Although, the Belize Zoo was originally founded as a retirement home for old natural history "movie stars", the Zoo has become a refuge and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife, as well as a home for abused and abandoned "pets". Because there is an abundance of wildlife in Belize, it is very easy for people to acquire birds and animals which they attempt to domesticate for their own personal pleasure. But when people are unable to tame them, or when they grow tired of their "pets", the Belize Zoo is always ready to provide a new home for these orphans.

Whenever possible, all wildlife that can be rehabilitated-and considered able to survive naturally-are reintroduced to the environment. Those animals which cannot be reintroduced to their environment are maintained in a natural setting at the zoo, and they become an integral part of an ongoing program to educate people about the natural history of Belize.

Want to improve your natural history experience? Be sure and make the Belize Zoo one of your first stops. Learn what the indigenous birds and animals of Belize look like, and how to spot them in their natural habitat.

The Zoo is located 29 1/2 miles west of Belize City on the Western Highway, and is open daily - except on Good Friday and Christmas Day - from 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The nominal admission fee of US$5.00 is used to support the facility and all of the associated education programs.

The Blue Hole National Park is located twelve miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The Blue Hole is a popular recreational spot, where water on its way from a tributary to the Sibun River, emerges from a collapsed karst sinkhole. The pool, from which the park receives its name, is a beautiful sapphire blue that is about twenty-five feet deep. After a short run through a natural jungle setting, the stream disappears into a large underwater cavern.

In addition to the pool, St. Herman's Cave is within boundaries of the reserve. This cave has archaeological importance because the Maya used the cave during the Classic Period. Pottery vessels, spears, and torches are among some of the artifacts that have been recovered by the Department of Archaeology. Visitors to St. Herman's Cave do not have to get the usual permission that is required from the government to explore caves.

Since, Blue Hole National Park contains some 575 acres of primary and secondary forest, there is a significant opportunity to observe birds and animals, as well as a plethora of flora.

The visitorŐs entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Maya Centre, which is at Mile 15 of the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District. The Cockscomb Basin headquarters is located some 6 1/2 miles west of the visitorŐs entrance to the sanctuary. Situated within the shadows of the Maya Mountains, the sanctuary encompasses some 100,000 acres of tropical moist forest that rises from 300 feet above sea level to approximately 3675 feet at the summit of Victoria Peak.

Originally established in 1984 as a reserve to protect a large jaguar population, as well as other resident wildlife, the sanctuary is also known as " The Jaguar Preserve". Since, the sanctuary is home to numerous members of the cat family, there is also a large population of mammals and birds to support the food chain. Therefore, even though you may not see a jaguar or another carnivore during your visit, the opportunity to see herbivorous animals, a multitude of birds, and beautiful flora is always present.

The Community Baboon Sanctuary on the banks of the Belize River is located some thirty miles west of Belize City off of the Northern Highway in the Belize District. Consisting of some eighteen square miles of basically subsistence farms, the sanctuary exhibits the spirit of coexistence that Belizeans have with nature. Through a grassroots effort, the villagers and landowners have committed to preserving the habitat necessary to insure a healthy population of Black Howler Monkeys.

With assistance from the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County, a small natural history museum and visitor's center has been erected in Bermudian Landing, which is the most central location in the sanctuary. Since all lands in the sanctuary are privately owned, it is necessary to check with the Sanctuary Manager at the visitor's center and to use a guide before following any of the trails.

Established for the protection of resident and migrant birds, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is located thirty-miles northwest of Belize City off of the Northern Highway in the Belize District. Consisting of a large network of inland lagoons, swamps, and waterways, the sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting area that is necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds.

The most notable migratory resident is the Jabiru Stork. With a wingspan of 10-12 feet, it is the largest flying bird in North America. Luckily, Belize has the largest nesting population of Jabirus in Central America. They begin arriving in November to nest in the lowland pine savannahs. After the young fledge and during the months of April and May, the birds from northern and central Belize congregate at Crooked Tree and Mexico Lagoons. When the rains come, the birds leave to return again in November.

