The Belize Zoo. Animal Kingdom
- DH
- Jan 6, 2019
- 2 min read
The Jungle Book. Yeah. Walking through the Belize Zoo is almost like being Mowgli in the Jungle Book. It feels as though you have been placed in the middle of the jungle and animals can touch you with ease. There is a sense of wonder and vulnerability. You’re definitely in a zoo but you feel as though you are in their “house.” Giant iguanas lay in the trees that canopy around you. Chain linked fences, mostly, come to chest height. It’s magic, man.
Getting there: Driving is your best option. The Belize Zoo is about 1 hour from Belize City and 1 hour from Belmopan. To the uninitiated, you feel like the only indication of the zoo’s location is their entrance sign by the road. There is no obvious “approaching” sign or lengthy detour. So, keep watch lol
Cost: Super cheap for Belizeans. Affordable for non-Belizeans.
$15 US for Foreign Adults, $5 US for Foreign Children
Here are some quick facts and my experience:
The Belize Zoo’s animals are mostly rescues. These animals were found or saved and brought to the zoo to be rehabilitated.
Fun Fact: Tapirs (pictured above) are a related to the horse and the rhino.
Each animal has their story posted near their enclosure for you to learn their history. Frankly, a bunch of the stories are sad AF. However, the stories are written in rhymes and fun, quirky schemes. You will remember them.
The enclosures are pretty open. You are safe at all times but you will feel aware of the animals’ proximity to you. Especially those animals that have sharp teeth.
If you have a few coins, you can arrange a “meet and greets” and take pictures with some of the animals.
Go to the gift shop. It has a sampling of everything – very cute coloring books, paintings of the animals, jewelry and jewelry boxes, even local liquor. Stop in. Get some snacks and cute stuff.
You could find the liquor at the Belizean airport but it will be a few dollars higher.
Restrooms are separate from the zoo. It is in the parking lot area prior to entering the zoo. Use it before you enter and when you exit. The Belize Zoo is miles from cities in either direction.
It is wheelchair accessible and the paths are large enough for supports. The zoo is a comfortable walk. There are benches and lookout areas along your path.
Overall: If you don’t like the zoo before this visit, you will after this visit. Well, I hope you will, dammit. Being this close to the animals and in such a gorgeous environment make for a memorable experience.
As you can tell, I like the Belize Zoo… #unapologetic.
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