around the property. He also gathers fresh treats such as coconuts, berries, and other natural foods for the birds. Orlando keeps the aviaries and surrounding areas clean, safe, and well maintained, and assists with larger husbandry tasks such as screening and re-perching enclosures. He also often fishes with a cast net or trap to provide food for the waterbirds, and has a special fondness for caring for the rescue’s extensive rodent colonies.

Carmen Guillen

Cleaning & Food Prep

Carmen has been part of the Belize Bird Rescue team longer than she cares to remember. She keeps the indoor facilities running smoothly – managing laundry, washing prep room dishes, cleaning crates, and helping maintain a hygienic environment for the birds. Carmen also gathers fruits and other foods from around the property to supplement the birds’ diets. A whirlwind of energy, she adores the birds and animals at the rescue and plays a vital role in their daily care.

Jeminy Garcia BSc.

Avian care & rehabilitation

Jem joined the Belize Bird Rescue team in November 2025 and quickly became a valued member of the avian care staff. From a young age she has enjoyed helping birds and other animals, and with her father retired from the Forest Department, she grew up with a strong appreciation for Belize’s wildlife. Jem brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a natural connection with the birds to her work in rehabilitation and daily care.

Andres Avelar

Construction & Maintenance

Andres joined the Belize Bird Rescue team in November 2025 and has quickly become a pivotal member of the staff. He builds new enclosures and repairs and improves existing structures around the facility, helping ensure the birds have safe and secure spaces during their rehabilitation.

In addition to his construction and maintenance work, Andres assists with the morning feeding of the birds and helps manage many of the practical tasks around the rescue. Using the tractor and trailer, he collects fresh perching and browse for the aviaries, removes old materials, and helps keep the surrounding areas and trails clean and well maintained. His wide range of skills helps keep the facility running smoothly every day.

Sam Hatto-Hembling

Director, HR and Administration

Sam is a Director of Belize Bird Rescue and volunteers her time to support the organisation in a variety of essential roles. She assists with administration and staff management, manages the rescue’s membership and adoption programmes, and helps coordinate local fundraising efforts. Sam also helps with transportation and occasionally assists with rescues when needed.

Having been connected to BBR since its early days, Sam has seen the rescue grow and evolve over the years and remains a key part of the organisation’s ongoing work.

Maryann Izzarelli-Turner

Communications & Fundraising Support

Maryann volunteers remotely with Belize Bird Rescue and plays an important role in supporting the organisation’s online communications and fundraising efforts. She helps keep BBR’s social media channels active, develops and runs fundraising initiatives throughout the year, and contributes ideas for campaigns, outreach, and strategy. Working closely with the team from afar, Maryann provides valuable behind-the-scenes support that helps keep BBR connected with supporters.

Dr Sophie Hebert DVM
Avian & Exotic Veterinarian

Dr Sophie visits Belize Bird Rescue regularly and generously volunteers her services as an avian and exotic veterinarian. She is familiar with the rehabilitation cases at BBR and provides expert guidance on medical and behavioural issues. In addition to her visits, Dr Sophie is available for consultations whenever needed, offering invaluable support to the team.

Dr Sophie volunteers both in person and remotely.

Jerry Larder
Co-Founder

Jerry is an engineer by trade and was a co-founder of Belize Bird Rescue. He encouraged the creation of the rescue and served as a founding co-director. In the early years, his financial support and commitment to wildlife welfare made it possible for BBR to become established and begin its work rescuing and rehabilitating birds.

Although no longer involved in the day-to-day management of the organisation, Jerry’s early belief in the mission helped turn the idea of Belize Bird Rescue into a reality. The organisation has operated independently since 2016 and continues to build on that early foundation, with gratitude for the support that helped make those first years possible.