MIAMI, Fla. (2015) – Iconic Attractions Group, a San Diego-based management company serving museums, zoos and cultural institutions, is continuing to evolve Miami's Jungle Island into an iconic landmark for eco-adventure and events. The master plan announced in 2014 includes new attractions and sub-destinations that tie in the diverse culture of the 18-acre park's South Florida surroundings with journeys authentic of the jungle. 

“We want our guests to enjoy a real jungle experience in the heart of Miami,” said John Dunlap, CEO of Iconic Attractions Group and President of Jungle Island. “Over the course of five years, our plan is to transform Jungle Island from a zoological attraction into a destination for eco-adventures. The goal is to provide immersive, repeatable experiences to visitors who have a shared desire to learn, celebrate and participate in nature's wonders.”

In 2014, Iconic Attractions Group commissioned award-winning experiential design and production firm Thinkwell Group to help form this vision, which is unfolded in the pages of an extensive presentation that highlights the park's new distinct offerings. For families, young couples, and adventure-seekers, Jungle Island will serve as a place for adventure, animals, discovery and play. Key focal points of the plan include the following:

NEW IN 2015:

Parrot Cove 

The furthest tip of the island spans into a recently redeveloped private beach with soft sands and cabanas for an easy siesta, though matched with plenty of programming for action-packed days with the addition of the Rainforest Riptide. An unfathomable fun floating obstacle course, the Rainforest Riptide offers visitors a variety of water stunts and activities. In line with Jungle Island's mission to host South Florida's finest and most unique events, Parrot Cove also can be configured for private and special functions on the beach complete with a platform stage with lively performances and full dinner service. 

New Animal Encounter Packages

To complement the master plan, Jungle Island has unveiled an array of new packages designed to get visitors closer than ever before to some of the world's most fascinating animals. Among an extensive list of inclusions, each tour features a private guide and assortment of “bucket list” type encounters with rare creatures, such as Mama Cass, the only known tame cassowary on the planet, Australian red kangaroos, lemurs from Madagascar, and much more. 

Treetop Ballroom

Jungle Island recently completed a $700,000 USD facelift of its signature 14,000 square-foot Treetop Ballroom, Arboretum and adjacent function spaces. Under the direction of a Miami-based design studio, the theme conveys “natural opulence” of the top-tier private events that the legendary attraction is known for hosting. Inspired by the spirit of Jungle Island, the concept aims to bring subtle traces from the enchanting environments of the outside world indoors. Every element within the project ties into the environment in a meaningful and modern way, as most evidently seen in the refined textures, neutral color palette, and blends of wood and fibers. The design fuses functionality, with select materials doubling as acoustical support. 

FUTURE PLANS INCLUDE:

Entry

Immersion into the Jungle oasis becomes instant at the entry atrium. Views of the Magic City skylines are replaced with vine-encrusted gates. Stone columns and balconies peek through brushes of ferns and palms, anchored around the central massive tree supporting landings for Jungle Island's new zip-line system and perches for the park's colorful bird residents. On the plaza, guests can weave through the open-air souk offering tangible memories to bring home or enjoy a craft beer at Jungle Island's primary restaurant, the first of the park's destination dining concepts. 

Lost Lagoon

Beyond the flamingo-lined entry pond, a lost lagoon lures guests to enjoy the water for themselves with a series of pools, waterways, falls, and other aquatic adventures. A main walking trail previews a range of activities including rope swings and zip lines, snorkeling, swimming “with” tigers, or simple lazy swimming, all under the peruse of the local wildlife. A sandy beach offers sunny respite from all the activity.  

Watson's Village

Watson's Village is the heart of Jungle Island. With an emphasis on being amongst the environment versus merely observing it, the architectural structure matches tribal, natural, and rustic elements with a designer's keen eye. Human contributions are celebrated here too with art creation programs and revamped performance amphitheater with a diverse line-up of live music, dancing, and other entertainment spectacles. Guests can anticipate a chance meeting with one of the animal ambassadors or picnic next to the orangutan habitat. Children, inspired by these apes, can play like them on the climbing apparatuses, swings and obstacles from the orangutans' previous Serpentarium stomping grounds. Watson Village is also the site of an open-pit barbecue and one of the park's other planned destination restaurants, Orang Utan Restaurant. 

Adventure Trails

Guests get to stalk like a tiger through a labyrinth of rugged trails carved within the dense foliage. The recreation of true remoteness is designed to have them feeling as if they were really enveloped in nature, if it wasn't for the occasional mark of civilization via totem poles, animal sculptures, or connecting boardwalk that opens out to the view of Miami's cosmopolitan scene across the bay. Ropes and log bridges, swings, and slides offer assistance from the natural hurdles of mud ruts and flowing streams. Animal totems guide the way to various destinations be it the Capuchin grotto, large reptile swamp, or grouping of large feline dwellings.  

Additional information about the above enhancements and more are to be released in separate, detailed announcements. Current adventures and offerings by Jungle Island can be found at www.jungleisland.com or by dialing (305) 400-7000. 

# # #

***Interviews and concept renderings available upon request***

About Iconic Attractions Group

Founded in 2012, the Iconic Attractions Group (IAG) is devoted to creating and managing culturally significant attractions in major metropolitan areas around the world. IAG's primary goal is to create more sustainable businesses by partnering with institutions that share a desire to become world-class entertainment, education and conservation destinations. Under the Iconic Attractions Group umbrella are Iconic Lifestyle Properties, the Iconic Conservation Fund, Iconic Service Partners and Iconic Parks and Destinations. Among IAG's first projects is the redeveloped zoological attraction, Jungle Island. Located in the Heart of Miami on Watson Island, the historic Jungle Island is a 'must see' attraction in South Florida. For more information about Iconic Attractions Group, visit IconicAttractions.com. Facebook and Twitter @IconicAttractions

About Jungle Island

Jungle Island, a favorite South Florida landmark, is an intimate zoological park located in the heart of Miami, between downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon a rich tradition that began in 1936, Jungle Island is home to some of the world's most rare and exotic animals. Park guests enjoy engaging animal shows and informative exhibits while strolling by streams and waterfalls under a lush canopy of tropical trees. Guests can choose to participate in hands-on interactions with fascinating animals or go on guided behind-the-scenes VIP tours. Jungle Island enriches the lives of park visitors through immersive, real-life jungle experiences centered on adventure, animals, discovery and play. With its newly renovated Treetop Ballroom and picturesque outdoor spaces including a private beach, the 18-acre park also serves as Miami's destination for extraordinary events. Discover Jungle Island today. Follow @JungleIsland on social media or visit www.jungleisland.com.