About Us

Runaway Creek is a rainforest reserve, owned and operated by the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation. It is of immeasurable ecological value, historical significance and aesthetic beauty, tucked deep in the limestone karst hills of Belize. Over 6,000 acres of untouched savanna and dense rainforest harbor more than 128 species of animals, 315 species of birds, 4 species of large cats, and various other fauna. Innumerable plants, two rivers, and over 40 caves also call the idyllic reserve home. The spirit of Runaway Creek resonates within every staff member, researcher, and wide-eyed visitor who sets foot on its unspoiled lands.

What value Runaway Creek has in its land, plants, species, and caves is all but matched and accentuated by one of the country’s most knowledgeable and experienced staff. The staff, originally trained by the Milwaukee Zoological Society, now eagerly pass on their knowledge. The permanent staff leads the maintenance, protection, and research of the Reserve on a daily basis. A typical day might involve banding, trapping and collaring a jaguar or tapir, chasing monkeys through the canopy, crawling through caves. or leading a group of students or researchers.

In the past two decades, the Foundation for Wildlife Conservation has provided training and schooling for more than 20 Belizians. Some have gone on to study with international scholarships, graduate schools and earned PhDs. This is a group of talented naturalists and conservationists.

“For conservation to work you’ve got to get involved with the local people,” Dr. Gil Boese (1937-2018), founder of Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, once said. “We set out to train Belizians to be conservation leaders because in the long run, conservation projects need to be initiated and sustained locally.”

Runaway Creek shelters a pair of Jabiru storks, only 350 of which exist in the world. It is also home to endangered spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguar, puma, and four species of bats. The active limestone caves buried in the karst hills are an archaeologist’s dream, with excavators discovering ancient artifacts. The untouched ashes and bits of charcoal speak of ancient Mayan ceremonies and ritual offerings that took place more than a millennium ago.

“I love what I do,” says Runaway Creek staff director Wilber Martinez. “I’m driven by the mission of the foundation and a passion for all of the species that call Runaway Creek their home.”

Learn more about Our Staff and the History of Runaway Creek Nature Reserve.