The Belize Zoo, Belize

Established in 1983, The Belize Zoo (tel. 501/220-8004, fax 501/220-8010, info@belizezoo.org, www.belizezoo.org) is settled upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 125 animals, all native to Belize. The zoo keeps only animals that were either orphaned, injured and rehabilitated, born in the zoo, or received as gifts from other zoos. The environment is as natural as possible, and each animal lives in its own shady jungle compound; there are no steel bars here.

The zoo is conveniently located at Mile 29 on the Western Highway, and is included in many day tours from Belize City and often as a stop during your airport transfer to or from your lodge in the western and southern parts of Belize. The independent traveler need simply jump off the bus and walk in.

History
Zoo Director Sharon Matola’s accidental career began when, as a former lion tamer, she agreed to manage a backyard collection of local animals for a nature film company next door. However, after she had worked only five months on the project, funds were severely reduced, and it became evident that the group of animal “film stars” would have to be disbanded.

Sharon says that not only had these wild cats, birds, anteaters, and snakes become her friends and companions, but semi-tame animals, dependent on people for care, could not just be released back into the wild. As an alternative, she thought, “This country has never had a zoo. Perhaps if I offered the chance for Belizeans to see these unique animals, their existence here could be permanently established.”

And so a zoo was born. From the very beginning, the amount of local interest shown in the zoo was incredible. The majority of the people in Belize live in urban areas, and their knowledge of the local fauna is minimal. The Belize Zoo offers Belizeans and tourists alike the opportunity to see the native animals of Belize.

School Programs and Wildlife Awareness
The Belize Zoo’s modest beginnings hinged on the simple idea that children deserved the chance to grow up knowing animals, especially those living in the thick forests not too many miles from their city homes. The Belize Zoo receives over 10,000 schoolchildren every year as part of the progressive education programs, and popular zoo events include April the Tapir’s birthday party; summer camps; Science Fair; Teacher Training; and Student Career Training.

The Belize Zoo is becoming increasingly well-known throughout the world. The unique educational programs and the conservation efforts of the zoo have consistently made international environmental news. Funds are always needed to support “dream projects” for the future: a reptile exhibit; a butterfly flight room; and, with the promise of help from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a new “water world” exhibit. When visiting the zoo, ask about becoming a member in order to support these efforts.

The Belize Tropical Education Center
Across the street from the zoo, the Tropical Education Center (tel. 501/220-8003, tec@belizezoo.org) was created to promote environmental education and scientific research. Meetings are held here for zoological news, reports, and educational seminars attended and given by people involved in zoology from around the world. The Center is equipped with a classroom, a library, kitchen and dining area, and dormitories that can accommodate as many as 30 people (rates from US$15 pp). Great nature trails weave through the 84-acre site, and bird-watchers can avail themselves of a bird-viewing deck. Also available are canoe trips, nocturnal zoo tours, and natural history lectures.