Florida is home to plenty of zoos, including at least one in nearly every major city. While many of these are traditional zoos, you can also find some themed to mimic a safari and other destinations with plenty of character. No matter what part of Florida you are in, you will be able to find an exciting zoo within driving distance.
Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo focuses on conservation via participation and education. The zoo opened in March 1994 following a great deal of community fundraising by a group of people dedicated to the goal of opening the establishment. If some of the members in your group do not feel up to walking around Brevard Zoo, you can take the train around to see everything. There is also the opportunity to kayak while at the zoo for a unique experience. You can even feed animals, including giraffes and birds in the aviary. Those who want to get up close and personal with animals can also go on a Rhino Encounter or Lemur Rendezvous or a Wild Encounter Tour. Enjoy animals spread throughout Paws on Play, Wild Florida, Caribbean Trail, Expedition Africa, La Selva, and Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond.
There are also more adventurous options like Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures and keeper chats that teach you about various animals.
8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL, Phone: 321-254-9453, Map
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit animal sanctuary which was established in 2005 to provide a safe, loving and permanent home for local and exotic wildlife (primarily Big Cats) in Sarasota County. Many of the animals are former pets who outgrew their welcome and require a forever-home where they can comfortably live for the rest of their lives.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens dates back to 1923, officially adding its botanical garden status in 2007. Today, there are more than 400 different animals in the zoo, representatives of more than 200 different species.
3755 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL, Phone: 407-323-4450 Map
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the Disney parks in Orlando and this one focuses on connecting with animals, with its own Disney twist. For the most unique experience, book a tour like Caring for the Giants which takes you behind the scenes or Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience.
The Wild Africa Trek is also worth consideration, as is Up Close with the Rhinos. Throughout the Animal Kingdom, you will find a range of animals, including African animals like rhinos, elephants, hippos, lions, invertebrates, gorillas, African ungulates like giraffes and okapis, and birds. Or explore the Asian animals, animals on Discovery Island, horses, butterflies, and migratory birds.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL, Phone: 407-939-5277
You have to see this adorable video of Hippos at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Gatorland, Florida
Those with a strong interest in alligators and similar reptiles will want to be sure to visit Gatorland while in Orlando. This is “The Alligator Capital of the World” and features alligators and crocodiles of all sizes. You will find the biggest collection of white leucistic alligators, which are extremely rare. The list of animals at the park includes gators, birds, wild cats, crocodiles, snakes, and tortoises. Between early February and mid-June, birding enthusiasts and photographers can enter the park at off-peak hours to get photos and observe the Gatorland Bird Rookery.
Gatorland , 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL, Phone: 407-855-5496
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has the only walking safari within Northeast Florida. This attraction lets you experience wildlife via educational and interactive experiences. The zoo opened in 2004 and now has over 2,000 exotic and rare animals along with more than 1,000 types of plants.
370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL, Phone: 904-757-4463, Map
Lion Country Safari
Lion Country Safari is the only drive-through safari park adventure in Florida, making it a great alternative to those who want to see animals but prefer not to see them locked up in enclosures at the zoo. This is a drive-through safari as well as a walk-through amusement park and it features more than 1,000 animals. You will also find animal feeding experiences. Take your kids to the petting zoo to appreciate the sheep and goats. Overall, Lion Country Safari aims to be a leader in education, conservation, and animal care.
Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL, Phone: 561-793-1084
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nationally-accredited zoo and non-profit charitable institution. Walk along the paved paths that cover nearly a mile and take you by gorgeous animals surrounded by tropical plants. The exotic plants actually make up a historic garden that began planting in 1919. As you walk around, admire the bears, pythons, monkeys, lions, giraffes, and more. The zoo reaches more than 350,000 guests annually with its mission of education and conservation. The zoo also gives back, caring for rare flora and fauna around the world, including planting more than 25,000 trees each year in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The zoo has donated over a million dollars since 2015 to help with conservation efforts for animals worldwide.
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL, Phone: 239-262-5409, Map
Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo has a history over 50 years old, evolving from just a handful of barnyard animals into more than 500 animals that currently live at the zoo. The zoo’s mission is to inspire people to take action on behalf of the natural world and wildlife. The zoo focuses on supporting conservation initiatives, education, and endangered species propagation, all while committing to sustainable business practices. During your visit, consider booking an up-close and personal experience.
1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL, Phone: 561-547-9453, Map
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami also goes by the name Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens and is the biggest as well as oldest zoological garden within Florida. Additionally, this is the only sub-tropical zoo within the continental United States. Like many zoos, the Zoo Miami put animals from similar geographic areas together. They go a step above and instead of separating all animals, species that can peacefully live together in the wild share exhibits.
