Belize Zoo's Wild Acreage

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a 29-acre zoo located 47 kilometres west of Belize City. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a documentary film. The zoo is home to more than 150 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize. The natural environment of Belize is left intact within the zoo, with dense vegetation separated only by gravel trails through the forest. The zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize and the importance of protecting their habitats.

The Belize Zoo is 29 acres

The Belize Zoo's 29 acres consist of natural habitats designed for the animals, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The dense, natural vegetation is separated only by gravel trails through the forest. The zoo is committed to conservation and education, aiming to instill pride and appreciation for Belize's natural resources.

The zoo is home to a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, 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, and neotropical otters. The zoo features several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. Reptiles at the zoo include American crocodiles, boa constrictors, and green iguanas.

The Belize Zoo offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with Belize's wildlife and natural heritage. With its focus on education and conservation, the zoo plays a crucial role in protecting Belize's natural resources and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

It's home to over 150 animals

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a non-profit zoo and the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. It was founded by Sharon Matola in 1983, who started caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. The zoo is home to over 150 animals, with some sources citing 160, others 175, and a few even 125. All of the animals are native to Belize and were either orphaned, born at the zoo, rehabilitated, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or sent to the zoo as gifts from other zoological institutions.

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

The Belize Zoo also has a broad array of birds, representing a cross-section of Belize's bird biodiversity. There are about 17 avian species in total, including scarlet macaws, red-lored and 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. The zoo grounds are often teeming with wild birds, and almost 280 different birds have been reported through checklists on eBird.

In addition to mammals and birds, the zoo supports a display of common snakes of Belize, including the imperial boa, tropical ratsnake, and the infamous Fer-de-lance. Reptiles at the zoo also include two species of crocodiles and a variety of freshwater turtles, such as the Critically Endangered Hicatee (Central American River Turtle). While the zoo does not have specific displays for amphibians, red-eyed tree frogs, veined tree frogs, and Gulf Coast toads are commonly seen on the grounds, especially during nocturnal tours.

The zoo was founded in 1983

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, a filmmaker and animal caretaker. After the completion of a natural history documentary titled "Selva Verde" (Spanish for Green Forest), Matola was left with a handful of wild animals, including an ocelot, a puma, a jaguar, and several exotic birds. With no funds to release them back into the wild, she decided to start a zoo.

What began as a "backyard zoo" quickly became a dynamic wildlife education center. The Belize Zoo is now settled upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 125 animals, all native to Belize. The zoo's commitment to education is evident in its focus on bringing visitors closer to the country's natural heritage, fostering pride and a desire to protect it for future generations.

The zoo has become a world-renowned rehabilitation facility, caring for more than 160 animals representing 43 native species. The habitats designed for the animals reflect natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The Belize Zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities, ensuring that everyone can connect with Belize's unique wildlife.

The Tropical Education Center (TEC), adjacent to the zoo, is an 84-acre site set on tropical lowland savanna. It serves as a lodge, learning center, and training facility, further enhancing the educational impact of the zoo.

It's located on the Western Highway

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is located on the Western Highway, 47 kilometres (29 miles) west of Belize City. The zoo 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 filming was completed, Matola was left with these animals and decided to start a zoo.

The zoo is set in 12 hectares (29 acres) of tropical savanna and is home to more than 175 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize. The natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo, with dense, natural vegetation separated only by gravel trails through the forest. The zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize through encounters with the animals in their natural habitat. The aim is to instill appreciation and pride, as well as a desire to protect and conserve Belize's natural resources.

The Belize Zoo is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. The animals here are rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehab and zoological facilities. The habitats designed for the animals reflect natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo cares for more than 160 animals representing 43 native species and employs over 45 Belizeans. More than 43,000 people visit the zoo annually, with over 10,000 being schoolchildren.

The Tropical Education Center (TEC) is an 84-acre site set on tropical lowland savanna adjacent to The Belize Zoo in the heart of the Maya Forest Corridor. It serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility. The Belize Zoo and TEC together inspire passion for protecting Belize's wildlife and their habitats through wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, engaging educational experiences, and conservation science.

The zoo is accessible to people with physical disabilities

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a 30-acre zoo located in Belize, with over 40 species viewable to the public. The zoo is home to more than 160 animals, representing 43 native species. The zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities and is the first and only nature destination in Belize with this feature.

The zoo features about a mile of pathways that wind through the grounds, allowing for ease of access for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. The natural environment of Belize is seamlessly integrated into the zoo, with dense vegetation and gravel trails through the forest. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The Belize Zoo prioritises accessibility, offering a limited number of wheelchairs available for complimentary use. Additionally, the site provides accessible bathroom facilities, ensuring that all visitors can comfortably enjoy their experience.

The zoo's commitment to accessibility extends beyond physical features. The Tropical Education Center, located just a mile away, offers various lodging options, meals, and airport transfers, ensuring that all visitors can fully participate in the zoo experience.

The Belize Zoo's dedication to accessibility is exemplary, ensuring that all individuals can connect with Belize's unique natural heritage and fostering an inclusive environment for all. This commitment to accessibility aligns with its founding principles, as it was established as a non-profit organisation to provide a home and care for wild animals.

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