Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Zoo is celebrating World Tapir Day on Saturday with a fun filled day for the entire family. They'll have games, a photo booth, cookie decorating, face painting, and a lot more.

The Belize Zoo's 2nd annual Run for Jaguars will be on Sunday, November 11th at 530am. They'll have a 5K and a 10 mile run. Proceeds go towards helping the zoo take care of their animals.

The Belize Zoo now has a live camera streaming from the white-tailed deer habitat.

'We hope you are enjoying our live streams from the Best Little Zoo In The World.
You can support The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center by becoming a member. https://www.belizezoo.org/membership/
Our Live Cam will stream every day from 9am to 4pm Belize time (GMT-6).'

Video of the day. Jamal from The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center answers some common questions. There are around 45 different species of animals at the zoo. If you're interested in wildlife conservation or the zoo, it's more than worth a watch.

"Coffee with Conservationists kicked off its first ever episode with The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. The zoo, which acts as a sanctuary for the indigenous animals of Belize, had so much to share with us that we’ve created a special part two feature. In this episode, we dig deeper into the behind-the-scenes conservation work that goes beyond the friendly faces of the residents we see when we visit the zoo. To save wildlife, we must save wild habitats. Conservationist Program Manager Jamal Andrewin-Bohn tells us more and shares a message for aspiring conservationists.

To learn more about The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center watch Episode One here: https://youtu.be/kLUYyPW_EEU "

Video of the day.  Episode 1 of Coffee with Conservationists has Jamal Andrewin-Bohn talking about The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center, from its history to its current mission.  Some great footage during the interview.  Worth a watch.

'This first episode focuses on The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Conservation Program Manager Jamal Andrewin-Bohn tells us about their mission, ongoing projects and what its like in a day in the life of the world's best little zoo.'

'In November 2022, the Belize Zoo was devastated by Hurricane Lisa, which made unexpected landfall in Central Belize. Thankfully none of the animals or their caretakers were injured in the storm, but the zoo was closed for almost 7 weeks while they rebuilt damaged exhibits including those for their King Vulture, Jaguars, and Scarlet Macaws. Many of their pathways and exhibit signs were impacted as well. This design is modeled after one of the signs that can be found on the zoo's property.'

The Belize Zoo is opening back up this Saturday. The best little zoo in the world had a lot of help to get back in shape, and Saturday's the day.

'GREAT NEWS! The Belize Zoo is back

The BTB made a short video to recognize Sharon Matola at the 2022 Belize Tourism Awards.  Worth a watch.  

'Sharon Matola, founder of the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (BZTEC), was also posthumously recognized at the National Tourism Awards. We honor her legacy, achievements, and contributions to tourism and conservation in Belize. Mr. Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, Conservation Program Manager at BZTEC received the award on her behalf.'

Belize has a new protected area: the Sharon Matola Wildlife Sanctuary.  The 2600 acres were officially declared a protected area on June 3rd.  Great to see more land in the corridor being protected.

"This protected area, which will encompass more than 2,600 acres of land around TBZTEC, was officially declared during the June 3rd sitting of the House of Representatives, and further endorsed by Government of Belize officials during a celebration at the Zoo later that day.

CNN published an article about the Maya Forest Corridor in Belize, which is instrumental for Jaguar migration.  Worth a read.  

"In an attempt to avert this catastrophe, a number of conservation organizations -- including Runaway Creek Nature Reserve, Panthera, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize Zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society and re:wild -- joined forces to protect one essential slice of land within the jaguar's geographic range: the Maya Forest Corridor. The relatively small area -- less than six miles wide and covering 90,000 acres -- has outsized consequences for South America's biggest cat."

The Belize Zoo had their annual Boo at the Zoo, and this year it was virtual.  Great job, Color Blind Multimedia!

"Join us for an evening tour of the Belize Zoo and meet some species of wildlife that are popular in Belizean culture and folklore, but are also sometimes feared and misunderstood. We highlight these spooky, yet special species to promote understanding and appreciation of Belize's natural heritage.

This virtual edition of "Boo at the Zoo" was filmed and produced by Color Blind Multimedia Productions Limited."

Junior Buddy is pictured on the 14th edition of Biology.   The author of the book wrote an article the really captures the essence of what the Belize Zoo is all about.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRURxrjh1Ij/

"But before I get to what happened that day, it is important that you understand that the Belize Zoo is anything but a zoo. It is the epicenter of the passion the Belizeans have in preserving the natural wonders of their country. Founded almost 40 years ago by Sharon Matola, a woman whose dedication to conservation and education was an inspiration to all who met her, it has grown to become one of the primary centers of jaguar rehabilitation, conservation, and most importantly, education, in Central America. And as far as I am concerned, the world.

My first encounter with a jaguar happened late in the day on my first trip to the Zoo...  There, on a tree branch, barely 20 yards away, was one of the most magnificent animals I have ever seen.  His name was Junior Buddy, and he was, and in my mind always will be, the flagship ambassador of the jaguar conservation project at the Zoo. Junior Buddy was completely uninterested in what was happening on my side of the fence, but as I approached he gently turned his head in my direction, and stared, unblinking, into my eyes."

The Belize Zoo's 2023 Conservation Camp has finished. They hosted 25 Belizean youths this year, and they got to learn all about conservation and the local animals, along with seeing some of the sights. A huge thanks to all of the organizations that came together to offer this experience to the youths.

Video of the month. The Belize Zoo celebrated its 40th anniversary this month, and Carol Foster and Danny Velazquez put together a great documentary about it. It's voiced by Gwen Galvez, who's big in the Cayo music scene. Happy 40th, and here's to many more.

The Belize Zoo is planning a bash for Earth Day, and they'll open Rose the Croc's new habitat. Rose is all grown up, and now has a place all her own. It'll happen on Saturday the 22nd.

'Rose the Crocodile's new habitat is almost complete, and we're thrilled to announce it will be open to the public next Saturday April 22nd on Earth Day!
As we begin the countdown, we invite those who have had the honour of meeting Rose in her formative years, and have photos of these once in a lifetime encounters, to share them with us to be included in a special collage that will be displayed at her new home. Email your photos to education@belizezoo.org, and come and join us next Saturday at the Zoo!'

The Belize Zoo is having a Valentine’s Day Photobooth fundraiser from Saturday through Tuesday.

'Celebrate your love by taking a photo with your valentine or sending them a personal message featuring Ranger the Scarlet Macaw! All proceeds of the photo-booth will go towards the improvement of the Scarlet Macaw Habitat. 

Contact frontdesk@belizezoo.org or +501 613-4966 to book'

'After learning of the devastation caused by Hurricane Lisa at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, lecturers and students at Sacred Heart Junior College mobilized to assist with the cleanup initiatives at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center.'