Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center
The Belize Zoo is a small non-profit zoo that serves as a home to orphaned, injured, and rehabilitated animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Founded in 1983, the zoo has played an important educational role – it has taught both local residents and tourists about native Belize wildlife and the critical role these animals play in the ecosystem.
Belize has approximately 145 different species of mammal, but many of these are nocturnal, making them difficult to spot in the wild. The zoo offers the chance to see these up close without having to trek through the jungle in the middle of the night. Large cats including pumas, cougars, jaguars, and ocelots all live at the zoo. You’ll also get to meet black howler monkeys, and Belize’s national animal, the tapir. The zoo also has some beautiful bird exhibits. Colorful toucans, scarlet macaws, and egrets are just a few of the species on display. As a non-profit that depends on donations and volunteers, the zoo does a commendable job of maintaining the exhibits and bringing the animals back to health.
It takes about one to two hours to thoroughly tour the Belize Zoo. There is also a small gift shop and restaurant on site. The entrance fee is $15, and the zoo has a strict camera policy. No tripods or professional-grade DSLR cameras are allowed. For an extra fee, you can participate in a close encounters program and get up close to tapirs, baby crocodiles, and toucans. During these programs, visitors are allowed to take pictures.
The Belize Zoo is located right on the Western Highway about halfway between Belize City and Belmopan, and is a 45-minute drive from the center of Belize City.
Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Family Time in Belize!
Embark on an affordable family adventure that swaps bustling city life for Belize’s wild blend of jungle mist, ancient stone, and turquoise coastal waters. From the hills near Cahal Pech you’ll ride to Xunantunich, dive behind a hidden waterfall on a pontoon tour, then sail to a sun‑kissed island for half‑day snorkeling. Friendly local guides share Maya legends and marine lore, letting your family soak up warm hospitality while creating memories of sunrise rides, cascading water mist, and colorful coral playgrounds.
Belize
A Tropical Treat for the Family
Fun in the sun and epic adventures combine to create the perfect family getaway when you choose this Signature Trip to beautiful Belize.
Belize
Experiences in Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center
Explore hand-picked Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Ambergris Caye
Cave Tubing and Belize Zoo
Tour
Belize City
Cave Tubing and Belize Zoo (GM)
Tour
Placencia
Amazing Cave Tubing and Belize Zoo
Tour
San Ignacio
Belize Zoo and Baboon Santuary (GM)
Tour
Where to stay in Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Blancaneaux Lodge
This Francis Ford Coppola-owned property is luxurious to the last detail. The resort is certainly not rustic, though nestled in the lush vegetation of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, it gets the best of both nature and human ingenuity.
Flora & fauna in Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
Baird's Tapir
Flora & Fauna
Coati
Flora & Fauna
Jaguar
Flora & Fauna
Scarlet Macaw
Flora & Fauna
Spider Monkey
Flora & Fauna
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
