Belize Zoo: A Quick Stop Or A Full-Day Adventure?

The Belize Zoo is a wildlife refuge for orphaned or rescued native Belizean animals and an educational facility to promote wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo is located in La Democracia Village, about an hour west of Belize City. It is 29 to 30 acres in size and has over 40 species viewable to the public. Visitors can expect to spend between one and two hours touring the zoo.

The zoo is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities

The Belize Zoo is the first and only nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. All pathways are wheelchair-friendly and can also accommodate strollers and walkers. The zoo also has a limited number of wheelchairs available for complimentary use, as well as an accessible bathroom facility on-site.

The zoo is committed to providing an immersive educational experience for all visitors. With over 40 species viewable to the public, the habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings. The zoo is home to more than 160 animals representing 43 native species, including rehabilitated, orphaned, and rescued wildlife.

The Belize Zoo is located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi. The zoo offers a variety of unique tours, including nocturnal tours, and life-changing encounters with its wildlife. A typical tour of the zoo can take between one and two hours, depending on the visitor's interests and time limitations.

The zoo also has a large parking lot, a picnic area, and a small children's playground. The Visitors' Center provides complimentary storage lockers and free Wi-Fi. The on-site gift shop offers local arts and crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. Additionally, the cafe serves an all-day breakfast, drinks, and an assortment of freshly baked pastries and desserts.

The Belize Zoo is dedicated to making its facility accessible and inclusive for all visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the unique wildlife experience it offers.

It takes 1-2 hours to tour the zoo

The Belize Zoo is a 30-acre facility located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, roughly halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It is home to over 150 animals, including jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws, and offers a unique, immersive experience for visitors.

A tour of the Belize Zoo typically takes between one and two hours. However, the time taken can vary depending on individual interests and time constraints. The zoo has a network of winding pathways that stretch for about a mile, allowing visitors to explore the diverse array of animal exhibits.

The zoo's opening hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, with last admission at 4:00 pm. On Sundays, the zoo is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the last admission at 3:30 pm.

With over 40 species on display, the Belize Zoo offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for animal enthusiasts and nature lovers. The zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation and education makes it a unique and memorable attraction for visitors.

To make the most of your time at the Belize Zoo, it is recommended to arrive early, especially if you want to see the animals during their most active periods. Additionally, following the zookeepers during feeding times can increase your chances of observing the animals up close.

The zoo is open 8:30am-5pm

The Belize Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m. On Sundays, the zoo closes earlier at 4:30 p.m., with the last admission at 3:30 p.m.

The zoo is located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from Belize City or the international airport, and a 20-minute drive from Belmopan. The zoo can be easily accessed by public bus, with buses running roughly every half hour from either direction. Taxis are also available from the international airport or water taxi and cruise ship terminals for chartered transport to and from the zoo.

The zoo is open year-round and offers a variety of unique tours and experiences. It is set within 29 to 30 acres of tropical savanna and houses over 150 animals, representing more than 40 native species. The habitats are designed to reflect natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

A typical tour of the zoo can take between one and two hours. However, the time may vary depending on the visitor's pace, time limitations, and personal interests. The zoo has approximately one mile of winding pathways to navigate the grounds and explore the diverse range of wildlife on display.

The Belize Zoo is committed to accessibility and is the first nature destination in Belize that is wheelchair accessible. It offers complimentary wheelchair usage and accessible bathroom facilities on site.

The zoo is located 29 miles from Belize City

The Belize Zoo is located 29 miles from Belize City, in the Belize District. It is situated on the George Price Highway, about halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. The zoo is easily accessible by road, with a drive time of about 30 minutes from Belize City or the international airport, and 20 minutes from Belmopan.

Public transportation is also an option, as the public bus system includes a stop at the zoo's entrance, with buses running about every half hour from either direction. Taxis are available from the international airport or water taxi and cruise ship terminals, providing chartered transport to and from the zoo.

The zoo is set in a natural environment, with dense vegetation and gravel trails winding through 29 acres of forest. This unique setting allows visitors to experience the wildlife of Belize in their natural habitat. The zoo is home to a diverse range of native species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, all of which were rescued or born at the facility.

The Belize Zoo is not just a place to view animals but also an educational centre. It provides an immersive experience, connecting visitors with Belize's natural heritage. The zoo's founder, Sharon Matola, started it in 1983 after being left with a handful of wild animals from a documentary film crew. Her passion for wildlife conservation and education has made the zoo a world-renowned destination, attracting over 43,000 visitors annually.

The zoo is home to over 150 animals

The Belize Zoo is home to over 150 animals, with more than 40 species viewable to the public. The zoo's 30-acre facility is located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, roughly halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been part of a natural history documentary. When filming ended, she decided to start a zoo with the animals she was left with.

Today, the zoo cares for more than 160 animals, representing 43 native species, and employs over 45 local people. It is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize, with animals that are rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehab and zoo facilities. The habitats are designed to reflect natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The Belize Zoo is also the first and only nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. All pathways are wheelchair-friendly, and the zoo also provides complimentary use of wheelchairs. The zoo features a large parking lot, a picnic area, a children's playground, and accessible bathroom facilities.

The zoo is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, all native to Belize. Visitors can see the elusive and endangered Central American tapir, Yucatan spider monkeys, white-tailed deer, coatimundis, white-lipped peccaries, and Belize's five wildcat species, including the jaguar and puma. The zoo also houses 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. 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.

Frequently asked questions