The Belize Zoo's Education Department was established in 1986 with a commitment to achieving the following goals: To heighten awareness and increase appreciation of the natural world. To promote the recognition and understanding of Belize's unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife. To instill sound knowledge, positive attitudes and valuable skills that will aid in the preservation of Belize's natural resources. In order to achieve the above goals, the Education Department has conducted both extensive out-reach and on-site education programs. For example, our on site education programs allow teachers and students to use the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center as both a teaching tool and outdoor classroom. It is estimated that 10,000 students and over 600 teachers visit the Belize Zoo annually and participate in our programs. Following are brief descriptions of the education projects the Belize Zoo is currently involved in:

Teacher's Workshop On-site Education Programs

April The Tapir Birthday Internship Opportunity

TEACHER'S WORKSHOP After 4 Environmental Education Manuals were developed collaboratively by the Belize Ministry of Education, The Belize Zoo and Peace Corps Belize 1990-1994, there remained the dire need for the teachers to effectively interpret and transfer the information contained in each of the four resource Environmental Education Books. Recognizing this need, the Belize Zoo initiated regular teachers' summer workshops to assist teachers' in the interpretation of contents of the manuals and to demonstrate how they could be integrated into their existing curriculum. The department has held very successful Teachers' Enrichment Worshops, for which there has been the participation of teachers country wide. What started as a "Teachers Workshop" in 1992 has now been modified and changed to "Teachers Study Tour" in 1998 where by teachers are taken out of the lecture room setting and into a more hands-on learning experience complimented with several field trips. These study tours were design to assist teachers in integrating conservation sciences into their classroom area. Group project discussions, field trips and slide presentations were all in the package for these programs with the objective that teachers return to the class room with more strategies and ideas for teaching. Each year our department recognizes the growing importance/impacts these study tour have from feed=-back and evaluations made after the event. Top | Teacher's Workshop | On-Site | Aprils Birthday | Internship Opportunity

ON-SITE EDUCATION PROGRAMS School Visits (Special Programs) More than ten thousand Primary and High School students from all over Belize visit the Zoo yearly. Even though many classes do preparatory work prior to their visit, a large percentage still have not taken full advantage of our special programs: One main factor is that often teachers want to kill several birds with one stone- in other words, they plan several stops for the day's outing and so are unable to spend great lengths of time, gathering meaningful information on specific topics. We offer 3 special programs, namely: Adaptation geared for the lower levels. Wild-life for the middle division. Conservation for the upper division. Our latest Wetlands program has been developed for upper primary and high school students. School Visits (Self-guided Tours) As previously mentioned, many school groups, in trying to maximize their educational field trips, do a rush job with large numbers of students.When a group of thirty or more visit, with the assistance of their teacher or parents, they are allowed to move around the zoo leisurely, using the information booklet on the Zoo animals. Top | Teacher's Workshop | On-Site | Aprils Birthday | Internship Opportunity

APRIL THE TAPIR BIRTHDAY No other animal is so celebrated as April- the tapir, more popularly known as our "Mountain Cow." Each year, sometime during the month of April, one day is set aside for the national animal's birthday. Visitors and school children witness a rare spectacle as April feasts on her birthday cake made of horse chow and carrots, garnished with brilliant hibiscus flowers, while the children sing the Happy Birthday Song. The first poster ever developed by Zoo staff depicted a tapir looking lovingly at her calf. This animal that now enjoys a healthy population in our country, once also existed in other parts of Central America, unfortunately not anymore. Is it any wonder then, why April is the Zoo celebrity. She has been the most singular factor in driving the message of "Conservation" home. Top | Teacher's Workshop | On-Site | Aprils Birthday | Internship Opportunity

