Belize is filled with incredible nature and wildlife. It’s home to tropical rainforests, coral reefs, rivers and mountains. There are over 5,000 species of plants and over 600 species of animals that live here. You might spot a jaguar sneaking through the forest, a noisy howler monkey swinging in the trees or a bright toucan flying overhead! And under the sea, there are turtles, sharks and rainbow-colored fish swimming around the reef. Its forests and seas help protect many endangered species, making Belize an important place for nature and conservation. Belize is a small country, but it’s bursting with wildlife!
The tapir is related to horses and rhinos, but it looks very different! It has a long, funny-looking nose called a prehensile snout. That means it can grab things, just like a monkey uses its tail! Tapirs use their long noses to pick leaves, grab fruit and even help them smell really well. Their strong sense of smell helps them find food and stay safe in the jungle.
When I first saw the tapir, I couldn’t believe my eyes! The first thing I noticed was how it could move its nose like a little hand; it was amazing! I had never seen an animal like that before. My heart melted right away because it was just so cute!
