The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been part of a natural history documentary. When filming was completed, she was left with these animals and decided to start a zoo.

Sharon and her team spent the next four decades transforming the backyard zoo into a world-renowned wildlife education center where visitors connected with Belize’s unique natural heritage: the animals.

In keeping with its origins, all the animals at The Belize Zoo are rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade by law enforcement, transferred from other rehab facilities, or born here. The habitats designed for the animals reflect natural settings, and provide an immersive educational experience for visitors.

Today, TBZTEC cares for more than 160 animals representing 43 native species, and employs over 40 Belizeans. Over 43,000 people visit the Zoo annually. It remains the first and only nature destination in Belize that is accessible to persons with physical disabilities.