Belize Zoo — Zoo in Belize City

Belize Zoo and its collection

Belize Zoo, opened in 1983, is a zoo in Belize City, Belize.

The site covers 12 hectares, or 29 acres, and holds more than 175 animals of roughly 48 species, all of them native to Belize. Native vegetation has been left standing across the grounds, cut only by gravel paths.

History

The zoo grew out of a 1983 documentary shoot, Selva Verde, led by the cinematographer Richard Foster, which Sharon Matola joined as a helper and as keeper of the film's animals. When the money ran out at the end of filming, the fate of the tamed animals was left in dispute. It started that same year, with Matola credited as its founder.

Animals and collection

The collection includes the Baird's tapir, the national animal of Belize, along with all five cat species found in the country.

What the venue says

• The Harpy Cafe has a full menu, all-day breakfast, drinks, and an assortment of pastries and desserts baked daily.
• The Belize Zoo has a large parking lot, a picnic area, and a small children’s playground.
• The Belize Zoo is the first and only nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. All our pathways allow for use by wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.
• We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for complementary use. An accessible bathroom facility is also available on site.