Besides birds, Black Creek on the eastern boundary of the sanctuary provides a home for Black Howler Monkeys, Morelet's Crocodiles, Coatimundis and several species of turtles and iguanas.

Guanacaste National Park is a fifty acre parcel of tropical forest located on the north side of the Western Highway at the junction of the Hummingbird Highway in the Cayo District. The park is named for the giant guanacaste(tubroos) tree growing near the southwestern edge of the park. In addition to the guanacaste tree, there are numerous other species of trees throughout the park.

Although the mammal population is rather small, over one hundred species of birds have been identified within the park.

Guanacaste Park offers a relaxing introduction to the tropical forests of Belize because it is easily traversed, it has well marked and maintained trails, and many of the trees and plants have been identified with their own name tag.

The Mountain Pine Ridge is 300 square miles of forest reserve that is south of the Western Highway in the Cayo District. Access to the reserve is via the Chiquibul Road from Georgeville or via the Cristo Rey Road from Santa Elena Town, just east of San Ignacio Town.

The Mountain Pine Ridge is home to the Hidden Valley Falls(1,000 Foot-Falls), the Rio On River, the Rio Pools, and the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail, as well as numerous small streams and waterfalls. Besides offering magnificent vistas, the cooler temperatures, along with a refreshing swim, can provide a welcome respite to the travel weary tourist.

For those who are going to the Maya Ruins at Caracol and/or the Chiquibul Rain Forest, the Mountain Pine Ridge offers a very picturesque drive to your ultimate destination.

The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area is located in the northwest corner of Belize in the Orange Walk District. Consisting of some 202,000 acres, the area is managed for conservation, scientific research, sustained-yield timber harvesting, non-timber forest product extraction, ecotourism, and educational purposes by the Programme for Belize which is a private nonprofit Belizean organization.

The area consists of broadleaf forest, swamp forest, palm forest, savannah, and marsh. Due to its remote location and the elimination of hunting, many endangered species - Black Howler Monkeys, Central American Spider Monkeys, Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots, Margays, Jaguarundis, Tapirs, Peccarys, Ocellated Turkeys and Brocket Deer- have found refuge within the RBCMA. Also a bird watcher's paradise, ornithologists have recorded over 355 species of birds.

In addition to the abundant natural history, over forty Maya Ruins have been discovered within the RBCMA. The largest center is La Milpa which ranks only below Caracol and Lamanai in size.

MAYAN MYSTIQUE What You Need to Know | Marvels of the Sea Rainforest Ecotourism | Mayan Mystique

Belize is blessed with an outstanding archaeological heritage of Maya temples and palaces. It is known that the Maya occupation began as early as 1500 B.C., and although it began its decline in 900 A.D., some Maya cultural centers continued to be occupied until contact with the Spanish in the 1500's. During the classic period (250 A.D. to 900 A.D.), the population of Belize exceeded well over one million people, and it is believed that Belize was the heart of the Maya civilization at that time. Although large Maya cultural centers no longer exist, there is still a significant Maya population residing within many small villages.

For those who are interested in archaeological sites, the Belize Department of Archaeology has committed to developing locations which are easily accessible for the casual tourist. This does not indicate the Department's total commitment to the vast archaeological potential of Belize, but it does allow tourists the opportunity to appreciate Maya history, as well as to appreciate the tremendous undertaking that is required to restore the Maya centers.

The ruins of Altun Ha are located near Rockstone Pond Village in the Belize District. The entrance to the ruins is approximately one mile from Mile 32 of the Old Northern Highway. Although there is no public transportation to the ruin, there are several reputable travel and tour operators who can provide service to Altun Ha.

Altun Ha, the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize, was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period, as well as a vital trade center that linked the Caribbean shores with other Maya centers in the interior. The ruin consists of two main plazas with some thirteen temple and residential structures.

