The Miami Metro Zoo is a must see for anyone who is in Miami. It is under the leadership and guidance of the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department and it is currently the largest zoological garden in Miami. Visitors can expect to see a diverse variety of wildlife. There are over 1000 animals to see, including 48 endangered species. There is also a large variety of different plant life. The recently opened Amazon and Beyond Exhibit, has become a visitor favorite and people come form all over to view the new animals present. Miami Metro zoo’s main goal is to relay the message that the land and its animals are beautiful and precious things that must be respected and conserved for future generations. The Miami Metro Zoo is also heavily involved in the educating of today’s youth. They have developed a program that goes hand in hand with the Miami-Dade County Schools science lesson plans. This gives students a chance to experience all the zoo has to offer while learning valuable lessons.
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What to Expect
The Miami Metro Zoo has over 740 acres and the walking path that goes through it, is over 3 miles long so there is definitely plenty to see. Visitors should stop by and see the “featured animal” exhibit at the zoo. The featured animal does change from time to time so you never know for sure what animal you will see. These animals were donated from another zoo and now call the Miami Metro Zoo home. Visitors can view them as they horse around in their surroundings as well as learn a little information about them. Perhaps the newest attraction at Miami Metro Zoo is the Amazon and Beyond Exhibit. The Amazon and Beyond Section is a brand new area that is dedicated to the beautiful wildlife in Central and South America. This 27 acre exhibit welcomes over 600 new animals to the Miami Metro Zoo. There are so many different and fascinating species to see in this area. The Amazon and Beyond is separated into three distinct areas, the Cloud Forest, Amazon Forest and Atlantic Forest.
The Cloud Forest section is dedicated to those tropical animals that live in higher elevations. This area has elevations over 1500 feet and houses several species that can only be seen at the zoo. Visitors can always expect the unexpected when traveling through this South American habitat. The Reptile and amphibian building can be found here as well as a variety of birds, flower, insects, and jaguars the largest feline in America. The next section is the Amazon Forest and its amazing ecosystem. Beautiful and tropical flowers, plants and other vegetation cover the land. There is also a gallery with tanks that showcase the mysterious Amazon River during its dry and flooded stages. The first tank is the home to several different types of fish and turtles and this represents the flooded land. The second take houses land dwellers and they represent the Amazon during the dry season. An underwater view of the Anaconda, the world’s largest snake is also a favorite visitor stop. The last region, the Atlantic Forest showcases animals that are typically found on the East Coast of Brazil. There is a 65 pound 8 foot long giant anteater present in this area that is always a spectator favorite. The otter exhibit as well as various types of vegetation is a few of the other things present.
Visitors must go to the American Bankers Family Aviary, Wings of Asia Exhibit for some exotic lessons and a great history lesson. Realistic dinosaur fossils are on display as well as a mock evacuation pit complete with a free archaeological dig for visitors. This exhibit also has over 300 rare and exotic Asian birds. Some of these birds are even on the Endangered Species List. Come and look at beautiful pheasant, parrots, large birds and small birds all in one habitat. For those who are traveling with kids, they should definitely stop by the Mercantile Commercebank Childrens Zoo. This place is all about kids and their families. Children get a chance to not only see different animals but also touch them, which makes for an even bigger treat. The Toadstool section allows the children to touch various reptiles such as frogs and tortoises. It is also home to Butterscotch, a 13 foot Burmese python. The Butterfly Garden also present here showcases beautiful butterflies and flowers. The Petting Zoo is a definite favorite for all kids as they get a chance to feel their way around. No children’s park is complete without rides and the wildlife Carousel takes care of that.
Tips and Advice for Visiting
There are a variety of snack and picnic areas as well as souvenir shops. When coming to the Miami Metro Zoo come prepared to walk and have fun. The zoo is rather big so there are stroller and wheel chair rentals available as well as an air conditioned monorail that stops throughout the zoo. It can definitely make getting to the different exhibits easier. There are also narrated tours available for a fee throughout the day for those who are interested. The zoo puts on various shows throughout the day related to the various exhibits. They give great information and some even allow visitors to touch the animals. Various special events that are open to the public are held there through out the year. There are five or six places to eat, as well as various stands, so come prepared to eat. The Miami Metro Zoo has no shortage of exhibits or things to do some come by and experience the wild.
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