{"data":{"guides":[{"coverColor":"#000000","coverImage":"https://imgix.smartparks.co/uploads/guides/cover_images/11_556dbaa4_4ec2_4b79_aac4_b1043758333a_Guides__png_original.png?auto=format&w=1900&v=63875687558","coverTextColor":"#FFFFFF","description":"

Presented by Belizing.com

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Belizing.com

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Welcome to ‘Rescue Tales: A Guided Journey Through the Zoo’s Remarkable Animal Stories.’ Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we delve into the heartwarming narratives of our beloved zoo inhabitants. Each creature has a story to tell, a journey of resilience, survival, and redemption. Join us as we explore the remarkable transformations of animals who found sanctuary within our walls, their tales serving as a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring bond between humans and wildlife. Let their stories inspire and ignite your passion for conservation as we embark on this unforgettable journey together.

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Chiqui the Jaguar

It’s me! Chiqui the Jaguar with a story to share. \nI was found drowning and dying and gasping for air! \nBut luck came my way on that bleak, frightful day. \nI was rescued! Happy me! and now you can see Belize jaguars are special.\nProtect and respect us for eternity.

Description

The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is a powerful big cat with a distinctive golden-yellow coat and dark rosette markings. Native to various ecosystems in Belize, including rainforests and savannas, these felines are apex predators.

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Learn more about adopting an animal here: How To Adopt An Animal

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Martin the Jaguar

My name is Martin. I was raised as a resort attraction. When i was abandoned the zoo rescued me.\nI am a reminder that wildlife aren’t pets or toys. Since I was raised by humans I could not be put back into the wild, so here I live happily teaching guests about my species.

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Edgar Hill the Jaguar

My name is Edgar Hill\nI was brought to the zoo after scavenging at a dump site. Can you see why? it’s a lot easier than hunting when you only have 1 eγε.\nI lost one eye to glaucoma here at the zoo, I don’t need to hunt or scavenge! Now. The villagers who reported me feel safe and I do too!

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Lindo the Jaguar

I am lindo!\nI used to hunt livestock in blue creek. My canines were broken so catching wild prey was bleak. I was brought to the zoo and ended my days as a thief.\nLife is easier here there’s lots of chicken beef.\nIf you value your paws keep them out.

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Neotropical River Otter

Description

The Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis) is a medium-sized aquatic mammal with a sleek, dark brown coat. Native to Belize, these otters are well-adapted to freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Lontra longicaudis
Habitat: Inhabits various freshwater habitats in Belize, showcasing adaptability to both flowing and still waters.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and small mammals; adept swimmers and skilled hunters.
Behavior: Social and diurnal; often seen in family groups; conservation efforts aim to protect their aquatic habitats in Belize.

Fun Facts

They are skilled swimmers and can stay underwater for over five minutes. They do this by lowering their heart rate to use less oxygen.
They use rocks as “tools” to break open carpaces and shells of their prey.
Otters are playful creatures, they love to play with rocks!

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Tambo the Tapir

I’m Tambo the Tapir. Here’s my story for you!\nMy mom was shot! but I was saved by the Zoo.

Description

The Central American Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is a large herbivorous mammal with a distinct appearance, characterized by a stout build and a flexible, elongated snout. Native to various habitats in Belize, including forests and grasslands.

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Sparks the Central American Tapir

My name is Sparks, I am the youngest of the “Tapir Troop.” Fuego & Navidad are my parents. My fans helped to choose my name since Fuego(Fire) gives off sparks, it was a great fit! Now my job is to spark joy in everyone I meet & teach visitors to protect my species. The magnificent “Moutain Cow”

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Learn more about adopting an animal here: How To Adopt An Animal

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Navidad the Tapir

My name is Navidad! I was rescued in 2005 around Christmas as my name implies. I was a tiny tapir calf with spots and stripes and was brought to the zoo after being kept illegally as a pet. Now, I’m all grown up and have had tiny tapirs of my own. My sons are Marchismo and Sparks and we are all proud members of the TBZ Tapir Troop!

