Belize Zoo: Explore Nature's Wildlife

The Belize Zoo is a unique wildlife refuge for orphaned or rescued native Belizean animals. It is also an educational facility that promotes wildlife conservation efforts. The zoo is located in La Democracia Village, about an hour west of Belize City, and is accessible by car via the Western Highway. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m. The zoo is home to over 150 animals, including jaguars, keel-billed toucans, tapirs, and howler monkeys. It offers a variety of tours and experiences, such as guided nocturnal tours, nature walks, and animal encounters. The zoo also has a restaurant, a gift shop, and overnight accommodations.

Take a guided nocturnal tour

The Belize Zoo offers a guided nocturnal tour where you can explore the zoo at night and learn about the native species in the zoo when they are most active. The zoo is home to rescued, orphaned, and rehabilitated wildlife, with enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Here are some tips and things to know before you go on the nocturnal tour:

What to Wear and Bring

• Wear comfortable, long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from bug bites.
• Bring bug spray to keep the insects at bay.
• Carry a flashlight or torch to help you navigate the paths and read the informative signs.
• Don't forget your camera to capture the beaming eyes of the nocturnal animals!

Animals You Might See

• Margays, tapirs, and other wide-eyed residents.
• The Spectacle Owl, Hoodwink, who is known for his distinctive hoot.
• Brutus, the American Saltwater Crocodile.
• Lindo, the Jaguar, who might put on a show by rolling over.
• Various species of owls, including a pygmy owl.
• Five species of cats native to Belize, such as the margay, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, and jaguar.
• Playful possums, white-tailed deer, and tapirs.
• Pacas, also known as gibnuts.

Booking and Timing

• Book your nocturnal tour a day in advance to secure your spot.
• The Belize Zoo is located along the George Price Highway, making it convenient for a day trip or a stop on your journey.
• The zoo is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with the nocturnal tour starting at 7 pm.
• The tour lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to explore and interact with the animals.

The Belize Zoo's nocturnal tour offers a unique opportunity to see the zoo's residents in a whole new light (or lack thereof!). It's an excellent choice for nature and animal lovers who want an immersive and educational experience.

Visit the Tropical Education Center

The Tropical Education Center (TEC) is the perfect place to stay if you're visiting the Belize Zoo, located just one mile away from the zoo itself. The TEC is situated on 84 acres of tropical lowland savanna adjacent to the zoo in the heart of the Maya Forest Corridor. It offers a variety of accommodations and meals, making it a convenient and comfortable option for visitors.

The TEC serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility. It is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors, with wheelchair-accessible pathways, an accessible bathroom facility, and a limited number of wheelchairs available for complementary use.

When planning your visit to the TEC, keep in mind that the Belize Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admissions at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. The TEC is also open year-round, providing a great option for those looking to explore the zoo and the surrounding area.

The TEC offers a range of lodging options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a private casita or a more traditional hotel room, the TEC has you covered. The centre also provides meals, with a full menu, all-day breakfast, drinks, and freshly baked pastries and desserts available at the Harpy Cafe.

In addition to its accommodation and dining options, the TEC also offers airport transfers, making it a convenient choice for those arriving by plane. The centre is easily accessible by car, public bus, or taxi, and its location just a half-hour drive from the international airport makes it a convenient stop for those arriving or departing from Belize.

When packing for your visit to the TEC and the Belize Zoo, be sure to bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sun protection, and rain gear. These items will help ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the zoo and the surrounding area.

Feed the Keel-billed Toucan

The Keel-billed Toucan is the national bird of Belize and is known for its distinctive, colourful beak. This bird is a poor flyer, preferring to hop from branch to branch in the canopy of lowland forests. Its diet consists mainly of fruit, but it will also eat insects, small reptiles, and the eggs of other birds.

The Belize Zoo is home to a variety of native Belizean animals, including the Keel-billed Toucan. The zoo is located in La Democracia Village, about an hour west of Belize City. It is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm every day and offers a unique opportunity to get up close with native wildlife.

