UPDATE: March 21, 2021. We found out today that Sharon Matola, the founder of The Belize Zoo, passed away. We are truly saddened by this and our condolences go out to her family and friends and those at the Best Little Zoo in the World, The Belize Zoo.
The Belize Zoo: The Best Little Zoo in the World.
The Belize Zoo is known as the best little zoo in the world—a title that’s very much well deserved. That’s because it’s as fun and fascinating as it is unique. And it will surely grant you an unforgettable experience should you choose to visit.
It’s situated right off the George Price Highway at mile 29. But even so, the zoo is teeming with diverse and intriguing wildlife, many of which you’ve probably never seen before. From tapirs and toucans to crocs and even pumas, the Belize Zoo has it all.
What are you in for on a tour through this little zoo? Well, for starters, lots of sights, plenty of intriguing sounds, and maybe even a strange smell or two.
And it might come as a surprise, but the zoo makes an effort to only keep animals that have been rescued, rehabilitated, or donated. From as early as 1983, they’ve functioned as a safe haven for displaced and injured animals.
Not the Average Zoo
As you take a walk around, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported directly into the Belizean jungle. There are no concrete enclosures to be found, just mostly wire fences, and not to mention lots of greenery.
You’ll definitely feel at peace strolling along easily accessible paths. Take your time and explore 29 acres of lush tropical savanna. Trees and plants of all kinds tower overhead, and the soothing sounds of forest critters frequently fill the air.
Learn about Belize’s diverse flora and fauna through the many hand-painted signs that are hung all around. (You may even discover a fun poem or two.)
Along the way, you might stumble upon a tapir grazing in its enclosure or catch a glimpse of the spider monkeys as they swing from branch to branch. You might even find yourself pinching your nose when you discover the peccaries in their smelly abode.
The Big Five – Belize’s Big Cats
The Belize Zoo is home to the country’s five largest wildcat species. And these big cats are perhaps some of their biggest stars. Visitors young and old flock to see them all year round.
Look for the Jaguarundis as they chase each other across the forest floor. Or see if you can differentiate the Margay from the Ocelot, both of which have beautiful spotted coats.
If you’re lucky, you might get to witness the elusive Puma, the second largest of the five cats, and one of the closest relatives to the common housecat.
Did you know that pumas are also the only large cat in Belize known to purr?
Last but not least, make sure you visit the zoo’s jaguar exhibit, which never fails to wow guests. Known as the King of the Jungle by the Mayas, the Jaguar is the largest wildcat in the West.
Belize prides itself on being home to one of the world’s only jaguar preserves. And, the zoo is one of the few places where you can see one of these majestic cats up close.
Enjoy an Even Closer Encounter
Speaking of getting up close and personal with a jaguar, you’ve probably never thought about looking one right in the eye. But at the Belize Zoo, that’s entirely possible.
With their animal encounter tours, you can treat yourself to a one of a kind experience—one where you can interact with some of their most beloved animals.
Meet one of the zoo’s jaguar ambassadors and get the chance to feed them. Or take a picture with a Toucan—Belize’s very colorful national bird. You can even schedule a night tour, where you’ll be able to see the zoo’s inhabitants at their most active.
The Belize Zoo never fails in giving its visitors an unforgettable experience. Plus, it only takes two hours or less to experience it all.
As small as it may be, you’ll never get tired of seeing what this little zoo has to offer. You might even find yourself wanting to return (quite often, at that). A trip to the best little zoo in the world is one you shouldn’t miss.