Want to Adopt Me?

Learn more about adopting an animal here: How To Adopt An Animal

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Fuego the Tapir

My name is Fuego!\nI have a story for you… \nBecause of the forest fires, I ended up at the zoo. I also lost my mom; which made me sad. But then I met Navidad!\nShe and I have a son. His name is Sparks, and he is #1. \nOur Tapir Family would like to say “NO MORE FUEGOS!!!”\nDON’T LET OUR FORESTS BURN AWAY!

Want to Adopt Me?

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Presented by: Belizing.com

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Belizing.com

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King Vulture

Description

The King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large, striking bird with vibrant multicolored plumage and a distinctive fleshy caruncle on its head. Native to various habitats in Belize, including forests and open areas.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Sarcoramphus papa
Habitat: Inhabits diverse environments in Belize, showcasing adaptability to different landscapes.
Diet: Scavengers, feeding on carrion; contribute to ecosystem health by aiding in the decomposition process.
Behavior: Often seen soaring high in the sky; their unique appearance and scavenging behavior play a vital role in Belize’s ecological balance.

Fun Facts

Vultures in the Neotropics can stay cool using a unique (and gross) technique called urohidrosis; they pee and poop down their legs to keep cool!
The bright fold of skin on their face is called a caruncle. Scientists are still trying to figure out its function
Unlike most raptors, male and female king vultures are roughly the same size
King vultures take up to 6 years to fully mature. Young king vultures are all black, and slowly gain their adult white feathers over time.

Belize Zoo Trivia

At the Zoo, our Royal Family consists of Rex, Sally, Perfecto, Milagro, and Max\nRex is the oldest animal at Zoo; he is 40 years old!

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Scarlet Macaw

Description

The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) is a large, vibrantly colored parrot with striking red, blue, and yellow plumage. Native to Belize, these social birds are known for their intelligence, loud calls, and strong mate bonds.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Ara macao
Habitat: Thrives in the tropical rainforests of Belize, adapting to diverse ecosystems.
Diet: Omnivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally insects; important for seed dispersal.
Behavior: Social and highly vocal; form strong pair bonds; conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats and addressing threats to their populations in Belize.

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Red-Lored Parrot

Description

The Red-Lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis) is a medium-sized parrot with a predominantly green plumage and distinctive red markings on its face. Native to Belize, these social and vocal birds are known for their vibrant colors.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Amazona autumnalis
Habitat: Thrives in various habitats in Belize, including tropical rainforests and wooded areas.
Diet: Omnivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally insects; contribute to seed dispersal.
Behavior: Social and vocal; form strong pair bonds; conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats and addressing threats to their populations in Belize.

White-Fronted Parrot

Description

The White-Fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons) is a medium-sized parrot with predominantly green plumage and a distinctive white patch on its forehead. Native to Belize, these social and intelligent birds are known for their engaging behaviors.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Amazona albifrons
Habitat: Thrives in various habitats in Belize, including tropical rainforests and wooded areas.
Diet: Omnivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally flowers; contribute to seed dispersal.
Behavior: Social and often seen in flocks; adept at mimicry and vocalizations; face threats from habitat loss, prompting conservation efforts in Belize.

White-Fronted Parrot

Description

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Amazona albifrons
Habitat: Thrives in various habitats in Belize, including tropical rainforests and wooded areas.
Diet: Omnivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally flowers; contribute to seed dispersal.
Behavior: Social and often seen in flocks; adept at mimicry and vocalizations; face threats from habitat loss, prompting conservation efforts in Belize.

Mealy Parrot

Description

The Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) is a large parrot with a predominantly green plumage and a distinctive whitish or blueish cast. Native to Belize, these social and vocal birds are known for their impressive size and striking appearance.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Amazona farinosa
Habitat: Thrives in various habitats in Belize, including tropical rainforests and wooded areas.
Diet: Omnivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally flowers; play a role in seed dispersal.
Behavior: Social and often seen in flocks; excellent mimics with strong vocalizations; conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats in Belize.

