Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Belize District, Belize

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Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize District, Belize, spans 16,000 acres of lagoons, swamps, forests, and pine savanna, established in 1984 and designated a Ramsar wetland in 1998 as a haven for over 250 bird species including the massive jabiru stork with its 12-foot wingspan, Central America's largest population.

Located 30 miles north of Belize City off the Phillip Goldson Highway near Crooked Tree village, it protects endangered wildlife like the hickatee turtle, Yucatán black howler monkey, and yellow-headed amazon amid seasonal migrations peaking November to May.

Visitors explore by canoe or foot for close views of crocodiles, iguanas, herons, kingfishers, and the annual cashew festival on a historic island, managed by the Belize Audubon Society.