Exploring Belize Zoo: An International Student's Experience

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola. The zoo is home to over 150 animals of about 45-48 species, all native to Belize. The zoo is unique in that it serves as a wildlife refuge for orphaned or rescued native Belizean animals and is primarily used as an educational facility to promote wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo offers a variety of tours and encounters, such as the Lindo Link and the Junior Buddy encounter, and is also home to a rehabilitation programme for 'problem jaguars'. The zoo has accommodated students interested in studying wildlife health and conservation, with some students working alongside zookeepers.

The Belize Zoo's history

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who had been caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. When the filming was completed, Matola was left with these animals and decided to start a zoo.

The zoo is a non-profit organisation and is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. The animals are either rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehab and zoological facilities. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, and the zoo is set in 12 hectares (29 acres) of natural vegetation, left entirely intact and separated only by gravel trails through the forest.

The zoo is home to over 160 animals, representing 43 native species, including mammals such as the jaguar, puma, ocelot, and tapir; birds such as scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, and keel-billed toucans; and reptiles such as American crocodiles, boa constrictors, and green iguanas.

The zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize and instilling a desire to protect and conserve the country's natural resources. It offers both daytime and night-time tours, allowing visitors to see the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as tapirs, jaguars, and crocodiles.

The zoo's animals

The Belize Zoo is home to a wide variety of native wildlife, with over 150 animals and 45 species. The zoo's focus is on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize and instilling a sense of appreciation and pride, as well as a desire to protect and conserve the country's natural resources. All the zoo residents were once pets, donated, rescued, born at the zoo, or sent from another zoological facility.

The zoo features several mammals, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and the five wildcat species found in Belize: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. Other mammals include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland paca, gray foxes, neotropical otters, coatimundi, kinkajous, and tayras.

Bird lovers will also be delighted by the variety of species on offer, including several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. Some of the birds at the zoo include scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, yellow-headed amazons, keel-billed toucans, jabiru, harpy eagles, king vultures, and great black hawks.

For those interested in reptiles, the zoo has American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas.

The Belize Zoo also offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals. Visitors can feed the inquisitive Keel-billed Toucan, Belize's National Bird, or take part in the "Lindo Link" experience, where they can meet "Lindo," a rescued jaguar ambassador. The zoo also offers a guided nocturnal tour, nature walks, a tapir encounter, and a jaguar encounter.

The zoo's conservation efforts

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a non-profit organisation with a focus on wildlife education and conservation. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who initially started caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. When filming ended, Matola was left with these animals and decided to start a zoo.

The zoo's focus is on educating residents and visitors about the native wildlife of Belize, with the aim of instilling appreciation, pride, and a desire to protect and conserve the country's natural resources. The animals at the zoo are either rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehab and zoological facilities. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The Belize Zoo is home to a variety of native mammals, birds, and reptiles, including:

• Baird's tapir (Belize's national animal)
• Five wildcat species: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi
• White-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, and white-lipped peccaries
• Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland paca, gray foxes, neotropical otters, coatis, kinkajous, and tayras
• Scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, yellow-headed amazons, keel-billed toucans, jabiru, harpy eagles, king vultures, great black hawks, ornate hawk-eagles, barn owls, mottled owls, crested guans, and great curassows
• American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas

In addition to its educational focus, the Belize Zoo also runs a 'Problem Jaguar' rehabilitation programme aimed at reducing conflict between local farmers and jaguars that may prey upon their livestock. The zoo also offers night tours, allowing visitors to observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, as well as guided programmes such as small group encounters and VIP tours.

Studying abroad at the zoo

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a non-profit organisation that offers a unique opportunity for students to study wildlife health and conservation in a real-world setting. Located in Belize, the zoo is home to a diverse range of native wildlife and is committed to educating visitors about the country's natural heritage. With its focus on rehabilitation and conservation, the zoo provides a valuable learning environment for students interested in wildlife veterinary practices, biology, ecology, and research.

A History of Caring

Founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, the zoo has a fascinating origin story. Matola, an assistant and animal caretaker for a film crew, was left with a group of tame animals after filming ended. Rather than releasing them into the wild or resorting to euthanasia, she started a small zoo to generate funding for their care. Over time, the zoo evolved into a centre for education and conservation, with a mission to bring people closer to Belize's unique wildlife.

A Different Kind of Zoo

What sets the Belize Zoo apart from other zoos is its focus on rescue and rehabilitation. The zoo is home to over 150 animals, representing more than 40 native species, all of which have been rescued, orphaned, or injured. None of the animals are taken from the wild, and the natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo. The dense vegetation and gravel trails create an immersive educational experience for visitors, allowing them to connect with the animals in their natural habitat.

Studying at the Zoo

The zoo offers a range of educational programmes, including a 2-week course for undergraduate students interested in wildlife health and conservation. This course combines classroom lectures with hands-on experiences, allowing students to work alongside zookeepers and gain insight into wildlife veterinary practices, field research techniques, and conservation efforts. With access to both captive and wild animals, students have the opportunity to collect data, observe behaviour, and contribute to ongoing research and rehabilitation initiatives.

A Transformative Experience

Studying abroad at the Belize Zoo offers a transformative learning experience. By immersing themselves in a new culture and engaging with the local community, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of wildlife conservation. They not only acquire valuable skills and knowledge but also develop a sense of appreciation and respect for Belize's natural heritage, fostering a desire to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Looking to the Future

The Belize Zoo continues to be a leader in wildlife conservation and education, inspiring passion and action for the protection of Belize's diverse wildlife and their habitats. By opening its doors to students and researchers, the zoo contributes to the advancement of knowledge and promotes a sustainable future for Belize's unique ecosystem.

The zoo's accessibility

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a non-profit organisation that is accessible to people with physical disabilities. It was the first nature destination in Belize to offer this accessibility. The zoo's 30-acre facility is located on the George Price Highway, roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City. The zoo is a 30-minute drive from the international airport and is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The zoo's grounds cover 12 hectares (29 acres) of dense, natural vegetation, which is separated by gravel trails through the forest. The natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo. The zoo is wheelchair accessible, with gravel trails and pathways that wind through the forest.

The zoo offers a variety of amenities, including a gift shop and a restaurant that serves meals, snacks, and drinks. The zoo also has a Tropical Education Center (TEC), which is an 84-acre site set on tropical lowland savanna adjacent to the zoo. The TEC serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility. It provides a variety of accommodations and meals for visitors.

The Belize Zoo is home to more than 160 animals representing over 40 native species. The zoo's residents include mammals, birds, and reptiles, all of which are native to Belize. The zoo's focus is on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize and inspiring a desire to protect and conserve the country's natural resources.

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