Iguana Reef Inn - Caye Caulker, Belize

Belize Zoo

On the return trip from a 2-day getaway in the Cayo District we decided to stop off at the Belize Zoo to stretch our legs and check out the latest denizens. It was a pleasant respite after an hour of driving on the western highway. The zoo, started in 1983 with just 17 animals leftover from the filming of a documentary, is now home to over 100 animals that are indigenous to Belize ... many of which are on the endangered list. What's unique about the Belize Zoo is the fact that you are experiencing the animals in the wild. The zoo was constructed by building the enclosures around the existing landscape instead of landscaping around the enclosures. Furthermore, the enclosures are just wire fences and they are the only barrier between you and the animals. You can actually touch the animals, but of course this is not permitted. It's perfect for getting close-up photographs of the animals, assuming they're in the mood to pose of course.

Here's a list of some of the animals we saw ...

• Vulture (big, ugly bird)

• White-tailed Deer (looks like any other deer)

• Spider monkey (always showing off)

• Keel-billed Toucan (pictured right, lucky enough to catch him, or her, feeding)

• Hawk-Eagle (impressive bird)

• Ocelot (pictured below left, just slowed down enough for a photo)

• White Lipped Peccary (mean little pigs)

• Puma (sleeping, like most cats in the daytime)

• Collared Peccary (more mean pigs)

  

• Howler Monkey (could barely see them high in the trees)

• Jaguar(another sleeping cat)

• Otter (impressive backstroke)

• Margay (cute little kitty asleep in a tree)

• Jabiru Stork (pictured below, supermodel material: tall, slender, good poser)

• Crocodile (sleeping like a log, looks like a log also)

• Tapir (national animal of Belize)

• Yellow-Headed Parrots (didn't say a word)

• Barn Owls (they looked like owls)

• Coatimundi (had its nose in everything)

It's a tiny zoo, with only about 35 exhibits, so it only takes about an hour to stroll through and see all of the animals. If you're in the area (mile 29 on the Western Highway), or even if you're not in the area, it's worth adding to your itinerary while you're in Belize. The zoo is open every day except major holidays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Former guests of the Inn, Andy and Lindsay, say it's great to get there shortly after opening time because you'll be fortunate enough to see a number of critters outside of the cages - but don't worry, they're harmless. There's just a nominal admission fee of $7.50 US, a worthwhile contribution. For further information you can call them a 501-081-3004 or send them an e-mail at belizezoo@btl.net.