1. The Belize Travelcast
  2. Episode 9

The Belize Zoo Harpy Eagle Restoration Program and Tapir Project

Zhawn Poot 28 minutes


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The Belize Zoo is more than just a zoo. It is indeed the best little zoo in the world, but it is also very unique in its approach and focus as a conservation and education center in Belize. Zhawn Poot from Belize Zoological EDventures talks about the wildlife education and conservation efforts of The Belize Zoo and other conservation organizations in Belize. Belize has more than 60% of its territory under some type of conservation protection and The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center plays an important part in Belize's overall conservation efforts. The zoo keeps animals that were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to them as donations from other zoological institutions. The zoo also spearheads many conservation projects throughout the country and constantly strives to educate locals and visitors about the importance of preserving nature and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

In this extended interview Zhawn talks about the Harpy Eagle Restoration Project and the Belize Tapir Project spearheaded by The Belize Zoo and why these efforts are so important in Belize. He also talks about the zoo's yearly summer conservation camp for kids that he has been involved with from his early childhood days. He is now one of the camp counselors and he explains why this is so near and dear to his heart and how it helps to inspire the younger generation of Belizean to develop a deep appreciation for nature and conservation.

The Harpy Eagle is one of the biggest eagles in the world and the zoo has made significant efforts into ensuring their survival in the wild in Belize. Zhawn also discusses the Conservation Camp offered by the Belize Zoo which is a one-week getaway for local kids that teaches them about the importance of conservation and preservation of local wildlife. Zhawn also gives us some insight into the Belize Tapir Project which is the subject of his father's PhD dissertation at the University of Florida. This is an ongoing project that seeks to gather data and educate the public about the Tapir, which is Belize's national animal. 

Thanks to Zhawn Poot and Belize Zoological EDventures.

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Recommended Activities
$
40
/ Person
Type of Vehicle:
Full Size Van
Provider:
G&W enterprise can do pickups from anywhere within Belmopan city limits. The journey along the George Price highway is 45 minutes to the Belize Zoo. The cost of the transfer is ... morefor a round trip. The gate fee is not included.
$
145
/ Adult
Departs From:
Belize City
Your friendly Tour Guide will meet guests at Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City and then will commence the tour by welcoming them to beautiful sunny Belize. He will then make ... morehis way through Belize City while giving them some brief history about Belize. He will then proceed on the George Price Highway which is a 40-minute drive out of the City and inform them about who George Price was and what he has done for our country.

Along the highway, guests will be able to see some small communities and some flora and fauna along the highways as well as some wetlands. You will then arrive at the Belize Zoo where your tour guide will allow you some time to use the restroom before you start the tour for about an hour. 

At the Belize Zoo, you will be able to see some native animals to Belize as well as some troublesome animals such as Jaguars and Crocodiles that were harming the livestock of our farmers. Some were donated to the Belize Zoo because they were illegal to have as pets, and others were rescued from the wild. From there you will continue on your way to Jaguar Paw where you will enjoy both the Rain Forest and the Underworld of the Mayas as you hike for about 30 minutes through the Rain Forest and your guide will point out different medicinal plants and their benefits that were once used by the Mayas and locals today. 

After your 30-minute hike, you will then sit in an inner tube and enjoy the refreshing cold river water that will carry you through the cave system. Your Guide will do all the work for you while he entertains and guides you through the cave system for about 2 hours. After your tour is finished you will then have lunch and make your way back to Belize City where you will be taken back to the Fort Street Tourism Village. 

Notes:

Children must be 40" or taller to be able to cave tube.
This tour is available to cruise ship passengers and overnight guests.
$
110
/ Person
Departs From:
Belize City
 (1)
Your Smart Travel Belize Tour Guide will meet Guest/s at Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City. Your city tour begins by taking an Educational tour on the North side of Belize ... moreCity with our first stop being the Light House/ Baron Bliss monument. We then proceed along the Marine Parade and provide historical information on key locations such as Chateau Caribbean Hotel, Memorial Park, Central Bank of Belize, MCC Grounds, BTL Park (formerly known as Lindbergh Landing), Marion Jones Sporting Complex, Central Bank, Old Belize City Prison among many other buildings.

After seeing Northside Belize City, we will travel up the George Price Highway approximately 40 minutes out of the City whilst learning a little about who George Price was and what he has done for our country.

Along the highway, guests will be able to see some small communities and some flora and fauna along the highways as well as some wetlands. You will then arrive at the Belize Zoo where your tour guide will allow you some time to use the restroom before you start the tour for about an hour.

At the Belize Zoo, you will be able to see some native animals to Belize as well as some troublesome animals such as Jaguars and Crocodiles that were harming the livestock of our farmers. Some were donated to the Belize Zoo because they were illegal to have as a pet, and others were rescued from the wild.

Notes:

This tour is available to cruise passengers and overnight guests.

Kid friendly.

Gift shops in route.

This tour departs from and returns to Belize City unless there is a special request from our guests.
$
210
/ Person
Departs From:
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
A family adventure trip! With safety as a priority, we welcome children and also non-swimmers to this educational combo cave tubing Belize trip to learn about the caves and the native ... morewildlife at the Belize Zoo.

Our Belize cave tubing is done at Caves Branch, with all the gear included. We have gear catered for all ages and sizes, including life jackets and inner tubes built tough for maximum safety. Your guide will be with you along the entire tubing journey, pointing out different features of the caves like the crystal formations hanging from the ceiling. You will also get to see remains of Mayan artifacts, tools, and secret chambers where the Mayans used to perform various rituals.

The Belize Zoo is Belize’s tropical educational center and rehabilitation center for numerous native wildlife. This nature nirvana hosts over 150 animals of 40 different species.

Encounter the Belize Wildlife:

Toucan (National Bird)

The Tapirs at “Tapir Town”

Junior Buddy Jaguar

Black Jaguar “Lucky Boy”

Brutus, Rose & Nelson the Crocodiles

Carlos & Freddie Cougar

Boy George the Pelican

Jabiru Stork

Scarlet Macaw

Hauler Monkeys

Spider Monkeys

Snakes

Panama the Harpy Eagle

White-tailed Deer

The tour offers a complimentary hour & 30 minutes Water Taxi transfer to Belize City where you will journey along Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and mangroves and get a glimpse of St. George’s Caye before arriving at the commercial City of Belize where you will meet your tour guide. From there you board their private vehicle as you begin the scenic journey on the George Price Highway to Caves Branch. After a brief introduction to your guide, gear, and instructions you undertake the most amazing cave tubing experience there is. Join us for an unforgettable Cave Tubing Combo.

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Guest Picture

Zhawn Poot

Zhawn Poot, from Belize Zoological EDventures, is one of Belize's top young tour guides. Zhawn is a native of San Ignacio, Belize and has been a licensed tour guide since the age of 17. He has worked on many conservation projects throughout the country and can often be found at the Belize Zoo or running the Zoo's summer camp.

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