ZOO MIAMI

Rated one of the top ten zoos in the U.S. by Tripadvisor.com in 2008 and the number one Zoo for Pachyderms by the Intrepid Traveler, Zoo Miami houses more than 2,000 animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats. Large, open-air exhibits allow visitors to enjoy beautiful and endangered wildlife at a safe, yet remarkably close, range. With 340 developed acres on a 740-acre parcel of land, Zoo Miami is the only zoo in the continental United States located in a subtropical climate.  This enables the zoo to showcase animals that cannot easily be exhibited in colder climates. Zoo Miami also has more than 1,200 trees, plants and flowers visible from its walkways, adding to its beautiful, relaxing ambiance.

One of the world's great zoos, Zoo Miami was also voted #1 for family fun in Miami by the Best of Citysearch, consistently voted by the readers of South Florida Parenting Magazine as Miami's best attraction, by the Miami Herald readers as the “Best Family Outing” and by the Zagat Survey® as the “Top-Rated Attraction in Miami”by travelers who have experienced traveling with children.   

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF FLORIDA (ZSF)

The Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF), founded in 1956, is the non-profit support organization for Zoo Miami. In 2008, the society was awarded four stars by America's premier independent charity evaluator, the Charity Navigator. Today, it is one of the largest membership organizations in South Florida with close to 63,000 members and has activities and programs that include marketing programs, volunteer services, education programs, special events, and member programs.

MISSION STATEMENT

ZSF's and Zoo Miami's mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world's wildlife and to help conserve it for future generations.

LOCATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION

Zoo Miami is located at One Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL, 33177, ½ mile west of the Florida Turnpike Extension in Miami, three miles west of U.S. 1, and 20 minutes southwest of Miami International Airport.  It is open every day of the year, including holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Ticket booths close at 4 p.m.  Some animals start going in for the night at 5 p.m.

COST

Zoo admission is $15.95 (plus tax) for adults and $11.95 (plus tax) for children ages 3-12.  The zoo is free for children under two years of age and members.  Parking is free.

For picnics, company and group get-togethers or team-building, conventions, school outings, meetings, parties, weddings, receptions, school reunions, or other group functions, call Zoo Miami's Group Sales Department at (305) 251-0400.

For birthday parties (minimum 20 people), call (305) 233-8389.

  TOURS AND AMENITIES

Zoo Miami offers walking tours (reservations required), fascinating behind-the-scenes tours, the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station, the Kaziranga Camp Rhino Encounter, Humpy's Camel Rides, Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure, wild animal encounters, an elevated air-conditioned monorail tour, guided tram tours, safari cycles, state-of-the-art playgrounds and water play areas for children, dining areas scattered throughout the park, and a gift shop. 

  GROWTH

Zoo Miami is developing the third phase of the master plan – Florida: Mission Everglades.  This new geographical region will be situated on five acres and will offer the animals, flora and fauna associated with Florida's natural habitat. Possible animals include black bears, panthers, wading birds, bald eagles, alligators, and crocodiles.

  CONTACT INFORMATION

Zoological Society of Florida: (305) 255-5551

Zoo Miami: (305) 251-0400

Main website: www.zoomiami.org.

CONTACT:                                                                               Cindy Castelblanco/Susana Cortázar                                           Zoological Society of Florida/Zoo Miami                                                                                                  Ph: (305) 255-5551 ext. 111 (305) 251- 0400 ext. 84948

E-mail:

            cindyc@zsf.org susanac@miamidade.gov