The Belize Zoo Becomes Gold Standard Certified

by Carolee Chanona
Belize wild cat margay big

“Extraordinarily exciting, unbelievable, thrilling up-close animals encounters,” are only a few of the comments made about our Zoo – one of Belize’s most iconic sights. Called the best little zoo in the world, The Belize Zoo (TBZ) offers an immersive wildlife experience, located just 29 miles west of Belize City and stretching across 29 acres of tropical savanna. And now, both The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center are gold standard certified! International visitors, in addition to the tremendous support of Belizeans, can expect enhanced health and safety protocols under Belize Tourism Board’s Gold Standard Program. The Belize Zoo is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm; however, TBZ is offering a special “by appointment only” tour program available from Monday to Thursday.

All visitors must wear a face mask and practice physical distancing at all times while in the Zoo. Security personnel are present at the front desk to administer hand sanitizer to all incoming guests, too. 

For more information, kindly contact [email protected] for more details.

Belize Zoo tapir feeding carrots

Feed tapirs at The Belize Zoo! Photo by Duarte Dellarole

For just $15 USD a person, you can visit a zoo that’s unlike any other. The Belize Zoo began as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife. Today, it’s one of Belize’s premier education and conservation centers with nearly 200 native animals. Not to mention, the zoo is also Belize’s first nature attraction that’s wheelchair-accessible and now, gold standard certified. 

What’s Inside Belize’s Safe Corridor 

During this initial phase of reopening, tourists in Belize are encouraged to vacation inside its Tourism Safe Corridor. But what exactly is Belize’s Tourism Safe Corridor and what does that mean? As the entire overnight tourism sector moves towards “Tourism Gold Standarddenoted with a seal of approvalfind approved properties that have enhanced health and safety measures, as recognized by the Belize Tourism Board. Besides hotels, Belize’s Safe Corridor also  includes external gift shops, restaurants, and tourism sites. While staying inside Belize’s Safe Corridor is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.

BTB-safe-corridor-updated-oct2020

Announced Oct. 16, the updated protocols included within this ease of restrictions allow travelers to rent a vehicle from an airport provider; traveler will need to submit an itinerary to adhere to, alongside a GPS device. Additionally, depending on the restaurant’s square footage, more than ten persons will be allowed inside a restaurant once social distancing is observed; reservations of the same party are limited to ten persons. While more businesses become gold standard certified, including The Belize Zoo, the tourism safe corridor in Belize grows by the day!

Header photo by The Belize Zoo

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