How much time should I allocate for a visit to Zoo Miami?

You should plan to set aside 4 to 6 hours to fully explore Zoo Miami's extensive exhibits and attractions. For a more relaxed visit, or if you're with young children, you could easily spend a full day enjoying everything the zoo has to offer.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Zoo Miami?

Outside food is generally not permitted inside Zoo Miami. However, there are designated picnic areas located near the parking lot for those who wish to bring their own meals. Inside the zoo, you'll find a variety of dining options. Bringing a refillable water bottle is highly encouraged, as there are plenty of refill stations throughout the park.

Is Zoo Miami wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Zoo Miami is committed to accessibility. The park features wheelchair-accessible pathways, and both manual wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent. Additionally, the monorail and safari tram tours can accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring visitors with mobility challenges can navigate and enjoy the entire zoo. Service animals are also welcome.

ZooFlorida, US

Zoo Miami

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild at Zoo Miami, Florida's largest and only tropical zoo in the continental United States.

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About

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild at Zoo Miami, Florida's largest and only tropical zoo in the continental United States. Spanning nearly 750 acres, with 324 developed for visitor exploration, this expansive park is home to over 3,000 animals representing approximately 500 species, alongside more than 1,000 species of trees, palms, and other plants, truly creating a botanical oasis. What sets Zoo Miami apart is its innovative, cage-less design, featuring large, open-air, and moated exhibits that meticulously recreate the animals' natural habitats. This unique layout provides an immersive experience, making visitors feel as though they're on an international safari, offering unobstructed, remarkably close views of wildlife in beautifully natural settings.

The visitor experience at Zoo Miami is designed for engagement and discovery. Wander along four miles of winding walkways, encountering majestic creatures from five major regions: Florida: Mission Everglades, Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia. Beyond simply observing, guests can participate in exciting interactive opportunities, such as feeding towering giraffes, inquisitive rhinos, or vibrant parrots, creating memorable animal encounters. For families, the zoo offers engaging attractions like the Lostman's River Ride in the Everglades, numerous playgrounds, and refreshing water play areas, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Zoo Miami is more than just an animal park; it is a globally recognized institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), deeply committed to wildlife conservation. With over 40 species classified as endangered residing within its care, the zoo actively participates in more than 30 global wildlife and environmental conservation projects across six continents. A visit here not only promises a thrilling encounter with diverse wildlife, including iconic Bornean orangutans, Sumatran tigers, African lions, Florida panthers, and koalas, but also supports critical efforts to protect our planet's precious biodiversity. Whether you choose to explore on foot, rent a Safari Cycle, or enjoy a narrated tram tour, Zoo Miami offers an enriching adventure that connects visitors with the wonders of the natural world. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The origins of Zoo Miami trace back to 1948 with the establishment of the Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne. This initial collection began with a unique start, inheriting animals like three monkeys, a goat, and two black bears from a stranded road show, along with lions, an elephant, and a rhinoceros from a defunct circus. By 1967, the Crandon Park Zoo had expanded significantly, housing over 1,200 animals and earning a reputation as one of the top zoos in the country. However, the zoo's island location proved vulnerable, and in 1965, Hurricane Betsy caused widespread devastation, tragically leading to the loss of 250 animals. This event spurred discussions about relocating the zoo to a more secure, inland location. Construction on the new site began in 1975, culminating in the grand opening of Miami MetroZoo on July 4, 1980, at its current location. The new zoo distinguished itself with its innovative, cage-less exhibit designs that replicated natural habitats, a pioneering approach at the time. Throughout the 1980s, the zoo continued to grow, adding exhibits like Asia in 1981 and the monorail system in 1984. It was officially rebranded as Zoo Miami in 2010.

