The best little zoo in the world

Belize boasts a charming little zoo that is home to just over 100 animals indigenous to Belize. The zoo was started in 1983 as a shelter for a collection of animals used to film a documentary about tropical rain forests. Through perseverance, luck and a few timely donations, the zoo has maintained and grown its collections. It now occupies 29 acres of tropical savanna and 125 animals, many of which were born at the zoo. Imposing temples and exotic animals! Is it the latest Hollywood action movie? No, this time it’s real and you’re the star. Travel Belize by a hand-cranked ferry, see stunning Mayan ruins, and marvel at the majesty of the Belizean rainforests. And the wildlife? You’ll see unique indigenous species in their natural habitat at the Belize Zoo.

It serves as an educational foundation for Belizean locals unfamiliar with their nation’s indigenous wildlife. It hosts a number of educational activities and camps for local school children, hosting some 15,000 each year. The zoo and tropical education’s center is to instill pride the the Belizean people by educating them on their nation’s heritage and natural splendor. The zoo stands out as a place of conservation and education and is a great service to the tiny nation of Belize.

The zoo website is an excellent educational resource in itself. It contains detailed pages dedicated to all the different species it cares for. The pages provide factual information about size, gestation, diet, etc. It’s an excellent place to start a child’s Belizean education prior to a family vacation. Even if a trip to the zoo isn’t on the itinerary, the website should be a pre-trip planning tool so that the young ones get an opportunity to learn important facts about their exotic destination. While jaguars and ocelots might not be as “pettable” as a dog or a cat, their exotic beauty deserves respect and admiration.

The zoo relies largely on donations and member sponsorships. It offers numerous sponsorship options to those wishing to donate and help it maintain. Memberships can be purchased through this Membership and Donations link. Consider adopting an animal as an alternative to a general donation and ensure that the jaguars or harpy eagles are well cared for and happy in their home.