Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami One of the biggest, one of the most unique and, definitely, one of the best zoos in the world.

Zoo Miami (also known as The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, and the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The unique climate in South Florida allows us to keep a wide variety of animals from Asia, Australia and Africa, representing a broad mix of species that is unlike any other zoo in the country. Our animals are group

ed according to their geographic territories, with species that live together peacefully in the wild placed in exhibits together here at the zoo. Our trees, foliage and even our soil are matched as closely as possible to the native habitats of our animals.

Zoo Lights will still be held tonight, December 23rd from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM.We thank our guests, staff, and community f...
12/23/2025

Zoo Lights will still be held tonight, December 23rd from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM.

We thank our guests, staff, and community for their patience and cooperation. The safety of our guests, staff, and animals remains our top priority.

The security sweep at Zoo Miami has been completed and the park has been cleared to reopen by law enforcement. No credib...
12/23/2025

The security sweep at Zoo Miami has been completed and the park has been cleared to reopen by law enforcement.

No credible threat was identified and Zoo Miami is now open to the public.

We thank our guests, staff, and community for their patience and cooperation. The safety of our guests, staff, and animals remains our top priority.

12/23/2025

A potential threat was made against Zoo Miami. While the matter is believed to be a hoax, out of an abundance of caution, staff were evacuated and a security sweep of the park is underway. The sweep is expected to take several hours, and Zoo Miami will have a delayed opening today. There is no immediate threat to the public at this time. The safety of our guests, staff, and animals remains our top priority. Additional updates will be shared as appropriate, and the public will be notified once the zoo is cleared to reopen.

It wouldn’t be a holiday lunch without an appearance from our Grinch 💚. Last week, we hosted a holiday lunch for all Zoo...
12/22/2025

It wouldn’t be a holiday lunch without an appearance from our Grinch 💚. Last week, we hosted a holiday lunch for all Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation staff to show our appreciation for the work we accomplished this year! Drop a holiday heart in the comments for our amazing team! 💚❤️

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is here! The is the longest-running community science bird project in the country (10...
12/21/2025

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is here! The is the longest-running community science bird project in the country (100+ years strong!) and Zoo Miami has proudly been part of it for 15 years.

Each year, our staff “bird nerds” head out across the zoo and the Pine Rockland forest to spot, ID, and record every feathered friend they can find. Their observations help track migration patterns, population changes, and big-picture trends that guide conservation efforts.

We’ve seen some decline over time, reflecting what’s happening to birds around the world due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species — which is why this work matters more than ever.

Stay tuned later this week for a behind-the-scenes recap from one of our own Zoo Miami birders! 🐦🔎🌿For more information on the Christmas Bird Count and how you can get involved, visit National Audubon Society.

12/21/2025

Bestie mode is our favorite mode 💔

33Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season? Consider donating to Zoo Miami Foundation in honor of someone speci...
12/20/2025

33Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season? Consider donating to Zoo Miami Foundation in honor of someone special. 🎁 Your support helps us provide world-class animal care, offer free zoo access to underserved communities, create award-winning education programs, and fund vital conservation efforts both here at the zoo and around the world. 🌎

Because of your support, Zoo Miami keeps growing in amazing ways! This year, we opened Wild Connection: Home of Our Animal Ambassadors, giving guests an up-close look at the incredible animals who inspire our mission every day. 🐾✨ And we’re just getting started. 👀 Your donations help bring big projects like an expanded giraffe feeding station, a reimagined tiger temple, and a brand-new animal hospital to life!

Right now, your gift goes even further because all donations are being DOUBLED thanks to $10,000 match! Your gift is also tax-deductible when made before December 31st, 2025.

Visit https://bit.ly/4iKXjiX to donate today.