What to do here

Explore the five main geographical exhibits: Florida: Mission Everglades, Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia. Attend engaging keeper talks and animal demonstrations to learn more about the residents. Participate in interactive animal feeding experiences, including giraffes, rhinos, and parrots. Utilize the monorail, Safari Cycles (multi-person bikes), or tram tours to cover the vast grounds efficiently. Allow children to enjoy the various playgrounds and cool off in the water play areas/splash pads.

Seasonal info

During summer months, Miami's heat can be intense, making midday animal activity lower. Arriving early is crucial. The splash pads are a fantastic way for kids to cool down. Cooler months (November to April) generally offer a more pleasant experience.

Accessibility

Zoo Miami is highly wheelchair-accessible, featuring paved pathways throughout. Wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent, and it's advisable to reserve them in advance. Both the monorail and safari tram tours are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can navigate the large park comfortably. Service animals are permitted. Accessible restrooms are also available.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: To fully explore Zoo Miami's extensive offerings, allocate 4 to 6 hours. Many visitors easily spend a full day immersed in the exhibits and activities. If you're visiting with children, planning for 5 to 6 hours will allow for breaks, animal feedings, and keeper talks.
Best time to visit: For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit during the cooler months, from November to April. Weekday mornings, ideally right at opening, are recommended to enjoy milder weather, observe animals at their most active, and avoid larger crowds.
Location: Florida, US
Species in this guide: 5

Best for

Families With Children: Engaging Interactive Experiences, Water Play Areas, And Educational Opportunities.Animal Lovers: Diverse Collection Of Over 3,000 Animals From Various Continents In Naturalistic Habitats.Conservation Enthusiasts: Learn About And Support Global Wildlife Conservation Efforts, Including The Protection Of Endangered Species.Photography: Open Air, Moated Exhibits Offer Excellent Opportunities For Close Up Animal Photography In Natural Settings.

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Don't miss

Florida

Mission Everglades: Immerse yourself in a diverse array of native Florida wildlife, including American alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, and roseate spoonbills. Don't miss the Lostman's River Ride for a unique perspective.

Amazon and Beyond

Explore the vibrant ecosystems of South America, home to jaguars, giant river otters, and harpy eagles.

Wings of Asia Aviary

Step into the largest open-air Asian aviary in the Western Hemisphere, a truly spectacular experience with over 300 birds of 70 species flying freely around you.

Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station

Get up close and personal with majestic reticulated giraffes as you offer them a snack.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

African Lion

Komodo Dragon

Ostrich

Meerkat

Greater Kudu

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes

With over 4 miles of pathways across 324 developed acres, you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Stay hydrated

Miami's climate can be warm. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the numerous water refill stations throughout the zoo.

Consider alternative transportation

To save your feet, especially with children, rent a Safari Cycle (multi-person pedal bikes) or utilize the zoo's monorail or narrated tram tours.

Plan your day

Grab a map upon arrival and check the schedules for animal feeding times, keeper talks, and shows you don't want to miss.

Protect yourself from the sun

Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as much of the zoo is open-air. Seek shade often, especially during peak sun hours.

Pack a change of clothes

If visiting with kids, particularly during warmer months, a change of clothes for the water play areas/splash pads will be very useful.

Parking is free

Take advantage of the complimentary parking available at the zoo.

Frequently asked questions

: You should plan to set aside 4 to 6 hours to fully explore Zoo Miami's extensive exhibits and attractions. For a more relaxed visit, or if you're with young children, you could easily spend a full day enjoying everything the zoo has to offer.
: Outside food is generally not permitted inside Zoo Miami. However, there are designated picnic areas located near the parking lot for those who wish to bring their own meals. Inside the zoo, you'll find a variety of dining options. Bringing a refillable water bottle is highly encouraged, as there are plenty of refill stations throughout the park.
: Yes, Zoo Miami is committed to accessibility. The park features wheelchair-accessible pathways, and both manual wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent. Additionally, the monorail and safari tram tours can accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring visitors with mobility challenges can navigate and enjoy the entire zoo. Service animals are also welcome.