One of the most noted residents is the jabiru stork , the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. This sanctuary is also a refuge for other forms of wildlife such as black howler monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundi, turtles, and iguanas. RIO FRIO CAVE is one of the most breathtaking of the natural wonders of Belize, the cave is open at both ends and arches to 65 feet at its center. A pool with a sand beach is located inside the cave, Nearby, the Rio On Pools are formed by clear, clean water coursing downstream, wearing away the rocks to provide numerous small swimming holes. Rio On Pools are located in the Mountain Pine Ridge of the Cayo District.
Visitors can learn about the breeding cycles and the research being conducted here.
The 22,000 acres are also home to many other animals. Divers and snorkelers can investigate 185 miles of exquisite underwater life. Ninety percent of this living reef remains to be explored. Some of the best diving is found along the coral reef that lies just a few hundred yards off Ambergris Caye. San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, is home to a recompression chamber for treating diving illnesses.