COVID-19 Gold Standard Certified

Both the Zoo and Tropical Education Center are now approved under the Belize Tourism Board's Gold Standard Program. All the protocols and safety measures we have implemented to qualify now enable us to host international and local visitors

Please note we are now open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm

We also offer Guided Tour by Appointment. Kindly contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +501-613-4966 or +501-613-4ZOO for more details!

Visitors interested in staying at the TEC can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +501-613-1832 or +501-613-1TEC

Thank you for all your interest and support of "The Best Little Zoo In The World."

Before traveling to Belize, please be sure to download the Travel Health App to avoid any delays during entry.

The Belize Zoo was started in 1983 by Sharon Matola, as a last-ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of wild animals which had been used in making documentary films about tropical forests.

Shortly after the backyard "zoo" began, it was quickly realized that its Belizean visitors were unfamiliar with the different species of wildlife which shared their country. This very aspect fomented the commitment to develop the little zoo into a dynamic wildlife education center.

Today, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center exhibits over 200 animals, representing over 45 native species. The Zoo keeps animals that were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions.

The Belize Zoo has become the first nature destination in Belize that is fully accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on wildlife conservation through wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.

A visit to the Zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the animals of Belize and to understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them.

The Tropical Education Center, aka the "Belize Zoo Lodge," was established in 1991. The TEC is the other half of the organization, and provides a variety of accommodations and on-site outdoor activities on an 84 acre property of lowland savanna and transitional forest across the highway from the Zoo.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center believes that by bringing the people of Belize closer to the animals which are their natural heritage, they will feel proud of these special resources, and want to protect them for future generations.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center received over 86,000 visitors in 2019, 13,000 being Belizean students, parents, and teachers, as part of the progressive education programs, and popular Zoo events including National Tapir Day; World Croc Day; Boo at the Zoo; birthday celebrations for Panama the Harpy Eagle; Conservation Camp; teacher and tour guide workshops; and high school student career training.