Belize Zoo Day Tour

The Belize Zoo sign on the Western Highway

The Belize Zoo is a popular stop for cruise ship passengers and Western Belize tourists alike. The Zoo is located in between Belize City and Belmopan, and is only a short walk from the highway. It is easily accessible for backpackers traveling by bus, visitors renting cars, and it is a common stop for people heading from Caye Caulker or San Pedro to the Cayo District.

Not your average Zoo.

The entry fee is a bit pricey for non-Belizeans ($30BZE) but the photo opportunities are well worth the price!

The Tapir, the National Mammal of Belize.

The Tapir, or mountain cow is the national Mammal of Belize.

You’ve probably to been to many Zoos, but we highly doubt any are like the experience at the Belize Zoo. The Zoo is home to over 45 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles all native to Belize. All the animals were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated, or sent to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions.

Harpy Eagle at the Belize Zoo.

The Harpy Eagle is the world's largest bird of prey.

American Crocodile at the Belize Zoo.

Grey Fox at the Belize Zoo.

Uniquely, these animals are not kept in cages, but instead enjoy large perimeter nets and fences that enclose the animal’s natural habitat. Although this makes it somewhat difficult to view the nocturnal animals, it ensures a better quality of life, and leaves the visitor with a different perspective of how Zoos can operate.

Belizean Puma.

Puma at the Belize Zoo.

It is amazing to get only inches away from Jaguars, Tapirs, Crocodiles, and the many photogenic birds of Belize. Jaguars are endangered, and please refrain from buying Jaguar teeth, as it supports illegal poaching.

Jaguar at the Belize Zoo.

Belizean Jaguar, the Jaguar is the largest cat in Western Hemisphere.

Jaguar at the Belize Zoo, this picture was worth the entrance fee!

The Belize Zoo is open daily from 8:30 to 5:00, and a stop can be arranged for an additional charge for guests traveling to Lower Dover Jungle Lodge by taxi from the Belize International Airport. Bus riders are also able to stop and go with ease. Holidays aside, the busses run every 30 minutes in both directions between Belize City and Belmopan.