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Visitors
spot a crocodile |
In 1983 the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was
established to provide a home for wild animals that were
used in making documentary films about tropical forests.
The Belize Zoo is now settled upon 29 acres of tropical
savannah and has approximately 125 animals all native to
Belize. Whenever possible, all wildlife that can be rehabilitated
and considered able to survive naturally are reintroduced
to the environment. The animals that cannot go back into
the environment are maintained in a natural setting at the
zoo, where they become a part of the program that educates
people about the natural history of Belize. Notable residents
at the Belize Zoo include the Toucan, Belize’s national
bird, the Tapir, Belize’s national animal, and the
five largest cats in Central America, including the Jaguar.
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Close
up with Belize's national animal |
Often referred to as “The Best Little Zoo in the World”,
visitors can experience the joy of these beautiful animals
just off mile 29 traveling southwest from Belize City along
the Western Highway. The highway is a regular bus route,
so visitors taking the bus should not encounter any problems
finding the Zoo. There is a visitor center where an abundance
of information can be acquired about the zoo, its animals
and history, and also a small gift shop where guests can
purchase remembrances of their tour of the Belize Zoo. Just
across the highway on the opposite side of Zoo, is the Tropical
Education Center. A short walk/drive down the road will
transport visitors to the 84-acre property, developed for
the promotion of environmental education and research.
Places nearby: 
Interests:
