The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center

The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center serves as a stronghold for Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Education in Belize
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The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center has been recognized worldwide for its achievements in environmental education and its fascinating zoological facility and continues to play a leading national role in wildlife and habitat conservation. Started in 1983 by environmentalist Sharon Matola, TBZ was a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of 17 wild animals that had been used i

n making a documentary film about tropical forests. Rather than releasing the now "tame" animals into the wild for certain death or have them put to sleep, Matola turned their holding pens into a makeshift zoo. Later in 1991, through generous local and foreign support, the makeshift zoo was re-dedicated as The Belize Zoo, making it the first zoological facility in Belize. Today, The Belize Zoo has evolved to house over 175 native animals and receives more than 86,000 visitors annually. 13,000 of which are Belizean students, teachers and parents who visit on educational field trips. In 2014, TBZ became the first and only nature destination in Belize accessible to persons with physical disabilities; we are wheelchair, stroller, and walker friendly! The animals at the Zoo each have a unique story. All Zoo "residents" were once pets; donated to the Zoo; rescues found injured, abandoned or orphaned and brought in for rehabilitation; or born at the Zoo. The Belize Zoo receives no financial support from the Government of Belize, and generates funding to care for its residents through admission fees, giftshop and cafe sales, accommodations, tours, donations, grants, and adoption and membership programs.

13/08/2026

We asked our visitors to leave a note for their favorite animal…and we read the notes to them! ❤️

A stay at the Tropical Education Center lets you experience the magic of the Neotropics, day and night. Watch your surro...
11/08/2026

A stay at the Tropical Education Center lets you experience the magic of the Neotropics, day and night.

Watch your surroundings transform as the sun sets, listen to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife, and unwind in cozy accommodations surrounded by nature.

For more information, or to book your stay, email [email protected], or contact +501-613-1832 via WhatsApp.

Last week, we welcomed 25 campers from across all districts of Belize for this year’s Conservation Camp at the Tropical ...
05/08/2026

Last week, we welcomed 25 campers from across all districts of Belize for this year’s Conservation Camp at the Tropical Education Center!

Throughout the week, campers explored themes such as empathy for wildlife, nature-based solutions, biomimicry, and the inquiry method, while building connections with nature and each other.

This year was also bittersweet as we said goodbye to a few campers who have joined us for consecutive camps and are now old enough to move on. We are so proud of the young conservationists they have become and look forward to seeing where their journeys lead. 💚

A special thank you to Caves Branch Botanical Garden, Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, Belize Inland Tours, and Raquel-ART, and for supporting this year’s camp.

It was an absolute joy to watch these young minds learn, grow, and be inspired by the natural world. See you all for Zoo Camp 2027!

The Belize Zoo is OPEN today for Emancipation Day! 🇧🇿Looking for something fun to do? Come spend the day with Belize’s i...
01/08/2026

The Belize Zoo is OPEN today for Emancipation Day! 🇧🇿

Looking for something fun to do? Come spend the day with Belize’s incredible wildlife! 🐆🌿

Closing at 4:30 PM, last admission at 3:30 PM

We can’t wait to welcome you! 💚

The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Wildlife Field Technician to...
30/07/2026

The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Wildlife Field Technician to join its Road Ecology Project. This one-year position, with the possibility of extension, will support the implementation of a wildlife road mortality monitoring program through field surveys, data collection, and community outreach.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual passionate about wildlife conservation and applied field research to contribute to improving road safety for both wildlife and people across Belize.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Full job description at: https://www.belizezoo.org/careers/

Interested applicants must submit: Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV), copies of relevant academic qualifications, Copy of valid driver’s license, copy of Police Record, not older than 6 months and contact information for two professional references

Email to [email protected]
Deadline: Friday, August 14th, 2026

YOU ASKED… WE LISTENED! The response to our Belize Zoo at Night Summer Special has been incredible, so we’ve expanded th...
29/07/2026

YOU ASKED… WE LISTENED!

The response to our Belize Zoo at Night Summer Special has been incredible, so we’ve expanded the offer.

Now available EVERY NIGHT from July 27 – September 26, 2026! Yes… EVERY NIGHT!

Bring even more friends! Groups can now include up to 10 guests, with each additional guest just BZ$25.

Advance reservations are required.

Email [email protected] or WhatsApp +501 613-4966 to book your adventure.

We’re so excited to welcome Belizeans and residents over the coming months for an unforgettable night at the Zoo. 🌙🐆

Spaces are filling up quickly, reserve your tour as soon as possible!

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is pleased to announce Ms. Jada Daly of Belize City as the fourth ...
27/07/2026

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is pleased to announce Ms. Jada Daly of Belize City as the fourth recipient of the Sharon Matola Conservation Scholarship.

A recent graduate of Sacred Heart Junior College, Jada will begin her undergraduate studies in Environmental Science at Galen University this September. She was selected through a competitive application process that evaluated academic achievement, leadership, conservation commitment, extracurricular involvement, professional potential, and financial need.

Throughout her academic journey, Jada has demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. She founded and served as President of the Environmental Science Club at Sacred Heart Junior College, participated in Hicatee conservation outreach, became a certified Wildlife Ambassador through the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic, and completed field experience with MarAlliance. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the protection and sustainable management of Belize’s biodiversity through research, education, advocacy, and community collaboration.

Established in memory of Sharon Matola, founder of the Belize Zoo, the Sharon Matola Conservation Scholarship honors her legacy by providing up to BZ$10,000.00 in tuition support to young Belizean women pursuing undergraduate studies in the natural sciences, helping to develop the next generation of conservation leaders. Funding for the scholarship is made possible through proceeds from the Belize Zoo’s biennial Wild Tales Dinner, together with generous donations from Sharon Matola’s close friends and supporters. Their continued generosity ensures that Sharon’s vision lives on by investing in young Belizeans who will help shape the future of conservation in Belize.

The Belize Zoo extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jada Daly and wishes her every success as she embarks on the next chapter of her academic and conservation journey.

THE BELIZE ZOO AT NIGHT 🌙 SUMMER SPECIAL FOR LOCALSEver wondered what happens at the zoo after dark?Experience the Beliz...
25/07/2026

THE BELIZE ZOO AT NIGHT 🌙 SUMMER SPECIAL FOR LOCALS

Ever wondered what happens at the zoo after dark?

Experience the Belize Zoo at Night, where you’ll step into a nocturnal jungle and witness the incredible wildlife that comes alive when the sun goes down. From fascinating adaptations to the sights and sounds of nature at night, it’s a wild adventure unlike any other.

🎟 Special Summer Rate: Only BZ$150 per group (up to 5 persons)

Limited-time offer with limited availability! Reserve your spot today before spaces fill up.

Contact us via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp/Text: +501 613-4966 to book.

21/07/2026

How did we do? 😆 Let us know which impression was the best in the comments.

20/07/2026

Zookeepers may work in different parts of the world, but they all share the same passion: providing exceptional care for animals they love.

For Zookeeper Appreciation week, we’re excited to team up with Palm Beach Zoo to celebrate our zookeepers!

Happy Zookeeper Appreciation Week to all the incredible keepers making a difference everyday.

Address

Mile 29 George Price Highway
Ladyville

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00
Thursday 08:30 - 17:00
Friday 08:30 - 17:00
Saturday 08:30 - 17:00
Sunday 08:30 - 16:30

Telephone

+5016134966

Website

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