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Bat Falcon

Description

The Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) is a small raptor with distinctive black and white plumage and a falcon-like appearance. Native to Belize, these agile birds of prey are known for their swift flight and hunting skills.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Falco rufigularis
Habitat: Inhabits various environments in Belize, including forests, savannas, and open landscapes.
Diet: Carnivores, preying on bats, birds, and insects; known for their specialized hunting techniques.
Behavior: Excellent fliers, often observed perched at vantage points before making rapid aerial pursuits; contribute to the control of insect and small vertebrate populations in Belize.

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Mottled Owl

Description

The Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) is a medium-sized owl with a mottled brown and white plumage. Native to Belize, these nocturnal birds are recognized for their haunting calls and adaptability to various habitats.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Ciccaba virgata
Habitat: Inhabits a range of environments in Belize, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects; nocturnal hunting behavior.
Behavior: Nocturnal and solitary; known for their cryptic plumage and distinctive vocalizations during the night in Belize.
Biology: Wing Span of 8-11 inches, and has a 10 years or more lifespan.

Fun Facts

Like many owls, female mottled owls are significantly larger than the males
They Have facial disks that act as satellites that pick up the slightest sound

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Spectacled Owl

Description

The Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata) is a large owl with distinctive facial markings resembling “spectacles.” Native to Belize, these nocturnal birds are recognized for their dark plumage and unique appearance.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Pulsatrix perspicillata
Habitat: Inhabits various forested habitats in Belize, including rainforests and woodlands.
Diet: Carnivores, feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles; silent hunters with keen vision and hearing.
Behavior: Nocturnal and solitary; known for their haunting vocalizations; their presence indicates the health of forested ecosystems in Belize.

Fun Facts

At the Belize Zoo we have Hoodwink the Spectacled Owl. He is quite charming and elegant if you take a good look at him.
He loves to have chit chats with his keeper in the evenings when it’s time for dinner.
He is one of the wonderful highlights of the “Belize Zoo at Night!” experience.

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Harpy Eagle

Description

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a majestic, large bird of prey with striking black and white plumage. Native to the forests of Belize, these eagles are known for their powerful build and distinctive crested appearance.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Harpia harpyja
Habitat: Inhabits the forests of Belize, demonstrating adaptability to various ecosystems.
Diet: Apex predators, feeding on large mammals and birds; play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
Behavior: Solitary and territorial, with exceptional hunting skills; their presence signifies a healthy forest ecosystem in Belize.\nFun Facts

Female harpies are up to 40% larger than males; they weigh up to 20 lbs

Harpies build their nests in the crowns and largest branches of emergent trees. Their nests can measure up to 5ft in diameter

The harpy eagle is named after the creature in ancient mythology which had the body and talons of a bird and the face of a woman. They were portrayed in various cultures as personification of storm winds, agents of the gods, and punishers/avengers

Their impressive wingspan is still relatively short for their size and body weight, which is an adaptation to a life maneuvering close-growing branches and vines etc in the forest canopy

Belize Zoo Trivia

The two harpies living at The Belize Zoo are Da Queen and Panama.
Da Queen was born in 1998, and was released on multiple occasions, but kept returning to the research station, so was brought to the Zoo for long term residence instead
Panama was born in 2002, and was sent to Belize as an ambassador for the Belize Harpy Eagle Restoration Program

Conservation Efforts

TBZTEC spearheaded the release of 15 harpy eagles from 2003-2009 as part of a species reintroduction program. The harpies were hatched and raised in Panama, then sent to the Zoo when they were successfully hunting on their own, and transferred and released in the Rio Bravo in northern Belize.

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Great Curassow

Description

The Great Curassow (Crax rubra) is a large bird with a glossy black plumage and a distinctive, curled crest. Native to the forests of Belize, these curassows are known for their striking appearance.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Crax rubra
Habitat: Inhabits the dense forests of Belize, often near water sources.
Diet: Herbivores, feeding on fruits, seeds, and insects; play a role in seed dispersal.
Behavior: Diurnal in nature, foraging on the forest floor; characterized by distinctive vocalizations in Belize.

