| Belize Zoo tips and photos posted by real travelers and Belize locals.
Mile mark 29 (Km 46) Western Highway
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After leaving Bermudian Landing, it was only a short drive to the Belize Zoo, located in the tropical savanna countryside. It is different from most zoos in that it does not import animals from different parts of the world but simply takes in creatures that are native to Central America. The various animals and birds that call the Zoo 'home' have not been captured for the sake of display - they have either been previously injured, are pets given up by owners when things got out of hand or have been seized by the government for illegal ownership. We had found out by chance that it is possible to stay within a mile or so of the Zoo, at the Tropical Education Center (see 'Accommodations'), so we had a great opportunity to really enjoy this collection of creatures as well as link up again with two Canadians we had met on Caye Caulker.
In talking to the staff, we found out that we could take a personally-guided Night Tour of the Zoo, with a side-benefit of allowing a free Day tour the next morning. Our night tour was given by one of the curators at the Zoo and starts with their caged snake and insect collection at the entrance building. Then, various flashlights (torches) were distributed and we headed off into the maze of wooded trails leading throughout the zoo (2nd photo). This photo shows one of their American crocs by day (when we came upon the creature at night, we could see its eyes glowing in our lights as it was submerged at the far end of its pond. It was amazing to watch as the curator called out to it with grunting noises and the eyes slowly slid forward. Eventually it reached land and continued out of the water, stopping only when it reached the fence at our feet!).
They have a great collection of big cats (Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots, Margay and others) and many other mammals, birds and insects. The Harpy Eagle (3rd photo) is one of the world's largest and can pluck unsuspecting monkeys, like the Spider Monkeys (4th photo) off the tree tops. We really enjoyed this Zoo experience by both night and day! Leave a Comment Phone: 501-220-8003Directions: On the Western Highway, about half-way between Belize City and Belmopan and where the little used Coastal Highway meets the Western Highway.Website: http://www.belizezoo.org/
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Belize Zoo is, I believe, one of the few Zoo's in the world that look well kept. The animals seem to be kept well.
There are plenty of animals and birds to see in the Zoo, all with fantastic colours and some just plain unusual.
The entrance to the Zoo is 8 US Dollars per person, also included is a map.
There is plenty to see in the Zoo and is well worth a visit, there is a shop on site, so you won't die of thirst.
a MUST if visiting is insect repellent, the mozzies come out in force here and will drain you dry if you don't put on spray. Leave a Comment
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Typically I am not a big fan of zoos: I find them depressing and prison-like! However, this zoo is a refuge for abandoned animals, who could not survive in the wild on their own.
Compared to big-city zoos, the Belize zoo is very small and only contains animals native to Belize. While it was a pleasant way to spend an hour, I would not drive out of my way to see it, unless you are very interested in a close-up view of some native animals. However, it had a very natural feel to it, and I enjoyed my visit quite a bit! Leave a Comment
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The Belize Zoo was the only place in Belize that I saw toucans, howler monkeys, tapirs, ocelots and a jaguar. These animals know how not to be seen in the wild so you may want to stop in at the zoo to get a peak.
A stroll through the zoo will take about 45 minutes to an hour and is a good rest stop on your way to Belmopan or San Ignacio from Belize City on the Western Highway.
The zoo was created when a movie was shot in Belize. At the end of shooting, the animal handler realized that the wild animals that had been gathered for the movie had become partly tame and might not be suitable to return to the wild. I'm not sure I agree with that reasoning. Many of the animals I saw seemed plenty wild, but they are still beautiful to see. Leave a Comment
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The Belize zoo is a most unusual place in that it is for the animals and local people rather than for the tourists. It came about because there was a TV series being considered, and an animal trainer was hired to train the animals. Then the project fell through, so she begged and borrowed funds and established the zoo.
Apparently now, you can join in supporting the zoo by getting a membership or adopting an animal. You can also stay at the zoo overnight. Leave a Comment
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Swing Bridge... not that interesting, but still pretty cool, and a central part of Belize City.
Belice zoo. What animal do you want to see? Leopards? Pumas? Weird looking monkeys that I don't know the name of? Parrots, etc., etc., etc.? They got 'em here.
Though quite a distance from Belize City proper, this is one zoo I wouldn't mind going back to. In fact, there is a closer connection to the animals, as they are allowed to run free throughout the park, coming in close contact with humans on a daily basis. No, not really. But while caged, these animals are more interesting to me than many of the ones found in zoos in the US. I still find any animal interesting. The design of the zoo allows fairly close viewing of the animals, in their well-designed environments.
Old swing bridge that is still in use over Haulover Creek. Leave a Comment Directions: The swing bridge is locate in downtown Belize City. The zoo is about a $40 ride from Belize City. Not close, and pretty steep in price, but the cab driver will like you!Other Contact: Here is the website for the zoo:
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If you are spending anytime in Belize City itself, I suggest that you take a trip to the Belize. For such a small zoo, I was very impressed. This is all of animals here are indigenous to Belize and kept in enclosures that are similar to their natural habitat. A visit here will also provide you with a close up introduction to some of wildlife you will see in Belize but unlikely to actually see in the wild. This is especially the case with the jaguar. These beautiful cats are nocturnal and are seldom seen by tourists. The zoo has three such examples here, one a panther, another a rather old jaguar that has been trained by the zoo director to do the odd trick and finally a young jaguar that has been raised in the zoo after as abandoned by it's mother. Many of the other animals like the harpy eagle and scarlet macaw (which I have seen in the wild in Peru) are extremely rare. Each animal is displayed here with a poetic caption that can approach being insipid.
The Belize Zoo has a cute gift shop where you can by some drinks and snacks but there is no cafeteria. Entry into the zoo was BZ$16.00 and the zoo is open from 8:30am to 5pm daily. Leave a Comment Phone: 8-13004Directions: The zoo is 46k west of Belize City. This means a 45 minute bus trip. Remember to tell the bus attendent of your destination and to wave for the bus to stop on you trip back.Website: http://www.belizezoo.org/
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The Belize Zoo is a very interesting zoo. It's a place to get good close up looks at some of the animals native to Belize that we are not likely to get a look at. The zoo is a key to their conservation efforts. They use it to educate the local people and especially the children about conservation and the importance of birds and wildlife in their country. The settings for the animals and birds are very natural. Leave a Comment
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The belize zoo only features indigenous species. Set in a jungle theme and everything feels and looks at home. The animals are not only very active for a zoo,but active for the summer. Lots of habitat, very impressive Leave a Comment
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Belize Zoo. These piggies really stunk! They decided I was going to feed them, so they all gathered round. Leave a Comment
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