Get creative under the lights and help bring Florida’s coral reefs back to life this weekend! 🎨✨ Protect Our Reefs is po...
12/19/2025

Get creative under the lights and help bring Florida’s coral reefs back to life this weekend! 🎨✨ Protect Our Reefs is popping up at Zoo Lights on December 19th & 20th, so you can micro-fragment your own endangered corals. These tiny heroes will grow in Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's land-based nursery until they’re ready to be outplanted and help rebuild our coral reefs. 🪸

Make a real impact on our local marine ecosystem while soaking in winter lights, yummy treats, and festive beats 🔊🎉

Don’t miss our episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom tomorrow, December 20th on NBC!🦩 We had the pleasure of meeting...
12/19/2025

Don’t miss our episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom tomorrow, December 20th on NBC!🦩 We had the pleasure of meeting up with Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn Grant to explore the flamingo conservation efforts we’re proud to be a part of.

Check your local NBC listings for air times and stream the episode for free after the weekend!

Don’t miss the last Walk on the Wild Side with Ron Magill of the year! 🐾📅 Saturday, December 20th | 🕑 2 PM | 📍 Critter C...
12/18/2025

Don’t miss the last Walk on the Wild Side with Ron Magill of the year! 🐾
📅 Saturday, December 20th | 🕑 2 PM | 📍 Critter Connection

Come enjoy amazing animal encounters, stunning photography, and incredible stories that bring the wild to life!
Ticket included with zoo admission.

We are incredibly grateful to Ana VeigaMilton, Cecil Milton, and the entire Milton family for their extraordinary $2 mil...
12/18/2025

We are incredibly grateful to Ana VeigaMilton, Cecil Milton, and the entire Milton family for their extraordinary $2 million gift, one of the largest donations in Zoo Miami’s history, supporting the future Cecil and Ana Milton Family Foundation Stripes of Sumatra Sumatran tiger habitat. 🐅💚

Their long-standing generosity has helped shape some of our most meaningful experiences, from the Animal Fun Factory to the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment, and now this visionary investment will transform animal care, guest experiences, and global tiger conservation.

Thank you, Milton family, for your unwavering commitment to wildlife and the people who protect it. Because of you, the legacy of the Sumatran tiger will continue to inspire hope for generations to come. 🐅

12/18/2025

This is exactly how we’re pulling up to Zoo Lights this weekend 😎🚘 Don’t miss the dazzling winter event of the season sponsored by Florida Power & Light! Enjoy more than 1 million lights, animal presentations like Jingle Paws & Santa Claws, character meet & greets, and so much more! 🎅

Upcoming dates:
Dec. 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, & 30th

Grab your tickets now at https://bit.ly/43vPBTj.

We’re making the holidays wilder with a special Feast with the Beasts ticket sale from December 17th - January 14th!🎄🐾 G...
12/17/2025

We’re making the holidays wilder with a special Feast with the Beasts ticket sale from December 17th - January 14th!🎄🐾 Grab your tickets at a discounted price and get that perfect gift for friends, family, or yourself. 🍷

Join us on March 6th, 2026 for a night of delicious food, craft drinks, and live entertainment, plus the chance to get up close with some incredible animals. Participate in our silent auction for unique items and experiences, all while supporting wildlife conservation!

Don’t miss out on the most unique fundraising event of the year, presented by Amazon! Get your tickets at https://www.zoomiami.org/fwtb.

12/17/2025

Her name isn’t Judy, but she CAN show you where you can find the only sub-tropical zoo in the United States. Hint…. It’s us 😉 The unique climate in South Florida allows us to care for a wide variety of animals from Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas representing a broad mix of species that is unlike any other zoo in the country.

12/16/2025

When we share conservation stories, we inspire the next generation of conservationists! We’re excited to share that our episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom airs this weekend on Saturday, December 20th, on NBC. Our Zoo Miami team met up with Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn Grant to highlight the ongoing efforts in flamingo conservation in the hopes of making it the official bird of Florida 🦩.

Check your local NBC listings to find out what time Wild Kingdom airs for you and stream it for free after the weekend on nbc.com.

Today we’re celebrating and shining a light on one of Venezuela’s most iconic and most threatened little red birds. ❤️...
12/15/2025

Today we’re celebrating and shining a light on one of Venezuela’s most iconic and most threatened little red birds. ❤️

Red siskins face extinction due to illegal capture for the pet trade and habitat loss from unsustainable coffee farming. Since 2018, Zoo Miami has partnered with the Smithsonian Institution on the Red Siskin Initiative / Iniciativa Cardenalito in Venezuela to support rescue, rehabilitation, and the long-term goal of reintroducing these birds back into the wild.

