Tropical Education Center
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZTEC) is a single organization situated in two physical locations near Mile 29 on the George Price Highway, Belize District. The TEC was founded in 1991 as a research and education center to complement and support the conservation work of TBZ.
The TEC now boasts a variety of accommodation options including dormitories, two-person raised cabanas, and family-sized cabins, with hosting capacity of over 60 persons. A dining hall, natural history library, classroom, pool, and expanse of interpretive tropical savanna trails allow us to host everyone from backpackers, to campers, to families, and student groups. Local and international guests are both welcome.
Given its accessible location just 45 minutes from the International Airport, and at the mid-point between Belize City and Belmopan, the TEC often serves as “home base” for guests to venture out for day trips to other popular tourism destinations. The Zoo is less than a mile away for day and night tours. River canoeing, cave tubing, zip lining, and exploration of Maya archeological sites are also within reach.
The TEC is nestled on 84 acres of lowland tropical savanna in the heart of the Maya Forest Corridor. Therefore, while one of the main attractions for staying at the TEC is to visit the Zoo and see native wildlife on exhibit, there is a wealth of “wild critters” on the grounds of the TEC. These include leaf-cutter ants, iguanas, crocodiles, birds, agouti, snakes, and bats! There have been over 250 species of birds recorded on the property, including the Keel-Billed Toucan (Belize’s National Bird), and endangered Yellow-headed Parrot. We have also found evidence of tapirs (Belize’s National Animal), ocelots, jaguarundis, and even the majestic jaguar moving through the landscape.
All the wildlife that pass through the TEC or call it home co-exist alongside our staff and guests; no direct interactions occur with them, and we encourage everyone to enjoy and appreciate any wildlife they encounter from a safe distance.
Both the Zoo and TEC are certified under BTB’s Gold Standard program. We are committed to providing a healthy workplace for our employees, and a safe and wonderful experience for our guests and visitors.
