Belize zoo pics

we are finally home AND we have a good internet connection so I can finally post some pictures and stories!

The Belize Zoo was quite the experience.  None of the animals except for 1 were taken from the wild just to be in the zoo.  They were either injured and cant be released or the we once pets.  The only exception was a jaguar who was killing cattle for several years and was finally caught.  Jaguars are so rare he wasn't killed for being a nuisance, instead he is in a very secure enclosure and is used for education purposes.  They do their best to release any injured animals that can be returned to the wild.

I was nervous about going to this zoo.  I didn't know what to expect.  Would there be animals suffering in small cages or would they be obviously neglected?  I as so relieved to say that these animals are very well treated, have adequate amounts of space, and were very well respected.  There were signs everywhere about NOT harassing, heckling, tormenting, teasing, molesting, bothering, or in anyway disturbing the animals.

If you want to donate to the zoo here is the link.... they receive no government funding at all.

moutain deer

Tapir or Mountain cow

Iguana that was just hanging out...not part of the zoo

Crocodile

A hawk laying on the ground to cool off

Mountain lion

Howler monkey

evil bird that was staring at my toes!

Jaguar sleeping durring the day

owls

oscelot

When looking at the pics you may notice the animals are often sleeping or on the ground, some even appear to be panting.  The reason for this....it was damn hot and at noon.  all the animals had plenty of shade, food and water.