• Arrive early: Try to get to the zoo when it opens at 8:30 am. This will give you a chance to see the animals being fed and will allow you to follow the zookeepers around as they go about their morning routine.
• Book a guided tour: Consider booking a guided tour, as this will allow you to get closer to the animals and learn more about them. The guides can provide interesting information about the Keel-billed Toucan and may even be able to arrange for you to feed one.
• Support the zoo: The Belize Zoo is an NGO that relies on donations, adoptions, memberships, and volunteers to continue its conservation and education efforts. By supporting the zoo, you can help ensure that the Keel-billed Toucans and other native animals have a safe home.
• Visit the website: Before your visit, check the Belize Zoo website for the latest information on feeding times, special events, and opportunities to interact with the animals. They may have specific guidelines or recommendations for visitors who want to feed the Keel-billed Toucans.
• Stay overnight: If you want an immersive experience, consider staying at the Tropical Education Center, located adjacent to the zoo. This will give you more time to connect with the animals and possibly feed the Keel-billed Toucans.
• Be respectful: Remember that the Keel-billed Toucan is a wild animal and should be treated with respect. Follow the zoo's guidelines for interacting with the animals, and always prioritize the bird's well-being.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a memorable and meaningful experience feeding the Keel-billed Toucans at the Belize Zoo. Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and enjoy your time connecting with Belize's unique natural heritage.

Get a photo with a Tapir

The Belize Zoo is home to the rehabilitated, orphaned, and rescued wildlife of Belize. It is located 29 miles from Belize City on the George Price Highway and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The zoo spans 29 acres of tropical savanna and houses over 150 animals, including tapirs, Belize's National Animal.

The tapir is a large, vegetarian mammal that roams mostly at night. It is closely related to horses and rhinos but resembles a pig or miniature elephant. An adult tapir can weigh between 300 and 600 pounds, reach six feet in length, and stand up to four feet tall. Its most distinctive feature is its elongated nose and upper lip, which form a trunk-like snout. Tapirs are excellent swimmers and can even use their snouts as snorkels!

The Belize Zoo offers a tapir encounter experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Here are some tips to ensure you get a great photo with a tapir during your visit:

• Time your visit: Tapirs are primarily nocturnal, so you may have a better chance of seeing them active and out in their enclosure earlier in the day. Consider visiting the zoo when it first opens around 8:30 a.m. and following the zookeepers as they feed the animals.
• Bring the right equipment: If you plan on using a DSLR camera, you should be able to get some great shots as you can get quite close to the enclosures. Bring a variety of lenses, such as a 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens, to capture the tapir's unique features and personality.
• Be patient and respectful: Tapirs are shy and reclusive by nature, so give them some space and time to approach you. Be patient, quiet, and respectful during your encounter, and you may be rewarded with some fantastic photo opportunities.
• Learn about their behaviour: Understanding tapir behaviour can help you anticipate their movements and increase your chances of getting a great photo. Tapirs are herbivores and spend most of their time foraging for food. They are often found near sources of fresh water, such as rivers or lakes, and they like to sleep during the day in wallowing holes filled with cool water or mud.
• Consider a guided tour: The zoo offers guided tours, including a nocturnal tour, which can provide a more immersive experience and increase your chances of seeing the tapirs active. A knowledgeable guide can also help you understand tapir behaviour and provide interesting facts for context in your photos.
• Support the zoo's conservation efforts: The Belize Zoo is an NGO dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. By supporting their efforts, you can help ensure the long-term survival of tapirs and other endangered species. Consider making a donation, adopting an animal, becoming a member, or volunteering your time and skills.

By following these tips, you'll not only increase your chances of getting a fantastic photo with a tapir but also develop a deeper appreciation for these fascinating creatures and the important work being done by the Belize Zoo to protect them.

Explore the Rain Forest Food Pavilion

Explore the Rainforest Food Pavilion

The Belize Zoo is not just a zoo but also a tropical education centre, a wildlife refuge, and a conservation site. The zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species, including rare animals like the jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, tapirs, and leopards. It is also the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

The Rainforest Food Pavilion is a unique dining experience located within the zoo. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

• The Pavilion is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is best to visit during breakfast or lunch to avoid the heat and humidity in the afternoon.
• The Pavilion offers a variety of Belizean cuisine, including traditional dishes such as the country's famous rice and beans, and international options like pizza and burgers. There is something for everyone, including vegetarians and those with food allergies.
• The Pavilion uses locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the zoo's own organic garden and nearby farms. You can taste the freshness and quality in every bite!
• In addition to the delicious food, the Pavilion also offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. Dine while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, including the calls of exotic birds and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
• For a truly special experience, time your visit to coincide with one of the zoo's feeding times. You can watch the animals enjoy their meals while you savour yours! It's a great opportunity to see the animals up close and learn about their dietary habits.
• If you're visiting with children, the Pavilion offers a kids' menu with smaller portions and familiar favourites like pizza and chicken fingers. There are also activity sheets and colouring books to keep them entertained while you dine.

The Rainforest Food Pavilion is more than just a place to eat; it's an immersive dining experience that showcases the best of Belizean cuisine and culture. So, whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique meal, be sure to add the Pavilion to your itinerary when visiting the Belize Zoo!

Frequently asked questions