5 Must-see Attractions for Animal Enthusiasts in Miami

Miami may be known for its pristine beaches, but the city is also home to a number of animal sanctuaries that offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with everything from alligators to baby tigers. All of the venues are Uber-accessible and offer unique animal encounters.

Zoological Wildlife Foundation

At the Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF), visitors can learn about rare and endangered animals and interact with them. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the joy of holding a baby monkey or tiger cub, this is the place to visit. Tours are offered daily by appointment at ZWF’s five-acre facility, and include the chance to engage and take photos with a variety of animals, including lemurs, Bengal tiger cubs, Tufted Capuchin monkeys, and more.

5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, 305-731-2224 // Tours conducted between 9am-6pm by reservation only. General wildlife experience: adults: $85, ages 4-17: $45, children under 3 are free. Check website for additional VIP packages.

Jungle Island

Jungle Island, an 18-acre zoological park, features thousands of exotic birds and animals from across the world. Guests can enjoy animal shows, hands-on interactions with animals, or choose to go on the VIP tour where they can interact with tiger cubs, baby alligators, and more. The park also features three animal shows held at various times throughout the day.

1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, 305-400-7000 // Check website for hours and various package prices.

Zoo Miami

The only tropical zoo in the continental United States, Zoo Miami offers a venue where even the littlest visitors can interact with animals by feeding parrots and giraffes. Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s 280-acre property where guests can view more than 900 animals. Take a ride on a camel, watch the meerkats frolic, and visit exotic animals in each of the zoo’s four unique sections: Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia.

12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, 305-255-5551 // Open weekdays, 10am-5pm; weekends, 9:30am-5:30pm. Ages 13 and over: $19.9, ages 3-12: $15.95, children 2 and under: free.

Safari Edventure

Safari Edventure is the place to go if you’ve dreamed of petting a wolf pup or bottle-feeding a baby lemur. This five-acre site features 130 species of animals, more than 1,000 plants, and even a rainforest. Ninety percent of animals living in the sanctuary are rescued, re-homed, or rehabilitated. In addition to learning about wildlife and animal welfare, guests can hug a kangaroo, pet a baby alligator, and frolic with foxes.

23701 SW 142nd Ave, Miami, 305-238-9453 // Open Wed.-Sun., 10am-5pm, closed Monday and Tuesday. Adults: $18, ages 4-12: $15, over 60 and 3 and under are free, VIP tours: $55 a person, two-person minimum

Gator Park

A visit to Miami isn’t complete without a trip to the everglades and a glimpse of the alligators that call this area home. At Gator Park, guests can view these formidable critters in their natural habitat, enjoy an airboat ride, and see exotic birds, turtles, snakes, and fish. Finish the day with alligator wrestling at the park’s wildlife show.

24050 SW 8 St., Miami, 305-559-2255 // Open Mon,-Sun., 9am-5pm. Adults: $19.99 (online), $24.99 (at the gate), children: $12.99, ages 5 and under are free

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