http://www.zoomiami.org

Zoo Miami

About Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami (also known as The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, and the only sub-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 grouped 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.

As one of the first free-range zoos in the United States, Zoo Miami's exhibits that are open-air habitats.

The history of the zoo can be traced back to 1948, with what was then known as the Crandon Park Zoo on the island of Key Biscayne, just off the coast of downtown Miami. At that time, the zoo occupied 48 acres of the park and its first animals included some lions, an elephant and a rhinoceros that had been stranded when a circus went out of business in Miami.

Zoo Miami today occupies almost 750 acres, and is home to more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 500 different species. Of this population, more than 40 species are classified as endangered. The zoo also houses more than 1,000 species of trees, palms and other plants, and over 100 special exhibits showcasing a broad number of species and scientific topics.

We are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which means we have passed a rigorous application and inspection process and meet or exceed the AZA's standards for animal health and welfare, fundraising, zoo staffing, and involvement in global conservation efforts.

Zoo Miami is proud to be an active leader in many global wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives, and we are currently involved in over 36 projects taking place on six continents.

Reviews

Volunteer

October 2019 - October 2019 Miami, FL
“The work I did ranged from directing people to the correct direction during a race to helping clean up.”

Zoologist Intern

May 2019 - October 2019 Miami, FL
“Working with zoo staff and perks of free zoo access. ”
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