12400 SW 152 St., Miami, FL, Phone: 305-251-0400, Map
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park has more than one million visitors every year. It began in the 1930s with native Florida species and expanded over the years. The emphasis at ZooTampa is on threatened, vulnerable, and endangered species from climates that resemble the Tampa Bay region. There are areas of the park dedicated to Florida, Australia, Africa, and Asia. There are more than 1,300 animals in the zoo and the zoo participates in wildlife conservation and education.
1101 W. Slight Avenue, Tampa, FL, Phone: 813-935-8552, Map
McCarthy’s Wildlife
So much more than just a place to see animals, McCarthy’s Wildlife is an education facility and a place of rehabilitation and sanctuary for all types of local wildlife, including animals, birds and reptiles.
Owner/director Mark McCarthy has an abiding passion for wildlife and has spent almost his entire life rescuing and re-habilitating animals and teaching children and adults about conservation. When you visit his “zoo” you will be taken on a guided tour to see a wide variety of rescued animals, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your entrance fee contributes to make all of this possible.
Animal ambassadors you will meet include several big cats, snakes, tortoises, birds and more.
McCarthy’s Wildlife, 12943 61st Street North, West Palm Beach, FL 33412, 561 790 2118
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary exists to offer sanctuary and rehabilitation to all Florida wildlife, and to teach the public about the environment. Every year the sanctuary attends to the medical needs of more than 4000 injured or orphaned animals and birds, always endeavoring to return them to the wild.
When this is not possible, they become “inmates” of the sanctuary. Visitors are invited to come and see the sanctuary and meet some of the residents, which include beavers, alligators, wild cats, owls and many other animals.
There is a trail leading through the sanctuary and entrance is always free (however, donations are gratefully accepted to facilitate the essential work of the sanctuary).
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 17855 Rocky Pines Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478
Busch Gardens Tampa, Florida
Busch Gardens Tampa is more than just a zoo; there are a long list of activities and attractions at this location. This is actually among the largest zoos in North America with more than 12,000 animals living in the park’s habitats. Walk around to explore the various exhibits or take advantage of the animal feeding opportunities that let you hand-feed some critters throughout the zoo.
10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL, Phone: 813-884-4386, Map
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens have been thrilling adults and children with wonderful animal interactions since 1939.
The gardens cover more than 10 acres of exotic landscaping connected by winding trails, and is home to more than 200 animals and birds including exotic Florida flamingoes, lots of parrots and macaws and several small mammals.
The gardens present 4 animal shows every day, which are both fun and educational. Private animal encounters can also be booked, and the gardens are an ideal venue for children’s birthday parties.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, Fl 34234, 941 355 5305, Map
ZooWorld Zoological Park
ZooWorld Zoological Park in Panama Beach gets rave reviews for its wonderful range of animal encounters which bring visitors into close proximity to many animals you would never usually encounter in Florida.
Imagine feeding a giraffe or cuddling a kangaroo – yes you can when you visit ZooWorld.
Visitor can enjoy walking through the enormous free-flight aviary, surrounded by colorful birds from all corners of the world, feeing the tallest animal on earth (special food is available for sale) and feeding ravenous alligators.
If you would like to get really up close and personal you can book a lemur, sloth, kangaroo or alligator experience.
ZooWorld, 9008 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, 844 966 4968, Map
Zoological Wildlife Foundation
The Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami is dedicated to educating the general public about rare and endangered animals in captivity or in the wilds, with the intension of aiding conservation and halting habitat destruction.
The foundation is home to a large variety of animals including tigers, lions, chimpanzees, anteaters, monkeys, lemurs and many more. The foundation offers guided tours and hands-on interactions daily but you do have to make a reservation online – no walk-ins can be accommodated. Some of the animals will allow you to hand-feed them and sometimes special private baby animal interactions can be booked.
Zoological Wildlife Foundation, 16225 SW 172 Ave, Miami, FL 33187, 305 969 3696
Emerald Coast Zoo
Rick the Reptile Guy (you must have seen him on TV or attended one of his shows) is at the helm of the Emerald Coast Zoo, where he and his family take care of a wide variety of wild animals and endeavor to educate the public about their unique habits and needs.
Visitors get to see some very interesting creatures including tigers, black bears, lions, kangaroos and dozens of colorful birds in the walk-in Aviary.
If you would like to get even closer to these fascinating animals you can book a private animal encounter where you could play with the kangaroos and wallabies, feed a bear some honey or feed a friendly giraffe.
Emerald Coast Zoo, 5262 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, FL 32539, 850 682 3949
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Located in Gainesville, this 10-acre teaching zoo is unique since it is the only zoo located on a college campus. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is home to more than 70 species of birds and animals which are tended by 10 staff members and more than 100 students in the Zoo Animal Technology program.
Although this zoo is primarily an education facility the animals love it when they have visitors and the zoo is open to the public 7 days a week.
A very modest entrance fee is charged to ensure that as many people as possible have access to this gem. In addition, their animal encounters are also very reasonably priced to encourage everyone to join in and learn about their many residents.
3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606, 352 395 5601, Map
