Zoo Miami

02/01/2025

Did you know Green Anacondas are the heaviest snake on earth and can weigh up to 500lbs? As constrictors, they coil up and suffocate their prey. Our anaconda, Minaj, enjoys soaking in the water most of the day.

And if you thought anacondas were big, they got nothing on the Titanaboa of the Paleocene epoch! 👀 Come see one face-to-face during Dinos Among Us, launching Saturday February 22nd!

Learn more about Dinos Among Us here: https://bit.ly/4gh330Q

01/31/2025

At , we’re lucky to have Grévy’s zebras on habitat—the largest and most endangered of the three zebra species.

Here’s how to tell them apart:
✅ Grévy’s zebra: Narrow stripes, big ears, and have a conservation priority. They are native to the grasslands of Kenya & Ethiopia.
✅ Plains zebra: The most common, with six subspecies spread across Africa. They can be identified by their stripes which extend under the belly, and paler 'shadow' stripes on their behinds.
✅ Mountain zebra: Adapted to rugged terrain in South Africa & Namibia. They have a small dewlap under their chin, much bolder stripes on their legs and do not have any shadow stripes like the plains zebra.
Visit the zoo and see these unique stripes up close! 🖤🤍

📸: Emma Hames

01/28/2025

Haven't snagged your Feast with the Beasts tickets yet? Last chance discount tickets end this Sunday, February 2nd! Don't miss out on ’s annual tasting event returning on Friday, March 7, 2025!

Prepare yourself for a night of:
🍽️ Unlimited bites & drinks from Miami’s top restaurants
🍸 Open bar and specialty cocktails
🦥 Special appearances by animal ambassadors
🎶 Live music & entertainment
🏆 A silent auction with amazing prizes

Want to experience everything the night has to offer? Upgrade your ticket to VIP Beastkeeper and enjoy the pre-party at the VIP Beastkeeper lounge, access to the VIP space in the main area, special tastings, private bars, and exclusive animal encounters!

Every ticket supports Zoo Miami Foundation’s vision of uniting everyone with nature to protect and restore wildlife.

🎟️ Adults 21+ | Rain or shine

Click the link here to purchase tickets before they go up in price on February 3rd: https://bit.ly/3VjJMEe

Presented by: Amazon.com

01/28/2025

and WPLG Local 10 are taking the Eco Hero contest down under—AUSTRALIA! 🇦🇺 One lucky high schooler and their guardian will embark on a two-week adventure alongside Local 10’s Kristi Krueger and Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill, exploring Melbourne Zoo, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and more!

If you or a student you know is making a positive impact on the environment, this once-in-a-lifetime trip could be yours! 🌱✨

📅 Apply by this Friday, January 31, 2025 for your chance to participate in Eco Hero: Down Under here: https://bit.ly/3CruR4Q

01/27/2025

Dental health is a key component of the Animal Health Department’s preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami. A variety of issues ranging from gum disease to fractured and broken teeth can lead to critical care issues that may result in serious infection and even death without treatment.

Because animals generally do not complain about dental pain, dental disease is often referred to as “silent suffering” in the animal health field. By the time serious signs such as loss of appetite and weight are evident, the disease or infection process may be quite advanced and can be a debilitating and sometimes fatal issue in animals that do not receive the proper care.

As part of the overall preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami, dental exams are routinely done on a variety of animals during regular general health exams. If issues are diagnosed, depending on the severity of the problem, Zoo Miami’s team of veterinarians will either perform the treatment themselves, or, when there are more complicated cases, enlist the assistance of a veterinary dental specialist.

Last week, veterinary dentist, Dr. Jamie Berning, DVM, DAVDC, from Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of Ohio, along with members of her team, traveled from their home in Columbus, Ohio to perform a series of procedures on a variety of animals including an orangutan, a lion, two chimpanzees, a sloth bear, and two jaguars. The procedures were done over several days and ranged from general consults, cleanings and exams to extractions and root canals. Zoo Miami is very grateful for the expertise and time that Dr. Berning and her team donate to provide Zoo Miami animals with this critical care.

