Hope Zoo was opened to the public in 1961, established in the Royal Botanical Gardens nestled in the shadow of the lowest foothills of the Blue Mountain range. Hope Zoo was conceived as a Caribbean Zoo aimed to display a wide variety of animals from around the world while promoting awareness and conservation of our local Jamaican wildlife.

Today, Hope Zoo exhibits a diversity of exotic animals but has also established a reputable name as the primary entity for wildlife rescue & conservation in Jamaica. As a sanctuary for native wildlife, Hope Zoo works closely with our government colleagues at NEPA to rescue & rehabilitate native birds and reptiles.

Since 1991, Hope Zoo has also been home to the world-famous conservation program for the Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei). We have been one of the essential components ensuring the survival and recovery of this Critically Endangered species, with over 500 iguanas released back into the wild to date. We are proud.