The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center

The Belize Zoo is situated at mile 29 on the Western Highway, about an hour drive from Belize City.  It opens daily from 8am - 5pm and a small fee is required.  All the animals at the zoo are native to Belize and are either orphaned, rehabilitated , born at the zoo or were sent as gifts from other institutions.

The zoo has over 25 acres of tropical savannah and displays over 100 animals, over 500 species of bird, and over 125 species of reptiles, all kept in their natural habitat.

A special event at the zoo is April the Tapir's birthday.  The tapir, or mountain cow, is the national animal of Belize.  April the tapir celebrates her birthday in the month of April, and on that day visitors and students are invited to sing and wish her "happy birthday", while she eats her  special cake decorated with hibiscus flowers.