tapirs & toucans & kinkajous, oh my!

below you will find a small showcase of some of the more peculiar inhabitants of belize. i look forward to a close encounter with each of these fabulously odd creatures at the belize zoo. each of these animals are native to belize, and can be found at the zoo (if you are fortunate enough to schedule a visit) or explored more in depth through the website.

the baird's tapir is known as the "mountain cow" in belize, and happens to be the national animal. mostly active at night, these solitary forest dwellers are excellent swimmers and agile climbers. weighing 300-500lbs on a diet of grasses, aquatic vegetation, leaves, buds, and fruits, they have a lifespan of 22 years.

the keel-billed toucan is the national bird of belize and is known locally as the "bill bird." they are very social birds, and often found in flocks of 6 or more. toucans are found throughout belize's forests and feed primarily on a wide variety of tropical fruits, insects, reptiles, and bird eggs.

harpy eagles are one of the four largest eagles in the world. their hind talons can be as large as those of a grizzly bear. harpy eagles lived in belize up until the early 1990s, when the last known specimen disappeared. the peregrine fund, along with the belize zoo began releasing captive bred harpies into belize several years ago. harpy eagles are magnificent 20lb birds with 7 foot wingspans. their primary method of attack is to pierce and squeeze their prey around the neck or vital organs until death. they feed primarily on sloth, monkeys, opossums, as well as various other reptiles and birds.

the kinkajou is known in belize as the "night walker" due to its nocturnal travels along the tree tops of the upper canopy. it has a long prehensile tail used for balance and is one of the most commonly seen tropical forest animals. the kinkajou eats fruit, insects, and flowers, and has a lifespan of 23 years.

the coatimundi is also known as the "white nosed coati," or "quash" in belize. they are members of the raccoon family, and live both on the ground and in trees. the coati is often seen in groups up to 30 individuals, and can be found throughout belize. they feed on fruits, invertebrates, and other small animals, and use their long noses to poke under rocks and into crevices.

i want to thank bruce barcott, author of the last flight of the scarlet macaw: one woman's fight to save the world's most beautiful bird. his detailed research and reporting played a major role in motivating me to learn more about the amazing animals of belize.