The Belize Zoo

We went on a field trip with the school where the volunteers work to the Belize Zoo. The zoo only houses animals that are native to Belize. The animals are rescued, removed from homes that aren't licensed to have exotic pets, and donated by other zoos. We loved the excitement of the elementary school students as they ran around the zoo. These boys didn't want to leave the bush dog exhibit.

The zoo has 14 jaguars and a black jaguar that they rescued from a resort in Mexico. When they first got him, he was only 100 pounds and was close to starvation. To earn money for his food, they taught him to high five tourists. The money earned by his trick goes towards more food and improvements to his habitat.

Several times at the zoo we found ourselves saying, "this would never be allowed in the United States." The tapir exhibit was one such instance. The animals come right up to the fence so you can pet and feed them. They are very friendly, but they do have large teeth.

Another favorite: an albino coatimundi or gato feo as they are called in Panama.