The Belize Zoo: A Safe Haven For Wildlife And Visitors Alike

The Belize Zoo is considered a safe place to visit. The zoo is wheelchair accessible, with all pathways allowing for the use of wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. The zoo also has a limited number of wheelchairs available for complementary use, as well as an accessible bathroom facility on site.

The zoo is home to a variety of native wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, and promotes conservation, education, recreation, and research. The animals in the zoo were once pets, donated, born in the zoo, or rescued and rehabilitated. The zoo also offers a variety of unique tours and encounters with the wildlife, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The zoo is wheelchair-accessible

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

The zoo's commitment to accessibility is part of its broader mission to inspire passion for the protection of Belize's wildlife and their habitats. The zoo cares for over 150 native wildlife species and promotes conservation, education, recreation, and research. By bringing people closer to the animals, the zoo aims to foster a sense of pride and responsibility for these natural resources, encouraging their protection for future generations.

The zoo's dedication to accessibility and conservation has made it a popular choice among visitors to Belize. With over 43,000 visitors annually, the zoo provides a fun and exciting way for individuals and families to experience the country's natural beauty and connect with its unique wildlife.

The Belize Zoo is located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, roughly halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It is easily accessible by public bus, taxi, or chartered transport from the international airport or water taxi and cruise ship terminals.

The zoo is home to over 150 animals

The Belize Zoo is home to over 150 animals, representing 43 native species. The zoo's animals are housed in habitats that reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The zoo's residents include a variety of mammals, such as the Baird's tapir (Belize's national animal), jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, jaguarundis, white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland pacas, grey foxes, neotropical otters, coatis, kinkajous, and tayras.

Bird enthusiasts will delight in seeing several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. 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 are just some of the feathered friends you may encounter.

Reptile lovers won't want to miss the American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas. The zoo also has a display of common Belizean snakes, including the imperial boa and tropical ratsnake.

The Belize Zoo offers a unique opportunity to connect with Belize's rich natural heritage and get up close and personal with its diverse wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.

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.

The zoo's convenient location makes it a popular stop for travellers heading to or from the airport or jungle areas. It is also a great introduction to the country's wildlife and ecosystem for those visiting Belize. The zoo is committed to conservation and education, providing an immersive experience for visitors by showcasing animals in natural settings.

The Belize Zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can observe Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and the five wildcat species found in the country: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. The zoo also features various species of parrots, owls, raptors, and a wetland aviary.

The zoo offers a variety of amenities, including a gift shop, restaurant, picnic area, and children's playground. It is open year-round, with operating hours from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Sundays. The last admission is at 4:00 PM on weekdays and 3:30 PM on Sundays.

The zoo offers a nocturnal tour

The Belize Zoo is a wildlife education centre and the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. It is home to over 150 animals, including jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws. The zoo offers a unique opportunity to see Belize's native wildlife up close and learn about their conservation efforts.

For those who want a different perspective on the zoo, there is a nocturnal tour available. As the sun sets and the moon rises, visitors can trek through the zoo under the green canopy, guided by the glowing eyes of the resident animals. This tour offers a chance to see the nocturnal animals in their element, such as margays, tapirs, and the Spectacle Owl, Hoodwink. Brutus, the American Saltwater Crocodile, also makes an appearance. It is recommended to wear comfortable, long-sleeved clothing and bring bug spray and water for this tour.

The Belize Zoo is located at Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, about halfway between Belize City and Belmopan. It is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi. The zoo is typically open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admissions at 4:00 pm, and offers a variety of tours and encounters for visitors to choose from.

The zoo's commitment to conservation and education makes it a unique and memorable attraction for both locals and visitors. The nocturnal tour is a great way to experience the zoo in a whole new light and get up close and personal with the resident animals. So, whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun day trip, the Belize Zoo is definitely worth a visit!

The zoo is home to Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir

The Belize Zoo is a non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, home to over 150 native wildlife species. It is the first and only nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. The zoo is committed to the conservation of Belize's wildlife and its habitats, aiming to foster environmental awareness among locals and visitors.

Baird's tapirs are named after Spencer Fullerton Baird, an American naturalist who first observed them in Mexico in 1843. These tapirs are the largest indigenous land mammals in Belize, growing up to six feet long and weighing up to 500 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a long, prehensile nose, a cream-colored marking on their face and throat, and dark spots on their cheeks. While they are closely related to horses and rhinoceroses, their stubby tails and long, flexible proboscises set them apart.

In the wild, Baird's tapirs range across vast territories, often crossing rivers, creeks, and wetlands. They leave distinctive tracks—deep, splayed hoofmarks with four toes in front and three in the rear. These majestic creatures are protected under Belize's wildlife protection laws, and it is illegal to hunt them. The Belize Zoo provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn about these fascinating animals up close.

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