The Best Little Zoo in the World: The Belize Zoo
Moving from ancient history to modern conservation, The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is a national treasure that redefines what a zoo can be.
History and “The Backyard Zoo”
Founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, the zoo started by accident. After a documentary film crew left Belize, Sharon was left with a collection of “tame” native animals that could no longer survive in the wild. Rather than see them euthanized, she started a “backyard zoo” to teach Belizeans about the incredible wildlife in their own backyard.
Why It Is Important: “The Best Little Zoo”
- Native Only: You will never see a lion or a tiger here. The zoo only houses animals native to Belize.
- Rescue First: Every animal is a rescue, an orphan, or was born at the zoo. No animal is ever taken from the wild for display.
- Accessibility: It is the first nature destination in Belize to be fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities.
- Visitor Statistics: It is a powerhouse of education, welcoming over 68,000 visitors annually, including over 15,000 Belizean students for free or subsidized trips.