The "Jade Head", representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahua, was the most significant find during Dr. David Pendergast's excavations. At approximately six inches high and weighing nine and three-quarter pounds, it is still to this day the largest carved jade object in the whole May area.

The ruins of Caracol are located in the Vaca Plateau of the Cayo District. Caracol Camp, adjacent to the ruins, is located at approximately Mile 46 of the Chiquibul Road which connects the Western Highway with the western slopes of the Maya Mountains. Unfortunately, Caracol is one of the most inaccessible ruins in Belize, but conversely, it provides one of the most scenic drives in Belize. You must obtain permission from the Department of Archaeology, as well as the Forestry Department in Augustine, in order to visit Caracol. Because of the limited accessibility and the necessity for permits, it is advisable to use a reputable travel and tour operator for your adventure.

Currently in the state of excavation and restoration Caracol is the largest known Maya center in Belize. The largest pyramid in Caracol, "Canaa" (Sky Place), rises 140 feet high, and it is the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize. Since Caracol is located in the Chiquibul Rain Forest, there is a plethora of flora and fauna to enhance the true beauty of this magnificent Maya center.

The ruins of Cerros are located on a peninsula overlooking Corozal Bay in the Corozal District. Just south of Corozal Town, the ruins are accessible by a short boat ride across the Bay. During the dry season, one can reach Cerros by road, passing the scenic villages of Chunox, Progresso, and Copper Bank and their beautiful lagoons.

Cerros was important as a trading center, during the late Preclassic Period. There are three large acropolises, dominating several plazas that are flanked by pyramidal structures. Although two structures are known to possess facades of stucco masks, the masks have been covered to protect them from erosion. With the tallest structure rising 72 feet high above the plaza, it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view of the Chetumal Bay, Corozal Town, and the mouth of the New River which leads to the ruins of Lamanai.

The ruins of Lamanai, one of Belize's largest ceremonial centers, are located on the banks of the New River Lagoon in the Orange Walk District. With one of the longest occupation spans, dating from 1500 B.C. to the 19th century, the ruins of Lamanai also include the remains of two Christian churches, as well as a sugar mill. Set in a secondary tropical forest, Lamanai also provides the tourist with beautiful flora and fauna, as well as spectacular views from several of its large pyramids.

Besides its multifaceted history, part of the beauty of Lamanai is getting there. The boat ride from Orange Walk Town, Guinea Grass, or Shipyard via the New River and the New River Lagoon offers an unparalleled view of the natural history of north central Belize.

Lubaantun, situated above a tributary to the Columbia River, is located near San Pedro-Columbia in the Toledo District. Since there is no public transportation to the ruin, you must make arrangements in Punta Gorda Town, if you wish to visit the site.

Built in the Late Classic period, Lubaantun is the largest ceremonial center in the area. Consisting of eleven major structures, grouped around five main plazas, the ruin is unique in that it was built entirely without the aid of mortar. Each stone was carefully measured and cut to fit with its adjoining stone.

Overlooking the Mopan River, the ruins of Xunantunich are located approximately eight miles west of San Ignacio Town at San Jose Succotz Village in the Cayo District. The ruins are accessible by public transportation, but after being ferried across the Mopan River, you must walk about one mile to the entrance of the site. By using a travel and tour operator, you will be ferried across with their vehicle, thus eliminating the walk.

Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period. The site is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more than twenty-five temples and palaces. The most prominent structure located at the south end of the site is the pyramid "El Castillo"(The Castle) which is 130 feet high above the plaza. " El Castillo" was the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize, until the discovery of "Canaa" at Caracol. The most notable feature on "El Castillo" is the reconstructed frieze on the east side of the lower temple.

Currently, additional explorations and excavations are being performed by Dr. Richard Leventhal and the Department of Archaeology, in an effort to better understand the history of Xunantunich.

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