- Location: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, USA
- Founded: July 4, 1980
- Visitors: More than 1 million per year
- Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fee:
- Adult (13+): $22.95 plus tax
- Child (3-12): $18.95 plus tax
- Children 2 and under: Free
- Zoo Members: Free
Zoo Miami is acknowledged to be the one and only variety of tropical zoos among the continental states of America. Initially named as Miami MetroZoo, this zoo holds its original name as Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens. With over hundred exhilarating exhibits, the zoo is reputed as the oldest and the largest zoological park in the whole of Florida. Authorized by AZA, that is, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo is directed by Ron Magill, who is an illustrious wildlife photographer and expert. The zoo houses over thousand varieties of trees, plants, and other floral types. With more than three miles of walking tracks, the zoo is largely distributed over a space of nearly 740 acres.
Zoo Miami Gardens
The Zoo Miami is proud to present beauteous and awe inspiring gardens that hold an aesthetic countenance.
The Hong Kong Orchid
Known for its vivacious colors and absolute elegance, The Hong Kong Orchid firmly distinguishes itself from other gardens of the zoo. Located on the front side of the Cuban Crocodile exhibit, this fabulous garden is gracefully settled on the edges of the zoo walkways. The pleasant Hong Kong Orchid is regarded as the floral symbol of Hong Kong on official terms. Standing up to a height of fifty feet, this historical floral variety was found at the seacoast back in the year 1908. Since then, it has been pleasing the eyes of its viewers. Consisting of lavender patterns, the Hong Kong Orchid flowers colored in intense magenta make a spectacular match with the blue sky.
The Brilliant Bougainvillea
Featuring brilliant and colorful bougainvillea plants, The Brilliant Bougainvillea garden is an unusual extension of the zoo that fancies the hearts of the visitors. The flowers of these fifteen to twenty five feet tall glorious plants blossom well if they receive enough sun rays and are watered regularly. The plants are trimmed regularly due to their accelerated growth. The beautiful flowers of the bougainvillea plants come in different colors including glistering yellow, blazing purple, and reverberant red. With their rhythmic chromaticism, the bougainvillea flowers graciously stand out to equilibrate the exhibits and other astounding features of the zoo.
The Mexican Bluebell
The Mexican Bluebell is one of the most striking gardens of the zoo, which significantly draws the attention of the visitors with its beautifully shaped and dramatically colored flowers. Native to the land of Mexico, the Mexican Bluebell tree is liked by a number of visitors who come to view the aesthetic beauty of the zoo. The visitors visiting the garden like to relish the fine looking leaves and flowers of this illustrious tree. Increasing at their extreme points, the Mexican Bluebell flowers grow up to one and a half inches long. These bell shaped and tender looking idyllic flowers do not demand much care. They flourish well in light shade as well.
Zoo Miami Exhibits
The Zoo Miami has taken crucial steps with its fabulous zoological exhibits in displaying the most extraordinary and unusual animal life that is worth appreciating.
Aviary – Wings of Asia
The Aviary – Wings of Asia is an informational and fantastical exhibit which renders good knowledge to the visitors about Asian animal life, fossils, dinosaurs, marine life, and other related features. The exhibit provides an exquisite natural space that helps the visitors to experience high levels of tranquility, repose, peace, and pleasure. The free flight aviary of this exhibit is famed to be one of the sizable Asian aviaries. Incorporating around four hundred of the most loud, flamboyant, and peculiar Asian birds, this aviary stands as the largest aviary in the western geographical region. The exhibit also features comely waterfalls and lakes that ravish the hearts of the visitors.
The Brown Pelican
Featuring an outstanding species of the pelican bird, The Brown Pelican exhibit allows the visitors to enjoy the prominent views of the brown pelican species. These water bird species are usually found near the coastal water areas. As studied by zoological experts, the brown pelican birds find it very difficult to survive without water. The water birds elegantly diving in the waters to get hold of their preys are impressive visuals that the visitors can enjoy at this remarkable exhibit. The salient brown pelicans are found to attract the visitors with their friendly, social, and cordial appearance.
Black Necked Swan
Found adjacent to the Flooded Forest Pavilion, the Black Necked Swan exhibit forms great visuals, as the uncommon black necked swans sophisticatedly swim through the zoo waters. Locally found in the South American region, the black necked swan is respected as the largest waterfowl worldwide. The swan makes a great color combination with its body plumage in white, while the head to neck region in black color including a red knob near its beak. These gorgeous looking birds like to spend time in the lake shores and freshwater marsh areas. The swan birds tenderly caring for their young ones with their grayish bills are fine sights to bask at this exhibit.
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Zoo Miami Amazon & Beyond
The outstanding and modern presentation of animal kingdom, Zoo Miami Amazon & Beyond is a fantastic exhibit which spreads over an area of approximately twenty seven acres. With over six hundred newfound animal species and over hundred other unique species, the exhibit gives a demonstration of the natural life of South and Central America. The exhibit allows the visitors to go on an exciting travel, where they get a chance to view the most astonishing species on the earth such as anaconda, jaguars, harpy eagles, giant river otter, and many more. The exhibit is dispersed over the famous Village Plaza, which includes the Atlantic Forest, Amazon Forest, and Cloud Forest.
Zoo Miami Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo of the renowned Zoo Miami is an unparalleled space, which allows the young visitors to closely get acquainted with small animal species. The peculiar species of the zoo are Petunia, the kinkajou and Stitch, and the blue tongue skink. One of the commonly known animal varieties found at the zoo is Maggie, which is the blue and gold macaw. The Wacky Barn is an extraordinarily formed construction which incorporates barn yard species such as goats, sheep, etc. Children can personally experience the ancient mode of transportation by riding on elegant camels through the zoo’s special program- Humpy’s Camel Rides.
Zoo Miami Zoofari Camp
One of the peculiar extensions of the zoo is the Zoofari Camp, which provides an informative demonstration of wildlife animals. The visitors can enjoy themselves at the playground with sprinklers along with their friends and families. Besides, they get an opportunity to communicate with the professional zoologists and zookeepers to get enlightened about the various natural aspects of the animal species. On the other hand, they can get involved in exciting zoo activities like lending a helping hand for organizing specialized treats for the animals. The Zoofari Summer Camp is an elating expansion of the zoo which introduces the visitors towards the important aspects of animal conservation and wildlife appreciation.
This is not the end! There are many more eye-popping and invigorating features of Zoo Miami that make the visitors curious about visiting it. Don’t miss the opportunity. Visit this noteworthy destination and get yourself immersed in its intensified beauties.
How to Reach
By Car: Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177. If you’re coming from downtown Miami, take US-1 South and continue onto FL-874 South. Then, take the exit onto FL-94/SW 152nd St and proceed west. The zoo will be on your left.
By Public Transportation: You can take the Miami-Dade Transit bus Route 252, which provides direct service to Zoo Miami. Check the bus schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
By Ride-Sharing Service: Popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Miami. Simply open the app, enter “Zoo Miami” as your destination, and a driver will take you directly to the zoo.
By Tour Bus: If you’re visiting Miami as part of a guided tour, inquire whether the tour includes a stop at Zoo Miami. Many sightseeing tours offer stops at popular attractions like the zoo.
Remember to check the zoo’s operating hours and plan your visit accordingly. Enjoy your trip to Zoo Miami!