In addition to the dental work, the two chimpanzees also received cardiac exams performed by cardiologist Dr. Ken Zilde and several of his colleagues. Also participating in those exams was Nurse Bobbie Boyd from the Great Ape Heart Project as well as Michael Ringstad from Medtronics. As part of the cardiac workups, each chimpanzee was given an echocardiogram, and one had his Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) replaced. The ILR records the chimpanzee’s cardiac activity and transfers it directly to the medical team to be studied for any abnormalities. All animals have since recovered and been returned to their habitats.

📸: Ron Magill
📸: German Ramirez

01/25/2025

Explore the wild side of Florida! From gators to panthers, Florida: Mission Everglades brings you up close to the Sunshine State’s incredible wildlife.

01/24/2025

Did you know that Zoo Miami participates in Gorillas on the Line? In this nationwide program across zoos, guests can bring in any old, small electronic device (phone, ipad, etc.) to and can exchange them for a free admission ticket! Bringing in these devices not only gets you a day at the zoo, but it helps gorillas out in the wild!

Mobile devices carry a substance called coltan, and one of the few places in the world where this is mined is in the Democratic Republic of Congo, right in the middle of gorilla habitats. Recycling your old devices raises money to directly support their conservation. Answer the call and help save them in the wild!

01/22/2025

The Zoo Miami Wildlife Conservation Fund supports field conservation of wildlife and wild places both locally and internationally. Projects like endangered whale shark conservation by Shark Team One make us so proud with what they can achieve with support from this fund. Check out their work in this video:

Zoo Miami's Wildlife Conservation Fund supports field conservation of wildlife and wild places both locally and internationally. Projects like endangered wha...

01/22/2025

Hey, Bad Bunny, thanks for making this cute little toad famous! Puerto Rican Crested Toads (PRCT) are the only toads native to the island of Puerto Rico and are critically endangered. Zoo Miami actively breeds PRCTs and works with the Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservancy to release thousands of tadpoles every year on the island. We are so happy to see this little known species get some real big recognition as an icon of the Puerto Rican people.

01/21/2025

It is with bittersweet emotions that Zoo Miami announces the passing of “Kara,” Zoo Miami’s senior giant river otter-- the oldest giant river otter in the entire country. At nearly 20 years old, Kara was the oldest giant river otter in the country, far surpassing the species’ typical lifespan. She arrived at Zoo Miami in 2008 from the Philadelphia Zoo, where she was born in March 2005.

Kara’s remarkable life included giving birth to 27 pups, leaving a lasting legacy in the conservation of this endangered species. Her contributions to her species and her role as a mother will never be forgotten.

Giant river otters, often called “River Wolves,” are native to South America and face threats like habitat destruction and fur hunting. Zoo Miami proudly supports Proyecto Arirahnas in Brazil, working to protect these incredible animals and their ecosystems.

Kara’s memory will live on in the hearts of our Zoo Miami family, her caretakers, and all who had the privilege to see her.

📸: Ron Magill

01/21/2025

The gates of Jurassic Pa—we mean, —are about to open wide for Dinos Among Us! 🦖

📅 Starting February 22nd, come face-to-face with 20 LIFE-SIZE, moving, roaring dinos that’ll have you double-checking your survival skills. 🫣 T-Rex? Check. Raptors? Obviously. Jurassic vibes? Guaranteed!

Bring your fam or your squad (we support all dino enthusiasts) and get ready for a prehistoric adventure you don’t want to miss! This is your chance to explore the past, uncovering fun facts about these ancient creatures and their modern-day connections. 🌍💡

Mark your calendars, secure those tickets, and as they say in Jurassic Park: life, uh, finds a way. 🦕✨

📸: Ron Magill

01/18/2025

Accidentally dropped the card, but picked up the adventure! 🐍💳

01/17/2025

Did you guess it correctly? Scroll down for the answer!
If you guessed an okapi you got it right!

