The Miami Zoo is often an underrated tourist spot in this sin city that deserves a special mention. While it is pretty famous among the locals, many tourists traveling all the way to Miami from another country tend to miss this spectacular place. Here is a detailed guide to the Miami Zoo, which you must add to your Miami travel bucket list.
Why is the Miami Zoo Famous?
The fifth-largest zoo in the US is located in Miami, which is both Florida’s largest and oldest zoo. Miami Zoo nurtures and cares for a wide range of animals from all the continents of the world, unlike other zoos in the US. With more than 3000 animals and 500 different species, spread across 750 acres, this zoo is a miniature representation of a vast kingdom. More than 40 of these species are considered endangered. With over 100 exhibits and more than a thousand different species of trees, plants, and palms, the Zoo Miami is also referred to as a botanical garden. The zoo’s atmosphere, soil, and vegetation are remarkably similar to the native habitats of the animals, which are grouped together according to their geographic locations.
Previously known as Crandon Park Zoo on the island of Key Biscayne, Miami Zoo is the only subtropical zoo in the US mainland. The Miami Metro Zoo, which had 38 exhibits overall, a recently added White Bengal tiger, and a 200-acre footprint, was the name of the zoo when it moved to Richmond Naval Air Station in 1980.
In order to create a subtle territorial line between animals and people, Miami Zoo removed the bars and other obstructions and replaced them with moats. This allows each species to coexist peacefully in its natural habitat.
Ticket Price
| Age | Ticket Price |
| Adult (13 years and above) | $23 |
| Child Ticket (3 to 12 years) | $20 |
| Children below the age of 2 | free |
Members of Zoo Miami and children under the age of two are admitted free of charge, and the aforementioned price also includes free parking. There are also ticket discounts available for groups. The discount grows in proportion to the size of the group. Miami-Dade County employees, members of the military, and senior citizens are all eligible for various discounts.
Operating Hours
| Days of Operation | Timing |
| Open every day of the year | 10 am to 5 pm (last tickets are sold at 4 pm) |
| Thanksgiving Day | 10 am to 3 om |
| Christmas Day | 12 pm to 5 pm |
Best Time and Season
Springtime is the ideal time to visit the Miami Zoo. The weather is lovely from February through May. The weather is ideal for tourists during this time, and there are no hurricane threats.
Things to Do at Miami Zoo
1. Feed a Giraffe
You can climb up to the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station, which is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, and get up close to a giraffe. You’ll be able to reach out and feed these graceful animals for a $2 fee. Your food will be taken right out of your hands by them!
2. Visit the Wings of Asia Aviary
The largest open-air aviary in America, The American Bankers Family Aviary Wings of Asia, is home to over 300 rare, endangered, and exotic birds, including the only known captive Sultan Tit in the western hemisphere. The connection between dinosaurs and birds is the main theme of the aviary’s exhibit. These creatures are closely related, and some of the birds in the aviary may be direct ancestors of the
3. Enjoy the Lostman’s River Ride
A trip on this slow-moving boat ride can be full of surprises at every turn, while it sails into the heart of the ‘Everglade’, making this ride a must-do.
4. Take a trip on the Safari Tram Tours
On the public walkway, trams run, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Trams also give tourists fascinating details about the Zoo Miami’s animal collection. These tours are also impacted by the weather, just like the Monorails.
5. Golf Cart Tour
The Miami Zoo can best be explored in two hours while being chauffeured around in a golf cart by a private tour guide. Your private guide will astound you with fascinating details about the Zoo. Enjoy this breathtaking tour of the Miami Zoo’s impressive animals while strolling through beautifully landscaped alleys.
So, the next time to visit Miami, do not forget to add this amazing place to your itinerary.
