Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand
How long have you been rehabilitating wildlife?
I was introduced to neotropical wildlife rehabilitation (of margays and ocelots) in 1994 in Costa Rica and have been hooked since. (I became a CWR in 2017)
What is your favorite animal you work with?
I like working with all species but felines, howler monkeys and macaws have a special place, as well as some of the “odd” species like Mexican hairy Porcupine and last but not least reptiles
Did you always know you wanted to be involved with wildlife?
I always wanted to be a veterinarian and discovered wildlife through an internship in Costa Rica during vet school
What is an animal you dream to work with?
I do work with all species
Do you work with other rehabbers or do you work independently?
The Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic works with several other organisations who specialize in certain species
Do you work with all species? If no, which groups of animals do you concentrate on?
All species. Special focus on scarlet macaws, critically endangered Central American River Turtle and Green Iguana
Do you have any pets?
5 cats and 5 dogs, 4 chickens and 3 ducks
What are some of your hobbies?
Hiking, endurance, art
Do you volunteer for other organizations?
I volunteered for almost 20 years before starting a non-profit wildlife rehab and teaching clinic which accepts volunteers in 2011. I still volunteer on some Boards (but am almost too busy to volunteer any more, or have real hobbies outside work 🙂
If you could travel anywhere in the world specifically for wildlife sighting, where would you go?
Australia or South Africa