01/16/2025

⚠️ Graphic Content Warning ⚠️

During their recent annual exams, six of our 36 flamingos were found to have early stages of ulcerative pododermatitis, or “bumblefoot.” This common condition occurs when bacteria enter small wounds on a bird’s feet, causing swelling and abscesses that, if untreated, can lead to lameness.

Thanks to Zoo Miami’s dedicated Animal Health Team, all six flamingos underwent successful surgical treatment and are recovering at our Animal Hospital. Once healed, they’ll rejoin the flock!

These cases highlight the importance of our comprehensive preventative care program. Regular exams help us catch issues early, ensuring the well-being of every animal, especially seniors who are more vulnerable to health concerns.

Every check-up matters for their health and happiness!

📸: Ron Magill

01/16/2025

K-O-M-O-D-O-S, we love dragons, yes oh yes! This check out some about 's Komodo dragons:
🦎 Komodo dragons can grow to 10 feet long!
🦎 They are found in the Komodo, Rintja, and Flores islands of Indonesia
🦎 Their diet consists of wild boar, deer, and rodents!

01/15/2025

Time for a flamingo roundup! 🦩 Our expert Animal Health and Care teams recently gathered all 36 flamingos for their yearly comprehensive medical exams. These check-ups include assessing body conditions, administering vaccinations, conducting bloodwork, and inspecting their feet (an essential step since they spend so much time wading in water)!

These evaluations are part of ’s preventative medical program, helping us catch and treat any potential health issues early.

We’re happy to report that most of our flock is healthy and thriving! A few had minor foot lesions, and they’re already receiving the care they need.

01/14/2025

Best photobomb ever? 🐻🦩

📸:

01/14/2025

The Ron Magill Conservation Endowment awarded $5,000 scholarships to two exceptional young conservationists this year!

Sabrina Lyons, a Miami Dade College biology student and former Zoo Miami Conservation Teen Scientist, has donated 780+ volunteer hours to wildlife conservation and aims to inspire others to protect animals and ecosystems.

Isabel Martinez, an FIU grad and current UM Master’s student in Marine Conservation, is passionate about rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals and sea turtles.

Congrats to these future leaders in wildlife conservation! Scholarships are funded through the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment, dedicated to supporting conservation efforts and education.

01/13/2025

They’re BACK! 🦖This is your chance to experience moving, roaring prehistoric giants at with Dinos Among Us! Step into a world where 20 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs come alive, transporting you straight to the Jurassic era. 🌿

Opening on February 22nd, and on-site through September, join us for this limited time exhibit and witness fan fave dinos like the Tyrannosaurus Rex and others, learn about their lives, and discover how species today face extinction.

Hold onto your butts and don’t miss this roar-some adventure! 🦖

01/12/2025

Dropped the phone at Critter Connection but have zero complaints! 🐐 🐮 🐽 🤳

01/11/2025

We're back again with another Sea Turtle Hospital update!

🐢 Gnocchi continues to heal from her FP tumor removals.
🐢 Bilbo's CT results are being reviewed, but the spinal fracture seems to be less stable. She has also developed some concerning symptoms. The veterinary team are consulting other sea turtle specialists to determine long term prognosis.
🐢 Spaghetti’s CT results are being reviewed and compared for possible internal tumors. The vet team is consulting other sea turtle specialists to determine long term prognosis.
🐢 The difficult decision was made to euthanize Galadriel due to poor prognosis. The boat strike injury left lasting damage that prevented this turtle from being able to swim and dive normally. Therefore, she would forever be unable to be released back into the wild.
🐢 On a happy note, Prosciutto was released on January 2nd! This young male turtle came to us from the military secured Titan basin and returned to his home with the help of the FWC to transport him north. We hope he will have safe seas ahead of him!
🐢 As several facilities remain offline while recovering from the 2024 hurricane season, many others are at capacity as a result of the recent cold front throughout the Northeast USA, brining in many cold-stunned turtles. Cold-stunned sea turtles from the Northeast are flown to facilities in the Southeast for recovery by volunteer pilots with an organization call Turtles Fly Too.
🐢 You can help sick or injured sea turtles by reporting them to FWC by phone (1-888-404-3922) or online. By doing this, you will be starting their journey to rehabilitation!

