Casa del Caballo Blanco, the lodge, was established to serve as a host and support for an ex-situ bio-diversity conservation facility that provides avian rehabilitation and release services, and is a sanctuary for the care of birds that cannot be released back to their natural habitat. The center is known as Casa Avian Support Alliance (CASA). Please read the paragraphs that follow and visit Casa Avian Support Alliance, or read about CASA at the Rainforest Alliance Eco-Index. Fifteen acres of the 23-acre parcel are currently the subject of a habitat restoration program intended to provide opportunities for foraging and nesting for the resident avian population as well as migratory species. As such the grounds will provide a natural laboratory for the observation and study of avian wildlife.
CASA is a non-profit undertaking and was certified by the Government of Belize as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) in February of 2006. CASA was recognized in the United States as a public charity in October 2007, and is a registered 501 (c) 3. CASA is a destination for birds requiring post treatment care that have been recently released from captivity and/or for ill or injured birds that have been treated by veterinarians or other entities. Proceeds from the operation of Casa del Caballo Blanco donated to the CASA center to assist with medical and other expenses related to the management of the facility.
The rehab/release program relies in part on periodic visits by veterinarians interested and concerned with preservation of avian wildlife. CASA through the Visiting Scholar Program offers significantly discounted lodging to interested avian veterinarians who come to CASA and volunteer time for the development of the facility, and observation and treatment of the birds under care. The program is staffed in part by local bird enthusiasts who receive on-going training from the resident Avian Clinic Manager (a 1-2 year volunter position), and through the "visiting vet" program.
While the rehab/release structure is designed to house all species of birds and contain flight areas for strength building prior to release, it is the goal of CASA to provide long term care "retirement" facilities, for a limited number of individuals who are unable to return to their natural habitat. This will also provide an opportunity for observation and education by the interested public. Areas within the property will be reforested and groomed to mimic habitats of various birds to ensure that each species has some semblance of home and familiarity with food and nesting sources.