Fun Facts

Great curassow is a species that is preyed on by harpy eagles.
It has several interesting vocalizations, including a deep “voom” sound it makes, as well as a long, low whistle.
The bright yellow “knob” on the male’s beak is called a caruncle. It is used to attract mates, and also for thermoregulation in the hot and humid forests.
Its elaborate crest feathers give it the affectionate nickname of “Punk Rock Chicken.”

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Jabiru Stork

Description

The Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria) is a large wading bird with a distinctive black neck and a massive bill. Native to Belize, these storks are known for their impressive size and striking appearance.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Jabiru mycteria
Habitat: Inhabits wetlands, marshes, and rivers in Belize, demonstrating adaptability to aquatic environments.
Diet: Omnivores, feeding on fish, reptiles, and small mammals; important for wetland ecosystem balance.
Behavior: Often seen in pairs or small groups; known for their impressive nesting structures and courtship displays in Belize.

Fun Facts

The name of this bird comes from a Tupi–Guaraní language and means “swollen neck.”
The jabiru has the second-largest wingspan of birds in the Americas, after the Andean condor.
A Jabiru will loudly and rapidly clack its bill together several times to communicate with other storks, or to issue a threat

Conservation Efforts

Climate Change and habitat conversion threaten wetlands and associated habitats that are critical to the survival of Jabiru storks. One of their strongholds in Belize is the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area and Ramsar Site. Hundreds of storks and other wading and shorebirds can be seen congregating there during the peak of Belize’s “Dry Season.” as many other seasonally flooded environments dry up.

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Black Vulture

Description

The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a medium to large scavenging bird with black plumage and a bald, grayish-black head. Commonly found in various habitats across Belize, including coastal areas and forests.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
Habitat: Adaptable to diverse environments, including coastal areas, forests, and open landscapes in Belize.
Diet: Carrion scavengers, playing a crucial role in controlling disease spread; also known to eat insects and small animals.
Behavior: Often seen soaring in groups, locating carrion using keen eyesight; important for ecosystem cleanup in Belize.

The Belize Zoo Trivia

Gyps the black vulture was an orphan. He loves to eat meat and spend time in his water bowl

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Brown Pelican

Description

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a distinctive coastal bird with a long bill, large throat pouch, and brownish plumage. Commonly found along shores and waterways in Belize.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Pelecanus occidentalis
Habitat: Thrives along the shores and waterways of Belize, adapting to coastal environments.
Diet: Skilled plunge-divers, catching fish; contribute to marine ecosystem health.
Behavior: Recognized for their spectacular plunge-diving behavior; their presence serves as an indicator of coastal environment health in Belize.

The Belize Zoo Trivia

The Belize Zoo has 4 pelican residents who are unfit to go back into the wild. They are Pedro, Peli, Wingy, and Zippy. These pelicans have missing parts of their wings and beaks as a result of injuries. Some were caused by people who believed the pelicans were stealing their fish.

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Barn Owl

Description

The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is a medium-sized owl with distinctive heart-shaped facial discs and muted plumage. It is commonly found in various habitats in Belize, including farmlands, grasslands, and forests.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Habitat: Adaptable to diverse environments, including farmlands, grasslands, and forests in Belize.
Diet: Primarily carnivorous, preying on small mammals like rodents; known for silent flight and exceptional hunting skills.
Behavior: Nocturnal hunters with keen senses; their presence in agricultural areas helps control pest populations.

Did You know?

Barn owls do not hoot like regular owls; they can only screech and hiss to communicate
Their feathers are very soft with small ridges that give them silent flight
Owls eat their prey whole and cast a pellet, which has remnants of hair, bone etc

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Crested Guan

Description

The Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) is a large bird with distinctive features, including a prominent crest on its head. Native to Belize, these guans are known for their arboreal lifestyle.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Penelope purpurascens
Habitat: Inhabits the forests and wooded areas of Belize, preferring elevated regions.
Diet: Omnivores, consuming fruits, insects, and small vertebrates; play a role in seed dispersal.
Behavior: Arboreal in nature, utilizing trees for roosting and feeding; known for their unique vocalizations in Belize.

