Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Zoo gets a superb mention on Yahoo.  It is the best little zoo in the world.  The Tropical Education Center gets the thumbs up too.  The last sentence nails it: "A central theme is that if we were all more attentive and practiced better conservation methods, perhaps zoos would not be necessary."

"But if you find yourself in Belize, I would encourage you to seek out the Belize Zoo.  It advertises itself as the "Best Little Zoo in the World."  Whether that's true or not, the claim is certainly not without merit...

Exotic animals abound, more than 150 in total, all indigenous to Belize.  Brightly colored reptiles and amphibians are showcased along with their more camouflaged kin.  Blue frogs and red hued snakes lurk silently behind glass, while crocodiles lay almost lifeless in pools of water.  And, new species are still being discovered annually...

As for the mammals, the large cats are definitely must sees.  Ocelots to jaguars are showcased.  I learned that a black panther was just the latter with a pigmentation disorder.  Tapirs and Howler monkeys may be less dangerous, but no less exotic.  It's quickly apparent on how close you can actually get to the animals.  Although secure, tourists' views are not hampered by moats or other large separation obstacles."