Belize Zoo: A Sanctuary For The Wild

The Belize Zoo is not your average zoo. Founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, it is a wildlife refuge for orphaned or rescued native Belizean animals and an educational facility to promote wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife, including Belize's national animal, the Central American tapir, as well as the five wildcat species found in the country. Other animals at the zoo include various species of monkeys, deer, crocodiles, snakes, and birds. The Belize Zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities, making it the first nature destination in Belize with this feature.

Belize Zoo's native wildlife

The Belize Zoo is home to a wide range of native wildlife, with over 150 animals across more than 40 native species. The zoo's focus is on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize, and it offers a unique opportunity to see these animals up close in their natural habitat.

One of the main attractions is the chance to see Belize's five wildcat species: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. The Belize Zoo is also home to other mammals such as white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared and white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, and neotropical otters.

The zoo features a broad array of avian species, including several species of parrots, owls, and raptors. Visitors can see scarlet macaws, red-lored and yellow-headed amazons, keel-billed toucans, jabiru storks, harpy eagles, and king vultures. The zoo also has a wetland aviary where visitors can observe various wading birds.

Reptiles are also well represented at the Belize Zoo, with American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance snakes, and green and black spiny-tailed iguanas on display.

The zoo offers a variety of tours and encounters, including a guided nocturnal tour, nature walks, and tapir and jaguar encounters. The Belize Zoo is an excellent introduction to the native wildlife of Belize and provides a unique, immersive educational experience for visitors.

The zoo's history

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 and decided to start a zoo. The zoo's initial focus was on housing and caring for these animals, but it quickly shifted to educating residents and visitors about the native wildlife of Belize.

The Belize Zoo is located on 29 acres of land, about 47 kilometres west of Belize City on the Western Highway. The natural environment of Belize is preserved within the zoo, with dense vegetation and gravel trails winding through the forest. The zoo is home to more than 160 animals, representing over 40 native species, all of which were rescued, donated, or born at the zoo.

The zoo has become a world-renowned wildlife education centre, receiving over 43,000 visitors annually. It is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities, making it the first nature destination in Belize with this feature. The Belize Zoo's focus on conservation, education, and rehabilitation has made it a beloved and respected institution in the country and beyond.

The animals in the zoo include Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, as well as the five wildcat species found in the country: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. Various species of parrots, owls, raptors, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and other reptiles are also on display. The zoo offers daytime and night-time tours, allowing visitors to observe the behaviour of both diurnal and nocturnal animals.

Mammals at the zoo

The Belize Zoo is home to a wide variety of mammals, all native to Belize. The zoo's focus is on educating visitors about the country's wildlife, and it is home to almost 20 species of mammals.

One of the most famous mammals at the zoo is the Central American tapir, which is Belize's national animal. This elusive and endangered species can be seen up close at the zoo. Other mammals at the zoo include several species of wildcats, such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. These wildcats are native to Belize and can be difficult to spot in the wild, making the zoo an excellent opportunity to see them up close.

In addition to the wildcats, the Belize Zoo is home to other mammals such as white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland pacas, gray foxes, neotropical otters, coatis, kinkajous, and tayras. The zoo provides an opportunity to see these mammals in a natural setting, as they are often secretive and nocturnal in the wild.

The Belize Zoo is not just a place to see animals but also an educational facility promoting wildlife conservation. The zoo serves as a wildlife refuge for orphaned or rescued native Belizean animals, and none of the animals are taken from the wild. This focus on conservation and education makes the Belize Zoo a unique and informative experience for visitors.

Birds at the zoo

The Belize Zoo is home to a variety of birds, including several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. The zoo features around 17 avian species, with several more wild birds that come and go as they please.

One of the most well-known birds at the zoo is the scarlet macaw, a magnificent member of the parrot family. With strong wings, scarlet macaws can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and often fly in pairs or small groups. They prefer higher elevations and riparian forests and are known for their large territories.

Another notable bird at the zoo is the keel-billed toucan, the national bird of Belize. Toucans are distinguished by their huge, colourful bills that are dextrous enough to allow them to feed on a variety of tropical fruits. They are very social birds, often seen in flocks, and can be found throughout Belize's forests.

The Belize Zoo also houses the impressive harpy eagle, one of the most powerful eagles in the Americas. These birds can weigh up to 20 pounds and have a 7-foot wingspan, making them formidable predators capable of hunting large prey such as monkeys and sloths.

Other birds at the zoo include the red-lored amazon, yellow-headed amazon, jabiru, king vulture, great black hawk, ornate hawk-eagle, barn owl, mottled owl, crested guan, and great curassow. The zoo's wetland aviary and natural setting provide an immersive experience for visitors to observe and learn about these fascinating avian species.

Reptiles and amphibians at the zoo

Reptiles are ectothermic animals with backbones covered in specialised skin called scales or scutes. They lay shelled eggs, similar to birds, and can be found in all habitats, from the forest floor to the upper canopy of the rainforest. Belize is home to around 135 species of reptiles and amphibians, with 62 of those being snakes.

The Belize Zoo supports a display of the more common snakes of Belize, including the imperial boa, tropical ratsnake, and the infamous fer-de-lance. The zoo is also home to two species of crocodiles: the American crocodile and the Morelet's crocodile. A variety of freshwater turtles can also be found at the zoo, including the critically endangered Hicatee (Central American River Turtle).

Amphibians, on the other hand, are ectothermic, backbone animals with smooth, thin skin that requires moisture to stay hydrated. They are typically found near water sources, such as streams, ponds, and waterlogged savannas. Frogs and toads are the most common amphibians in Belize. While the Belize Zoo does not have specific exhibits for amphibians, red-eyed tree frogs, veined tree frogs, and Gulf Coast toads are commonly seen on the grounds, especially during nocturnal tours.

The Belize Zoo is not just a place to see exotic animals but also a centre for education and conservation. It provides an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to connect with Belize's unique natural heritage. The zoo's focus on native wildlife and its commitment to rehabilitation and education make it a valuable resource for both locals and visitors alike.

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