If you’re searching for a fun and family-friendly way to learn about Miami’s distinctive fauna while staying at Miami vacation rentals, look no further. Zoos and exotic Miami animal attractions are great places to visit for a day of learning and fun. Whether you’re interested in native Florida animals or more exotic creatures from around the globe, Miami has something to offer everyone.
Miami Animal Attractions
Zoological Wildlife Foundation
16225 SW 172 Ave, Miami, FL 33187-1320
ZWF Miami is the only zoo in South Florida with many animal encounters. They carry more than 40 exotic species at our facility, with many available interactive activities involving the guests. In addition, the five-acre zoo houses domestic animals and primates to large predatory birds and mammals.
Some of the popular selection of exotic zoo animals are Chimpanzees, Gibbon Apes, Sloths, Lemurs, Owls, Snakes, anteaters, Lions cubs, Tiger Cubs, Ligers, Black Jaguar, and mischievous Capuchin monkeys – like those used in many movies. In addition, the Zoological Wildlife Foundation offers intimate tours and private encounters by appointment. Contact them to schedule a special tour with their exotic animals!
It’s an experience you will never forget! Interactive and fun for families by providing an up-close-and-personal approach to wildlife. This has established ZWF as one of the top attractions in South Florida. Visitors may learn about rare and endangered creatures and interact with them at the Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF).
This is the place to go if you’ve ever wanted to experience the delight of holding a newborn monkey or tiger cub. Tours at ZWF’s five-acre facility are available by appointment daily and include the opportunity to interact with and photograph various animals, including lemurs, Bengal tiger kittens, Tufted Capuchin monkeys, and more.
Safari Adventure
23700 SW 142nd Ave, Miami, FL 33032-2201
The best experience for an interactive wildlife experience. Hug a Kangaroo, Hold an Alligator, Play with Wolves, Pet, a Sloth, and more!
When you visit, you will get a close-up experience with over 100 species of wildlife from 5 continents, including Kangaroos, Anteaters, Sloths, Arctic & Timber Wolves, four species of Fox, Lemurs, Monkeys, two species of Fruit Bats, Skunks, Armadillos, Alligators, Caiman, Tegus, Monitors, two species of Porcupines, Emus, large Tortoises, Snakes, Lizards, Tarantulas, Scorpions, CoatiMundis, Mata Matas, and much more.
Enjoy Kangaroo & Wolf Encounters, and participate in one of our hands-on wildlife presentations offered several times each day. In addition, they offer five beautiful acres filled with over 100 mature native and exotic trees that provide lots of shade and enjoyable, interactive learning experiences.
You will have the opportunity to visit the enchanting sunken rainforest garden and our butterfly and hummingbird gardens. You can also explore our organic garden with herbs, spices, and other intriguing plants in their candy, drinks, vegetables, medicinal, and pizza sections.
Zoo Miami
12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177-1402
Zoo Miami today occupies almost 750 acres and is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 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 various species and scientific topics.
Zoo Miami is 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, and zoo staffing and involvement in global conservation efforts. Zoo Miami is proud to be an active leader in much international wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives and is currently involved in over 36 projects on six continents.
Amazon and Beyond, Wings of Asia Aviary, Critter Connection, and Florida: Mission Everglades are some exhibits on display. Along with animal feedings and encounters, educational presentations, children’s activities, meet-and-greets with characters, and zookeeper lectures, there are various other things to enjoy throughout the day.
A Safari Cycle, a monorail ride, or a guided tram trip to the site are all excellent options for seeing the animals differently than you may expect. In addition, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and other celebrations may be held in the picnic and party areas.
Monkey Jungle
14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170-2299
Monkey Jungle is a one-of-a-kind wildlife park and discovery center established in 1935. It is on a natural subtropical forest in southern Miami Dade County. The Jungle wildlife lives here much as they would in their native habitats. Visitors, students, and scientists experience unique up-close encounters with these amazing creatures in Miami’s natural 30-acre Jungle park. Over 4,000 primates run free throughout this reserve.
Monkey Jungle, which is now in its third generation of family ownership, continues to be one of the most timeless entertainment and wildlife destinations in South Florida. In addition to providing audiences with eco-show-based experiences, we serve as a venue for community-based special events and scientific and educational programs held by the DuMond Conservancy for Primates & Tropical Forests, a non-profit affiliate of ours.
When tourists arrive at Monkey Jungle today, they are greeted by the Java monkey group, which has grown to include over 90 members. This interaction with the monkeys continues to be a favorite among visitors to Monkey Jungle. In the wild, the Java monkey is a proficient diver who forages for crabs and other shellfish along riverbanks and mangrove swamps to supplement his diet.
They display these swimming abilities and other natural behaviors while interacting with the Guides and are often seen wading or jumping into their pond during the WILD MONKEY SWIMMING POOL excursion (weather permitting).
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132-1611
Hundreds of exotic birds and animals from all over the world, including some from the United States, live on Jungle Island, an 18-acre zoological park. Animal shows, hands-on experiences with animals, and a VIP tour, where guests may engage with tiger cubs, young alligators, and other exotic wildlife species, are available to guests. In addition, three animal performances take place during the day at different times across the Park.
Jungle Island is located between downtown Miami and South Beach. Home to animal wonders, including lovable lemurs from Madagascar, the only tame cassowary on the planet, parrots, twin orangutans – Peanut & Pumpkin – and much more.
Enjoy access to its spectacular shows, unique animal exhibits, fun children’s play area, and animal encounters. Challenge your friends at Battle Grounds, enjoy a unique, thrilling outdoor skydiving experience with SuperFlight, and take a mental journey through riddles and challenges in our Escape Rooms or Zip-line in our Adventure Bay; all set among a lush, tropical environment in Jungle Island.
Lion Safari
2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Lion Country Safari is a one-of-a-kind drive-through safari. This animal park offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness various exotic animals in a setting that closely resembles their natural environment. Animals wander the plains and woodlands during your four-mile trip through Lion Country Safari, separated into seven themed regions.
You’ll see a handful of the nearly 900 animals that call this location home on your trip. Then go to the Safari World Amusement Park for a time. You may feed a giraffe, visit a petting zoo, and learn more about the creatures you observed on your excursion at this location.
Spend the day on safari with over 1000 animals at Florida’s only drive-through safari and walk-through entertainment park. At Lion Country Safari, you’ll enjoy a wonderful experience with animal exhibits and interactions, animal feeding experiences, five rides, a water sprayground, dining, shopping, and more.
They are leaders in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with other wildlife in a fun atmosphere.
Shark Valley Tram Tours
36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
The Everglades is a unique and fascinating ecosystem. When you take an Everglades National Park tour, Shark Valley, you’ll travel in a relaxed setting, learning about the ecology and history of the Everglades from their friendly and knowledgeable Park trained naturalists.
They’ll convert your Everglades viewing trip into a very informative tour. Near the midway point of your trip, you may also hike to the Shark Valley Viewing Tower’s observation platform, which is the highest accessible point in Everglades National Park.
On our instructional excursions, you’ll view Everglades dwellers in their native habitat. The environment is protected, and animals are free to roam. You’ll get professional advice from Park-trained naturalists who have the knowledge and expertise to identify all of the Everglades’ distinctive and subtle gems.
Miami is home to various animal attractions, from safaris to parks with viewing towers. So whether you’re looking for an educational experience or want to see some animals up close, Miami has an attraction that’s perfect for you.