Author: Michael Windelspecht

Belize, a tiny country sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, isn’t exactly a commonly known location in Boone. But this tropical nation in Central America nevertheless has a major connection to the North Carolina High Country. For the past decade, Inspire EdVentures – a Boone-based company that focuses on innovative educational …

If you have spent any time on our site you would’ve quickly noticed that we have a special fondness for big cats, and especially of course, jaguars. Since our earliest visits to the rainforests of Belize, we have been intrigued and inspired by these majestic animals. As scientists, we always …

Learn about how you can help support tapir conservation at the Belize Zoo!

Upon first glance, tapirs are often mistaken for a small hippo, pig or anteater but their closest living relatives are actually horses and rhinos.  Many scientists consider tapirs living fossils because they have roamed the Earth for over 50 million years and haven’t evolved much.  The four living species of …

To celebrate Earth Day 2021 we want to send your class on a virtual tour to Belize and the “Best Little Zoo In The World! From jaguars to tapirs, spider monkeys and scarlet macaws, the Belize Zoo is the center for wildlife conservation in the region. These highly interactive tours …

One of only four species of anteater found in the world, the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is found throughout southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. They can be identified through their distinct coloration, with tan fur and a black, vest-shaped marking over the back and sides. Northern tamanduas …

Take Your Class or Group on a Virtual Tour of the Belize Zoo! The Belize Zoo has recently announced the launch of a new educational experience for teachers and students abroad. Using the power of teleconferencing platforms, we are now able to bring the wonderful wildlife of Belize right into …

What is a Tapir? The Central American Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), also known as the Baird’s Tapir or Mountain cow, is the largest indigenous mammal in Central America.  They superficially resemble large pigs, with mature adults weighing between 150 – 300 kg (330 – 660 pounds). The body length ranges between …