01/10/2025

Mahala, our 10-year-old Florida panther, recently underwent a preventative health exam at Zoo Miami's Animal Hospital. This included blood and urine tests, radiographs, dental cleaning, a feline distemper vaccine, and spaying to support her long-term health. Spaying prevents issues like uterine infections and cancer, especially since Mahala, a federally protected and non-releasable animal, isn’t part of a breeding program. These preventative examinations play an important role in diagnosing any potential health issues during their early stages when treatment is more likely to be successful.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Natalia Andrade with our dedicated veterinary team. Mahala’s ovaries were preserved and sent to SEZARC to aid reproductive science for Florida panthers.

We’re happy to share that Mahala has fully recovered and is back in her habitat!

📸: Ron Magill

01/07/2025

Escape to tranquility at Wild Nights: Sleepovers, 's adults-only overnight yoga retreat! This event promises relaxation, connection and a deep appreciation for wildlife. Don't miss out on:

🦩 Sunset yoga in front of our flamingos
🐾 Animal encounters with signature ambassadors
🛺 Guided cart tours through the zoo
🍽 Dinner at our 50,000-galloon flooded forest aquarium
🎨 Enrichment crafting for our animal residents
🧘‍♀️ Meditation under the stars
🐘 Morning yoga at the African elephant habitat

📅 Date: January 11–12, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m.—10 a.m.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4aBb7Il

01/06/2025

HOLD ONTO YOUR BUTTS! Something huge is coming to ! 👀

📸: Ron Magill

01/03/2025

It’s that time of year again– join us on Friday, March 7, 2025, for Feast with the Beasts— ’s signature fundraising party and tasting event! Don’t miss out on another incredible year of:
🍽️ Unlimited bites and drinks from some of Miami’s best eateries
🍸Open bars
🦥 Appearances from animal ambassadors
🎶 Live entertainment and music.
🏆A silent auction with all kinds of incredible prizes

All proceeds benefit Zoo Miami Foundation's mission to inspire conservation and community engagement.
🎟️ Adults 21+ | Rain or shine

Early bird pricing ends on January 4th! Tap the link here: https://bit.ly/3VjJMEe for tickets and details.

01/02/2025

Farmer’s Market 🤝 ! 🦒🌽 Kick off the year on the first and third Saturday & Sunday of every month from 10am - 5pm, enjoy an amazing lineup of vendors including , , , , , , .bazaar, & . 🥐🍵🍮

📸 : Miami Friendors

01/01/2025

The first week of 2025 in a nutshell. from all of us at Zoo Miami!

12/29/2024

Due to inclement weather in our area affecting our light displays, we are cancelling Zoo Lights on Sunday, December 29. We appreciate those who purchased tickets in advance and have several options available:

🎟️ Convert your Zoo Lights tickets to day time admission tickets by emailing [email protected]
🎟️ Request a refund for your tickets by emailing [email protected]
🎟️ For additional questions, please email [email protected] or call 305-251-0400 ext.0

12/27/2024

On , we’re endlessly grateful for YOU! It’s thanks to your support over the past 40 years that we’re able to not only build a community, but create a home for thousands of animals, learn about them as species and contribute to conservation efforts globally.

Did you know that a portion of every ticket sold at Zoo Miami is money that goes to conservation? Just by visiting us, you’re doing your part in helping our mission of conserving species for generations to come. We hope to see you again soon!

📸: , .goodlife, , , , .fuego__, , , ,

12/25/2024

Pass the coquito, please!
from all of us at ! 🦁🐒🦏🦧🦙🦒