Here at Zoo Miami, our own breeding pairs contribute to a managed population — and this year, we successfully raised two chicks!

As founding partners of the Red Siskin SAFE program, we’re also helping create resources that inspire people to protect this species and address the biggest threats they face. You can make a difference too when you choose bird-friendly coffee, avoid wildlife as pets, and share what you’ve learned about the red siskin. Every action counts. 🌿❤️

Go WILD for 12 days of Zoo Miami gifts! From now through December 25th, save on gifts that you and the entire fam will l...
12/14/2025

Go WILD for 12 days of Zoo Miami gifts! From now through December 25th, save on gifts that you and the entire fam will love ✨From custom bricks to rhino footprints, there’s something for everyone this holiday season! Visit zoomiami.org under the "Support" tab and use code ZOOGIFT25 at checkout.

I spy with my little eye… a couple of animals that are a little shy! Reptiles and amphibians are masters of disguise, bu...
12/13/2025

I spy with my little eye… a couple of animals that are a little shy! Reptiles and amphibians are masters of disguise, but some of our other animals are also pretty good at hiding in plain sight. Some a little better than others 😉 Some species have adaptations that help them camouflage, while others have natural behaviors, like climbing trees, that can make them tricky to spot. Look carefully when visiting and don’t forget to look UP, you might see something you didn’t expect! Can you find these “hidden” animals? 🔍

🎄✨ Get ready for a night of sparkle, smiles, and safari surprise! 🐾 Don’t miss our original animal presentation Jingle P...
12/12/2025

🎄✨ Get ready for a night of sparkle, smiles, and safari surprise! 🐾 Don’t miss our original animal presentation Jingle Paws & Santa Claws at the Sami Family Amphitheater, featuring our wild friends, letters to Santa, and holiday storytelling at 7:30 PM & 8:30 PM during Zoo Lights!

Grab your Zoo Lights tickets at https://www.zoomiami.org/zoo-lights-2025.

It is with heavy hearts that Zoo Miami announces the passing of “Britney,” the American crocodile who was rescued in Key...
12/12/2025

It is with heavy hearts that Zoo Miami announces the passing of “Britney,” the American crocodile who was rescued in Key Largo on October 20th after enduring severe trauma. Britney had suffered from a spear wound to her skull, a bullet wound to her head, and ingested metal objects that led to lead toxicity in her blood.

Yesterday morning, surgery was performed to remove the foreign metal objects found in her stomach which had been identified through radiographs and were contributing to dangerously high levels of lead in her bloodstream. While the procedure was successful in removing the metal, Britney’s condition was already compromised. She was anemic and weakened by the trauma from the spear and gunshot wounds.

Following the surgery, Britney was placed in the Zoo’s Animal Hospital to recover from the anesthesia. However, this morning she was found to still be very lethargic, with lingering effects from the anesthesia. Recovery from general anesthesia can be especially challenging for cold-blooded animals like crocodilians, whose metabolism can fluctuate significantly, leading to complications. Unfortunately, the combination of her pre-existing injuries and anemia proved insurmountable, and tragically, she passed away this afternoon.

The loss of this federally threatened animal serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of illegal and cruel actions against wildlife, actions often driven by unfounded fear and ignorance. It also highlights the unintended harm that can result from the introduction of toxic substances into the environment, such as pellet gun ammunition, which can enter the food chain and negatively affect wildlife.

While we mourn the loss of Britney, we also hope that her story serves as a poignant reminder that we share this planet with countless species that face increasing challenges to survive in a rapidly changing world. It is vital that we learn to coexist peacefully with wildlife, fostering understanding and respect, to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

RESCUED CROCODILE UNDERGOES SURGERY 🐊 “Britney,” the American crocodile rescued by the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC)...
12/12/2025

RESCUED CROCODILE UNDERGOES SURGERY 🐊

“Britney,” the American crocodile rescued by the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) and Zoo Miami personnel on October 20th, underwent surgery yesterday morning at Zoo Miami’s Animal Hospital. Britney had been found with a spear lodged in her head, causing significant injuries.

