Belize Zoo Tour and Blue Hole Cenote

If you're looking for a fun and educational day trip from Hopkins or Placencia, a visit to the Belize Zoo is a must! This zoo is home to over 170 animals and is a great way to get up close and personal with some of Belize's most iconic wildlife. The Belize Zoo was founded in 1983 as a sanctuary for animals that had been orphaned, rescued, or donated from other zoos. Unlike many traditional zoos, the animals at the Belize Zoo are all native to Belize, and the focus is on conservation and education rather than entertainment. One of the highlights of the Belize Zoo is the opportunity to see Belize's big cats up close. The zoo is home to jaguars, ocelots, and pumas, and visitors can watch them lounging in the shade or prowling around their enclosures. There are also plenty of birds to see, including colorful toucans, parrots, and macaws.But the Belize Zoo isn't just about big cats and birds. You can also see monkeys, tapirs, crocodiles, and even a few snakes. One of the most popular exhibits is the harpy eagle, one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. The Belize Zoo is home to a breeding pair of these magnificent birds, and visitors can watch them swooping through the trees and perching on their branches. The zoo offers a range of tours and experiences, from basic admission to private tours with a zookeeper. The most popular tour is the "Jungle Experience," which takes visitors on a guided tour of the zoo and includes a close encounter with a jaguar. You'll have the opportunity to pet and feed the jaguar (under close supervision, of course!), and learn all about these incredible animals from the zookeepers. If you're traveling with kids, the Belize Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours. There are plenty of educational exhibits and activities designed specifically for children, including a petting zoo and a playground.