Belize Zoo
Belize
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, located 47 kilometres west of Belize City, is a unique zoo dedicated exclusively to native wildlife of Belize. Founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, it spans 12 hectares of natural forest habitat, maintaining the environment largely intact with gravel trails for visitors. The zoo houses more than 175 animals representing about 48 species, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and all five wildcat species found in the country. Its mission focuses on educating visitors about Belize's fauna to foster appreciation, pride, and conservation awareness. The zoo offers engaging experiences such as nocturnal tours to observe night-active animals and the Junior Buddy jaguar encounter that promotes respect for this iconic species. It also plays an active role in conservation through programs like the Tapir Specialist Group headquarters, Harpy Eagle restoration, and Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation. Recognized by the Belize Tourism Board for its educational contributions, the Belize Zoo is a vital center blending wildlife preservation with public education in a natural setting.
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Tip: Visit in the dry season for easier wildlife viewing and walking conditions. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for the popular nocturnal tours and Junior Buddy jaguar encounter. Discounts may be available for students, teachers, and groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent to enjoy the natural forest trails.
Interesting facts
- •The Belize Zoo is home to all five wildcat species native to Belize: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi.
- •It serves as the headquarters for the Tapir Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- •The zoo released its 14th harpy eagle back into the wild in 2009 as part of its restoration program.
- •Junior Buddy, a jaguar raised at the zoo, was trained to perform tricks and became the subject of a children's book published by Scholastic Corporation.
- •No zoo animal at Belize Zoo has ever been taken directly from the wild; all animals were rescued, donated, or born at the zoo.
History
The Belize Zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola after a documentary film crew left behind 17 tame native animals.
Unable to release or euthanize them, Matola started a makeshift zoo to care for these animals and raise awareness.
Initially focused on rescuing and exhibiting these animals, the zoo shifted towards educating Belizeans about native wildlife to combat misconceptions and superstitions.
With local and international support, the zoo relocated to its current 12-hectare natural forest site in 1991.
Since then, it has grown to house over 175 animals of 48 native species, none taken from the wild but rescued, born in captivity, or donated.
Place Guide
Main Zoo Trails and Natural Habitat
Visitors explore the zoo along gravel trails winding through dense native forest, allowing close encounters with animals in naturalistic settings. The environment is preserved to reflect Belize's wild habitats.
Nocturnal Tour
Special night tours allow visitors to observe crepuscular and nocturnal animals such as tapirs, jaguars, margays, kinkajous, crocodiles, peccaries, and howler monkeys in their active hours.
Junior Buddy Jaguar Encounter2010
An interactive experience where visitors safely enter a cage within the jaguar exhibit to meet Junior Buddy, a jaguar trained through positive reinforcement. This promotes education and appreciation for jaguars.
Bird Aviary and Raptors Exhibit
The zoo features a wetland aviary housing native birds such as scarlet macaws, toucans, harpy eagles, and various parrots and owls, showcasing Belize's rich avian diversity.
Reptile Enclosures
Exhibits include native reptiles like American and Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance snakes, and iguanas, highlighting the diversity of Belize's reptiles.
Contact
Phone: 613-4966
