Zoo Miami, or to give it its official name, Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is home to an incredible 2,000 animals, representing more than 500 species, in a 300-hectare reserve that has been planted with over 1,000 varieties of trees, palms and ground plants. What started in 1948 with the rescuing of three monkeys, a goat and two black bears, has grown into the largest zoo in Florida.
Imagine yourself setting off into the rainforest, or embarking on a safari as you follow the 5 kilometres of paths to discover creatures such as the fearsome Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard in the world, the tree-dwelling Clouded Leopard, the two-horned Black Rhinoceros, a critically endangered species, and the majestic African Elephant.
The zoo’s large open-air exhibits are devised according to the different continents and world regions. The most recent addition, Amazon & Beyond, mimics the variety of the South American environment with three distinct areas: the Cloud Forest, the Amazon Forest and the Atlantic Forest. Here, you can observe jaguars and giant river otters alongside anacondas and harpy eagles, to name just a few of the animals.
Conservation of endangered animals and their habitats is at the heart of Zoo Miami’s work. Get involved in the many educational interactive exhibits including Dr Wilde’s World of Discovery where you’ll be able to touch and explore many artefacts and unique specimens, right down to microscopic level. Get up close to the graceful giraffe at the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station, or enjoy your surroundings from atop a camel at Humpy’s Camel Rides. Experience wild animal encounters during the Critter Corner daily presentations, and learn all sorts of fascinating facts from the zookeepers.
There are many exciting tours to choose from if you prefer a more structured visit, including guided tram tours, elevated air-conditioned monorail tours, and the Safari Tram Ride around the Asian and African exhibits.
For a more in-depth experience, the Zoo Miami offers a behind-the-scenes tour, or for the truly adventurous adult, the chance to become a Zookeeper For A Day.
Zoo Miami is approximately 30 kilometres southwest of downtown Miami at the southern end of Crandon Park. Access is easy either by car or public transport. The zoo is open daily, year-round.