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre (TEC) is a private nonprofit organization whose main mission is the conservation of the endemic neo-tropical fauna and ecosystems of Belize. Both the TEC and The Belize Zoo function as one unit promoting active stewardship of the local and international community through various ongoing activities such as: environmental education and awareness programs in local communities and schools, captive breeding and reintroduction programs of endangered species, and in local involvement as a strong voice of opposition to crimes against the environment in Belize and the region. As a growing organization we welcome the help and knowledge of interns who are willing to whole heartedly devote their time and knowledge towards safeguarding, promoting and enforcing our main mission. The Animal Management and Education departments of the Belize Zoo extend a call to interested persons to volunteer as interns to The Belize Zoo and TEC through The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre Internship Program. Main Goal of the Internship Program: To offer interns first hand experience working with ongoing programs within The Belize Zoo and TEC in the Animal Management Department and the Education Department. Specific Objectives: Animal Managements Department Interns will be expected to: Assist in the care and maintenance of rare and endangered neo- tropical fauna found in the zoo that is , they will be responsible for understanding the specific needs of all enclosed animals within their captive environment, Assist in wildlife interpretative tasks for zoo visitors and tour groups e.g. handling and exhibiting a Boa Constrictor to visitor while relating its life history, present conservation status and answering questions about the specimen, Be involved in current wildlife conservation efforts ongoing at the Belize Zoo such as, Jabiru monitoring, problem Jaguar rehabilitation and Harpy Eagle reintroduction program, Contribute to exhibit enrichment; this includes the betterment of animal enclosures, enhancement of viewer experiences to visitor, enhancement of activities and positive enrichment for the enclosed fauna, improvement of the captive environment for the animals and landscaping of trails, paths and signs within the zoo, Assist the Zoo vet with surgical procedures or animal inspections. Department of Education Interns will be expected to: Be actively involved in introducing visiting school groups to the Belize Zoo i.e. the Zoo’s mission and objectives as well as, its importance and specific function towards the conservation of ecosystems, and to help in the development of posters, signs and slogans promoting the conservation and protection of endangered fauna, Help in delivering and developing environmental education and awareness lessons to visiting school groups to the Zoo, and to participate in the brainstorming of ideas to better educate the local and international community about the importance of the Zoo’s for the conservation and development of stewardship in the local and international community. Participate in community outreach programs currently being held by the Zoo and TEC. How to apply: Interested person should: Submit a letter of inquiry to The Belize Zoo and TEC stating: Reason for applying to the internship program Specific area of interest Brief summary of educational background, any previous volunteer work and what he/she expects to gain through the internship. Submit Resume, C.V. along with any other merits of qualification or experience and two references. Submit a medical certificate signed by a practicing physician stating health status including any allergies, or medication requirements, and prove of standard vaccines against tropical pathogens if needed. Selection Process: The application package should be sent at least 8 weeks before expected time of internship. Applications will take two weeks to process after which the Belize Zoo and TEC will inform the applicant whether his/her application has been successful via email. All applications will be considered on individual basis. There are no limiting dates for applications. If his/her application is considered he/she will be expected to provide his/her traveling information and expected date of arrival. Responsibilities: Interns will be responsible for: All travel arrangement to and from the country of origin including visas and other travel documents and transportation cost from their point of entry to the TEC. A fee of $300.00 per week towards the Belize Zoo internship program. Respecting the rules and regulation for Zoo staff, proper work ethics and proper dress codes for the task assigned e.g. interns working with animal management are encourage to wear long trousers, shirts with long sleeves and properly covered foot wear. Signing a disclaimer that relieves the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre of any responsibilities to interns traveling on their own or interns who decide to part take in activities outside of those specified by their Zoo/TEC supervisor. Keeping a journal of their Belize Zoo internship experience and presenting an electronic copy to their corresponding department prior to departure. The Zoo and TEC will be responsible to: Provide meals and accommodations for the length of the internship, and a bicycle means of transport to the assigned work area. Provide trained personnel to work and guide the intern during their stay, Offer a secure working environment to the interns, Answer any queries or concerns about their assigned task or responsibilities with The Belize Zoo and TEC, Provide intern with certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the program. Duration of Internship: The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre internship program is designed for not less than two weeks; however, the time can be extended based on the interests and needs of the intern. The Application package should be mail to: The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre P.O. Box 1787 Belize City, Belize C. A. Or e-mail to education@belizezoo.org , or faxed to 501 220-8010 Top | Teacher's Workshop | On-Site | Aprils Birthday | Internship Opportunity