Brake for Wildlife: Protect Lives on the Road

According to the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, every year, countless wild animals fall victim to vehicle collisions.

“These collisions leave many deaths and many with injuries so severe that euthanasia becomes the only humane option.”

It said that for creatures like birds, survival often hinges on their ability to fly—when that’s taken away, there’s no second chance.

“This year, a Keel-billed Toucan became a heartbreaking statistic. Found roadside with multiple fractures in its wing and leg, the injuries were too severe to heal. The only kindness left was to ease its suffering through euthanasia.”

The clinic said that these animals aren’t intruders—they’re simply trying to survive in their natural habitats. “Let’s do better for them.”

“Drive cautiously. Watch the road. Brake for animals. Be their voice. Be their hope. Make a difference.”

The Keel-billed Toucan is Belize’s national bird, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and striking multicoloured beak. Found in tropical forests and lowland areas, this iconic species plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to the health of Belize’s ecosystems. The Keel-billed Toucan often travels in small flocks, feeding on fruits, insects, and small prey.

Despite its ecological importance and symbolic status, the toucan faces threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and human activities such as vehicle collisions.