What’s It Really Like to Visit an Ostrich Farm in Belize?

Belize and ostriches are not synonymous, yet the latter has been making local headlines for a few years now. Visitors are keenly aware of the jaguars and ocelots at the Belize Zoo, the tapir crossing signs that dot the coastal highway, and the toucans that flit by when dining al fresco. But what if they can not only see, but also interact with ostriches during their Belize vacation?

That dream is not far-fetched anymore, thanks to ostrich farmer Nancy Marin. Back in 2022, Marin made headlines after her dream of birthing an ostrich industry in Belize raised eyebrows. In 2025, that dream got closer to being realized when the government approved ostrich importation after a decade of Marin trying to make it happen.

While the importation and demand may take a while to catch up, that hasn’t stopped Marin from building the first and only ostrich farm in Belize in Georgeville, Cayo: RanchCraft Eco Park.

Tucked between Spanish Lookout and San Ignacio, RanchCraft Eco Park is the perfect pit stop when adventuring in Western Belize. The restaurant, Volstrius, serves farm-to-table ranch cuisine as well as, you guessed it, ostrich dishes. But if you don’t have a hankering for ostrich meat–whether that’s because you’re not bold yet or it’s just not your thing–you can still have a wonderful time at the eco park.

For only BZD$10 per adult and BZD$5 per child, you and your family can experience all the park has to offer, and it’s not just ostriches. A short walk from the restaurant lies a decent-sized farm, with all types of furry friends you can think of. If you’re lucky, Fortune, the friendly dog, will guide you to the gates, where you’ll first encounter rabbits the size of a corgi. Here, your knowledgeable guide can teach you how to properly hold one so you can take your perfect photo op. Soft and fluffy, you may never want to let it go, but alas, there is so much more to see!

Walk a bit further in, and you’ll enter an open-space enclosure for interesting-looking chickens, from the big Brahmas to the famous black chickens. On one side, you’ll hear wild hogs asking for a treat, and further down, you’ll actually be able to feed the adorable Billy Goats. Pheasants, peacocks, and chukar partridges say hello, warming you up for the star of the show at the very edge of the farm: the big birds themselves.

Arguably, the most exhilarating activity for adults and kids alike is the ostrich feeding experience. Here, your guide will place some mashed corn on a dish affixed to a helmet. Visitors can don the helmet and step up close to the ostriches, which are behind a fenced area. One tip? Hold on to your hat tight because the ostriches will waste no time gobbling up the treats, their excitement evident as they peck the dish in a frenzy.

This is the perfect photo op, one that has graced many social media accounts. For some, the birds may look scary at first glance, but once you get up close, one can’t help but marvel at the beauty that is the biggest bird in the world. As a bonus, the guide can show you the enormous ostrich eggs stored in the incubator. The sheer size will have you imagining just how many people it could feed for breakfast (about a dozen).

The park may not be one of the more popular attractions in Western Belize, but it’s not one to miss, for sure. Ideal for kids and families, the eco park is one underrated gem in this adventure region.