The Belize Zoo's Unique Motto: "The Best Little Zoo In The World

The motto of the Belize Zoo is The Best Little Zoo in The World. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who started it to care for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a documentary. Since then, it has become a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with over 43,000 visitors annually. The zoo is home to over 160 animals, representing 43 native species, and is the first nature destination in Belize to be accessible to people with physical disabilities.

The Belize Zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species

The motto of The Belize Zoo is "Sub Umbra Floreo", which means "Under the Shade I Flourish". The zoo lives up to this motto as it is home to over 150 native wildlife species, all housed within their natural habitat. The zoo is located 47 kilometres (29 miles) west of Belize City on the Western Highway.

The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who had been working as an assistant and animal caretaker for a film crew that came to Belize to create a documentary. When filming was completed, Matola was left with 17 animals, including an ocelot, a puma, a jaguar, and several exotic birds. With no funds to release the animals or continue caring for them, she decided to start a zoo.

The Belize Zoo is currently home to more than 175 animals, including about 48 species native to Belize. The zoo's focus is on educating residents and visitors about the native wildlife of Belize, and it has become a world-renowned wildlife education centre. The animals at the zoo were either people's pets, donated, injured and brought in for rehabilitation, born at the zoo, or sent from another zoological facility. No animal has ever been taken from the wild.

The zoo features a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Among the mammals are Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, as well as the five wildcat species found in Belize: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. Other mammals include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, and black howler monkeys, to name a few.

The bird species at the zoo include scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, yellow-headed amazons, keel-billed toucans, jabiru, harpy eagles, king vultures, and many more. The keel-billed toucan, in particular, is the national bird of Belize and is known for its distinctive colourful bill.

As for reptiles, the zoo is home to American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas, among others.

The zoo is committed to wildlife conservation, education, recreation, and research

The Belize Zoo is committed to wildlife conservation, education, recreation, and research. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who started a makeshift zoo to take care of 17 wild animals that were used in a documentary. Since then, the zoo has expanded to a 29-acre site and is now home to more than 175 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize.

The zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation is evident in its focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing a home for native wildlife. The animals at the zoo were once pets, donated, or rescued and brought in for rehabilitation. The zoo also works to conserve Belize's wildlife and habitats by offering educational experiences to visitors, instilling a sense of appreciation and pride in Belize's natural resources, and promoting environmental awareness.

In addition to its conservation efforts, the Belize Zoo prioritises education by providing engaging and immersive experiences for visitors. The zoo's goal is to bring visitors closer to Belize's natural heritage and to correct misconceptions and superstitions about native wildlife. The zoo offers traditional daytime tours, as well as night tours, to allow visitors to observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals.

The zoo also offers recreational opportunities for visitors, with amenities such as a gift shop, a restaurant, and a small children's playground. The zoo is accessible to people with physical disabilities, with wheelchair-accessible pathways and an accessible bathroom facility.

Furthermore, the zoo supports research by serving as a resource for those seeking to learn more about Belize's wildlife and ecosystems. The zoo's website provides information about the animals in their care and the conservation programs they run, such as the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program, which aims to reduce conflict between local farmers and jaguars.

The zoo is wheelchair-accessible and the first nature destination in Belize to offer this

The Belize Zoo is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. As such, it is the first nature destination in Belize to be wheelchair-accessible. This accessibility is reflected in the design of its pathways, which are suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. The zoo also offers a limited number of wheelchairs for complimentary use, as well as an accessible bathroom facility.

The zoo's focus on accessibility aligns with its broader mission of promoting conservation, education, recreation, and research. By making the zoo accessible to all, the zoo aims to foster a sense of pride and appreciation for Belize's natural heritage and inspire a desire to protect and conserve its unique wildlife and habitats.

The zoo's commitment to accessibility is particularly notable given its location within a natural environment. The zoo is set within 12 hectares (29 acres) of dense, natural vegetation, with gravel trails winding through the forest. This carefully designed layout allows visitors to experience the native wildlife in their natural habitats while also accommodating different mobility needs.

The Belize Zoo's accessibility initiatives have been well-received, with visitors expressing appreciation for the inclusive design that enables people with physical disabilities to connect with nature and wildlife. This accessibility is a key part of the zoo's identity as a rescue and rehabilitation facility, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to interact with and learn about the native animals of Belize.

The zoo's dedication to accessibility extends beyond physical accommodations. The zoo also offers a variety of tours and encounters, providing visitors with unique opportunities to engage with the wildlife and gain a deeper understanding of conservation efforts. These experiences are designed to be inclusive and engaging for individuals of all ages and abilities.

The zoo is located 29 miles west of Belize City and is open to the public 6 days a week

The Belize Zoo is located 29 miles west of Belize City, and is open to the public 6 days a week. It is accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and is a 30-minute drive from Belize City or the international airport. The zoo is set on 29 acres of land, with over 40 species of native Belizean wildlife viewable to the public. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who initially cared for 17 animals that were used in a documentary. Over time, it has grown into a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with more than 43,000 visitors annually.

The zoo is unique in that it is located within the natural environment of Belize, with dense, natural vegetation separated only by gravel trails through the forest. This immersive setting allows visitors to connect with the animals and gain a better understanding of Belize's natural heritage. The zoo is also committed to accessibility, being the first and only nature destination in Belize that is wheelchair accessible. All pathways are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers, and the zoo also provides complimentary wheelchair use and accessible bathroom facilities.

The Belize Zoo is not just a place to view animals but also offers a variety of tours and encounters, such as the Problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Program, which aims to educate locals about jaguars and reduce conflicts with farmers. The zoo also has a Tropical Education Center located just a mile away, offering lodging, meals, and airport transfers. This centre serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility, providing an opportunity for visitors to extend their stay and deepen their knowledge of Belize's wildlife.

The zoo is typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admissions at 4:00 PM. On Sundays, the hours are slightly different, with opening hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and last admissions at 3:30 PM. It is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola and has won awards for its educational focus

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, an American-born Belizean biologist, environmentalist, and zookeeper. Matola graduated from the New College of Florida in 1981 with a degree in biology. Her interest in animals began at a young age, and she even joined the United States Air Force, where she received jungle survival training.

Matola's journey with the Belize Zoo began in 1982 when she was hired to care for animals being used in a wildlife documentary film. Once filming was complete, she was left with the animals and decided to start a zoo. With limited resources, she put up a sign and hoped people would pay to visit the animals. She soon realised that Belizeans knew very little about their native wildlife and had many misconceptions and superstitions. This inspired her to shift the zoo's focus to education, aiming to instill a sense of appreciation and pride in Belize's natural resources.

Over the years, Matola gained the trust and admiration of Belizeans, and the zoo became a world-renowned wildlife education centre. The zoo received over 68,000 visitors annually, including around 15,000 students, teachers, and parents. It is currently home to more than 175 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize. The zoo's 30-acre facility is located on the George Price Highway, about 47 kilometres west of Belize City.

Matola's dedication to conservation and the zoo's educational impact earned her the title of the "Jane Goodall of jaguars". The zoo received recognition as well, winning the Belize Tourism Board's 9th National Tourism Award for "Educational Award of the Year" in 2009. Matola's legacy continues to inspire and educate people about Belize's unique wildlife and natural heritage.

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