Injured Baby Howler Monkey Rescued in South

A rescue operation in southern Belize has once again brought attention to illegal wildlife activity after a weeks-old howler monkey was found injured and alone.

The Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic (BWRC) confirmed that the infant primate, too young to survive without its mother, showed signs of trauma, including a dislocated digit and traces of lead detected on X-ray, raising concerns that its mother may have been shot.

Giann Vasquez, Wildlife Hotline Coordinator at BWRC, said the clinic received the distress call last Saturday.

“We received a call last Saturday about this baby monkey and apparently, they said it fell off the tree. So, people were concerned and wondering if we could not get it. It is always an issue because people can keep it as pet. So, the call came from down south and went immediately to fetch it,” Vasquez said.

Upon examination, the clinic discovered injuries that suggested a more troubling scenario.

The infant has since been stabilized and transferred for long-term rehabilitation.

Authorities are encouraging members of the public to report suspected wildlife crimes and to avoid keeping wild animals as pets.

Full story on News 5 Live at 6pm.