Belize Zoo, Wildlife conservation center near Belmopan, Belize.

Belize Zoo is a conservation facility in Central America that houses animals in naturalistic enclosures and displays species native to the region. The grounds are covered with tropical forest and provide space for animals to move through surroundings that resemble their natural habitats.

In 1983 cinematographer Richard Foster's crew filmed the documentary Selva Verde in Belize, with Sharon Matola as assistant and animal caretaker. When funding ran out, 17 tame animals, among them an ocelot, a puma, a jaguar and exotic birds, could not be released, so Matola kept them and opened a makeshift zoo. Growing interest in native wildlife led to relocation to the present 12-hectare site in 1991.

The zoo's name comes from the country whose wildlife it exhibits. Its founding aim was to correct Belizeans' misconceptions and superstitions about native animals, so school groups make up a large share of visitors. The Baird's tapir, Belize's national animal, is among the species on view, alongside all five of Belize's wildcat species.

The facility is located near the capital and accessible by various means of transport, with a car being most practical. Pathways run through the grounds that visitors can walk, and it is advisable to bring water and sun protection since the tropical forest offers limited shade.

Visitors can join special nighttime tours here to watch animals that are mainly active in darkness. Additionally, the facility runs a program that takes in jaguars that come into conflict with people in the surrounding region.