The Belize Zoo Trivia

Penny serves as an ambassador for her species at The Belize Zoo. Crested guan, and other game bird species, are protected by law and it is illegal to hunt them from February to July.

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Presented By: Belizing.com

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Belizing.com

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Fer-De-Lance

Maximum Length: Approximately 8 feet

Range: Widespread in Belize, found in broadleaf forests, lowland savannah, and pine ridge areas.

Prey: Exhibits strong preferences for warm-blooded prey such as small mammals and birds, but also hunts lizards and frogs.

Type of Venom: Possesses powerful fast-acting hemotoxin, which affects blood cells and tissue.

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Tripical Ratsnake

Common Name: Tropical Ratsnake

Scientific Name: Bocotora calpansaya

Spanish Name: Ratonera

Venom: Non-venomous

Description: The tropical ratsnake is easily recognized by its striking black and yellow coloration adorned with irregular markings spanning its entire body. This arboreal species can reach lengths of up to eight feet.

Habitat: Widely distributed across Belize, the tropical ratsnake inhabits diverse environments including lowland forests, secondary forests, pine savannas, and both northern and southern hardwood forests.

Natural History: Ratsnakes are predominantly arboreal but are known to descend to the ground in pursuit of prey. Their diet consists mainly of birds and rodents. Additionally, they reproduce by laying eggs, a characteristic trait of oviparous snakes.

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Fresh Water Turtles at The Belize Zoo

Description

Mesoamerican Slider (Bocotora): Known for its green to brown shell with orange circles, often found in Belize’s freshwater bodies, feeding on vegetation and small prey.
Red-eared Slider: An invasive species from the southeastern USA, identified by its red stripe. Competes with natives and should never be released into the wild.
Central American River Turtle (Hicatee): Belize’s largest freshwater turtle, nocturnal, feeding on plants and fruits, but critically endangered due to overhunting.
Mexican Giant Musk Turtle: Recognized by its greenish-brown shell with raised ridges, a horned spine, and a strong bite, found in various aquatic environments.

Fun Facts

The Central American River Turtle, or Hicatee, holds the title of being Belize’s largest freshwater turtle, sometimes weighing over 25 lbs and living for more than 40 years.
Red-eared Sliders, though visually striking with their red stripes, are invasive in Belize, posing threats to native turtles through resource competition and disease transmission.
The Mexican Giant Musk Turtle is renowned for its powerful bite and adaptability, thriving in diverse aquatic environments.

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American Crocodile

Description

The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a large reptile characterized by a powerful build, armored skin, and a long snout. Native to various aquatic habitats in Belize, including rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Crocodylus acutus
Habitat: Inhabits diverse aquatic environments, such as rivers, estuaries, and coastal zones in Belize.
Diet: Carnivorous, preying on fish, birds, and mammals; known for powerful, stealthy hunting techniques.
Behavior: Solitary in nature, with a preference for basking on the water’s edge; plays a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem balance.

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American Crocodile

Description

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Crocodylus acutus
Habitat: Inhabits diverse aquatic environments, such as rivers, estuaries, and coastal zones in Belize.
Diet: Carnivorous, preying on fish, birds, and mammals; known for powerful, stealthy hunting techniques.
Behavior: Solitary in nature, with a preference for basking on the water’s edge; plays a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem balance.

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Morelet’s Crocodile

Description

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) is a medium-sized crocodilian species with a broad snout and a dark, armored body. Native to aquatic habitats in Belize, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Name: Crocodylus moreletii
Habitat: Inhabits freshwater environments, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps in Belize.
Diet: Carnivorous, preying on fish, amphibians, and small mammals; plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems.
Behavior: Solitary and territorial; known for basking near the water’s edge; conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats in Belize.

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