Upon her arrival, after receiving initial critical care to remove the spear, radiographs revealed additional concerns. In addition to the spear injury, it was discovered that Britney had a bullet lodged in her head, which resulted in blindness in her left eye. However, removing the bullet was deemed unnecessary, so it will remain in place without any anticipated additional negative effects.

Further investigation revealed several small metallic foreign objects in her stomach. Blood tests showed dangerously high levels of lead in her system, an alarming condition that could lead to long-term health issues and, if untreated, death.

Last week, Zoo Miami’s Animal Health Team anesthetized the 8-foot, 130-pound crocodile in an attempt to remove those foreign objects using an endoscope. However, the number of small pieces was too great to remove via this method, necessitating yesterday’s surgery.

The lead surgeon, Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Nick Buscaglia, was assisted by Chief of Animal Health, Dr. Gwen Myers. After a two-hour surgery, the Zoo Miami Veterinary team successfully removed the foreign objects, which were identified as small lead fishing weights and most likely pellets from a gun. These items probably entered Britney’s body when she consumed fish caught on a fishing line or preyed on animals like iguanas that had been shot and ended up in the water.

Britney is now recovering in her pen at the Zoo Miami Animal Hospital, where she will continue to be closely monitored. The team is pleased to report that her wound from the spear injury is healing well, and no further complications are expected. However, surgery has inherent risks, especially with crocodilians. The next several days will be especially challenging as she continues her difficult road to recovery. 💚

The ultimate goal is for Britney to make a full recovery and be safely returned to the wild.
📸 Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

12/12/2025

When you actually HAVE an elephant in the room, it’s best to address it directly. 🐘

It’s getting wild at Zoo Miami this Valentine’s Day! 💘🐾 Ron Magill is back for his critically acclaimed program, “Sex & ...
12/11/2025

It’s getting wild at Zoo Miami this Valentine’s Day! 💘🐾 Ron Magill is back for his critically acclaimed program, “Sex & the Animals,” happening Saturday, February 14th at 7:00 PM in the Sami Family Amphitheater.

Prepare for outrageous facts, unforgettable visuals, and laugh-out-loud moments as Ron breaks down the steamy side of the animal kingdom—from flirty frogs to romantic elephants. It’s hilarious, fascinating, and for adults only (21+).

🎟 Tickets (with wine + bites included) are now LIVE at https://bit.ly/4oQsTNw.
🍽 Exclusive dinner tables will also be available with bar or table service and a 3 course dinner!

Tickets are limited and our event sells out quickly, so set your calendars and spend your night learning how animals really do the wild thing—trust us, Dr. Dolittle could never.
📷 Miami Herald

This year brought some incredible moments at Zoo Miami. We welcomed Andean bear Brienne, released our 60th rehabilitated...
12/11/2025

This year brought some incredible moments at Zoo Miami. We welcomed Andean bear Brienne, released our 60th rehabilitated sea turtle, and celebrated first-time fatherhood for 135-year-old Goliath the Galapagos tortoise. 💚

These milestones happen because of YOU. ⭐ Your support powers exceptional animal care, conservation work in Florida and beyond, and learning experiences that inspire the next generation.

For those who care deeply about protecting wildlife and inspiring the next generation, this moment matters. A generous donor has offered a $10,000 match, doubling every gift made before December 31st, 2025! Your $50 becomes $100. Your $250 becomes $500. Your impact becomes twice as powerful. 💥

On top of this, 2025 is the final year to receive the highest charitable tax deduction available. In 2026, new federal rules will reduce what donors can deduct, meaning your gift made today has greater financial power—for you and for our mission.

Help us continue this work and make 2026 even brighter for our animals and community by visiting https://bit.ly/4iKXjiX.

12/10/2025

A visit to the zoo and getting ahead of some holiday shopping? Say less! 🎁 Our gift shop has something for everyone, including yourself 😉

Address

12400 SW 152nd Street
Miami, FL
33177

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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