Roatan Zoo & Island Adventure – Getting Close to the Natural Beauty of the Caribbean
Guests of Blue Ocean Reef Resort enjoy complimentary access to the Roatan Zoo & Island Adventure, located right in our own back yard. In fact, the zoo is a popular shore excursion for cruise passengers spending a few hours in Roatan and many others staying within or outside the confines of our luxurious resort.
Located on a secluded hilltop at Blue Ocean Reef, the Roatan Zoo & Island Adventure is an exciting experience for every age group, but especially for anyone interested in the island’s natural history. Seasonal streams and waterfalls border the park’s eastern and western ends, and a leisurely stroll from the entrance leads you along a meandering trail lined by nearly every species of palm and tree native to the Bay Islands. It’s not unusual to meet a large green iguana sunning himself in the branch of a Hog Plum tree, or to see a guatusa, commonly referred to as an island “rabbit,” hippity-hopping through the brush along the path.
Roatan Zoo’s main focus is on education and conservation, and along with these goals comes a commitment to animal rescue. All of our animals are native to Honduras and Central America, through which the zoo hopes to both expose visitors to the region’s marvels while instilling a desire to preserve the animals’ native habitat. Those who visit enjoy close proximity and sometimes even interaction with our animals in a lush rainforest setting, with guided tours providing insight into their habits and care.
Here, you’ll meet two species of monkeys, honey bears, several species of Amazon parrots, toucans, big cats – margays and ocelots – a three-toed sloth, scarlet and buffon macaws, red-footed boobies, coatamundi, boa constrictors, white-tailed deer, and much more. The jaguar, macaw and anteater exhibits are some of the most popular, although there’s always great interest in our honey bears and white-faced and spider monkeys.
Roatan Zoo also features several hiking nature trails for additional exploration of the sanctuary, as well as a native Garifuna village recreation complete with huts, arts and crafts for sale, and cultural dances.
Roatan Zoo & Island Adventure is also actively involved in a number of conservation and protection efforts, including the breeding of several endangered species of parrot, wildlife research, medical rehabilitation, and volunteer programs.
For more information about our zoo, visit www.roatanzoo.com.
