“Zoos are becoming facsimiles – or perhaps caricatures – of how animals once were in their natural habitat. If the right policies toward nature were pursued, we would need no zoos at all.”
Dr. Jane Goodall, Primatologist and Conservationist
Profile Information:
- Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 (Map)
- Phone Number: (305) 251-0400
- Email Address: info@miamidade.gov
- Hours of Operation: Open every day from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Date Founded: 1948
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
- Number of Animals: Over 3,000
- Number of Species: 500+
- Park Size: 750 acres
- Website Link: https://www.zoomiami.org/
Brief History:
The Miami Dade Zoological Park, also known as Zoo Miami, is the oldest and largest zoological garden in Florida. It was founded in 1948 on a site that was originally a naval air station during World War II.
The zoo was originally called the Crandon Park Zoo and was situated on the island of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County. In 1980, the zoo was relocated to a new location south of Miami and was renamed Miami MetroZoo.
In 2010, the zoo was again renamed as the Miami Dade Zoological Park and Gardens to better reflect its mission to provide a natural and educational environment for its animals and visitors.
Today, the zoo covers over 750 acres and is home to over 3,000 animals from over 500 different species. It is also the only zoo in the continental United States to be located in a subtropical climate, which allows it to house animals from Asia, Australia, and Africa that cannot be kept in other zoos due to climate restrictions.
The Miami Dade Zoological Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is the highest accreditation for zoos in North America. The zoo is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and is recognized as one of the top zoos in the United States.
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, the Miami Dade Zoological Park is a must-visit destination. With its fascinating history, impressive size, and diverse collection of animals, this zoo offers something for everyone. So go and experience the wonder of the animal kingdom at the Miami Dade Zoological Park!
Quick Facts:
- The Miami Dade Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in the country.
- The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, and elephants.
- The zoo features several unique exhibits, including a large aviary and a reptile house.
- The zoo has a strong focus on conservation and education, and it is dedicated to protecting endangered species.
- The zoo offers several educational programs for both children and adults.
- The zoo is wheelchair accessible and offers a variety of accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
- The zoo features several dining options, including a café and a snack bar.
- The zoo offers several special events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and animal encounters.
- The zoo is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day.
- The zoo is a popular destination for families, school groups, and animal lovers of all ages.
Fun Facts:
- The Miami Dade Zoological Park is home to one of the largest flamingo exhibits in the country.
- The zoo has a special program that allows visitors to feed the giraffes.
- The zoo’s Komodo dragon exhibit is one of the largest in the world.
- The zoo’s “Amazon and Beyond” exhibit features a large aquarium that houses over 500,000 gallons of water.
- The zoo has a special program that allows visitors to swim with dolphins.
- The zoo’s “Wings of Asia” exhibit features a large collection of exotic birds, including several species of parrots and macaws.
- The zoo’s “Africa” exhibit features a large savanna with giraffes, zebras, and other African animals.
- The zoo offers a “Behind the Scenes” tour that allows visitors to get an up-close look at the animals and their habitats.
- The zoo has a special program that allows visitors to interact with the animals, including feeding and petting some of the smaller animals.
- The zoo offers a variety of educational programs, including classes on animal behavior, conservation, and ecology.
Fun Facts for Kids:
- The Miami Dade Zoological Park is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world.
- The zoo has a special program called “Keeper for a Day” that allows kids to experience what it’s like to work as a zookeeper.
- The zoo has a playground where kids can play and have fun.
- The zoo’s “Amazon and Beyond” exhibit features a large aquarium that houses several species of fish, including piranhas.
- The zoo’s “Critter Connection” exhibit allows kids to interact with small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens.
- The zoo’s “Wings of Asia” exhibit features a bird show where kids can see exotic birds up close and watch them perform tricks.
- The zoo’s “Everglades” exhibit showcases the unique ecosystem of the Florida Everglades, and kids can see animals like alligators, snakes, and turtles.
- The zoo offers a “Zoo Squad” program where kids can become junior zookeepers and learn about animal care and conservation.
- The zoo’s “Playworld Playground” features a water play area where kids can cool off on a hot day.
- The zoo’s “Animal Tales” program offers storytime for kids, where they can listen to animal-themed stories and learn about different animals.
