Jaguars, Howler Monkeys, and Tapirs: Hands-On Veterinary Training at the Belize Zoo
On September 6, 2023, Cornell alumnus Bill Konstant '74 visited the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to give a talk to students, alumni, faculty, and the general public about his memoir, Wrestles with Wolves: Saving the World One Species at a Time, and to share his exciting life experiences from around the world as a conservationist. One particularly poignant moment he shared was his involvement in the campaign to establish the Belize Zoo in Central America, which opened in 1983. Students were inspired and energized by his accomplishments, and you could see the excitement in their eyes. In an incredibly generous act, Konstant donated the proceeds of his book sale that evening to support the Cornell DVM students who would be traveling to Belize in early 2024 for hands-on veterinary training.
In January 2024, eight veterinary students were selected to be part of a CVM international course and traveled to Belize for a week-long experiential training opportunity at the Belize Zoo. Together with Cornell veterinary faculty and staff, and the incredible staff at the zoo, they treated and cared for jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, greater curassows, boa constrictors, and more. The trip also included a cultural day, a visit to an ancient Mayan archaeological site and the Belize Market.
Reflecting on the experience, one student said, “The diversity of cases we assisted with at the Belize Zoo helped me further appreciate the unique aspects of zoo medicine and gain familiarity with innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches. The night tour of the zoo and learning about the natural history of Belize’s native species were highlights of the trip for me!”
This trip was made possible in part by the generous donation from Bill Konstant. By helping to support experiences such as the CVM international course in Belize, Konstant's impact in conservation has been amplified by each student. The students who completed this course are extraordinarily grateful for Konstant’s contribution to making this inspiring experience a reality.
