Top 10 Zoos & Aquariums in Florida, United States

February 19, 2022 Augustus Redeker

Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
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1. McCarthy's Wildlife

12943 61st St N, West Palm Beach, FL 33412-2017 +1 561-790-2116 [email protected] http://www.mccarthyswildlife.com
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,118 reviews

McCarthy's Wildlife

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! : Eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of West Palm Beach! Over 200 animals from White Tigers to African Lions, Black Leopards, Ligers, Lynx and Amur Leopards seen from just four feet away. You can't get any closer than this by law! Hands on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas, and who knows what else. You will have to come by and experience it for yourself! We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit wildlife rescue facility that take in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies, and unwanted exotic pets! Your experience here helps us with the tremendous expense of caring for our animals. Price is $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children (ages 5yrs.-15yrs).

Reviewed By ehmegee

This was our second trip to McCarthy but definitely won’t be our last. Here are a few of the things that make McCarthy a must-see (in our humble opinions). STAFF: Our tour guide, Lisa, was superb. She knew the history of the animals, answered all questions asked by our group throughout the tour, and provided detailed information on each of the animals; both in terms of the species and individual creatures’ lives. The tours are well organized and they do an excellent job of keeping everything on track and groups together, without rushing everyone. We had several mobility impaired individuals in our tour group and the presence of many chairs/benches along the way offers respite to those who need it as we stop at each creature. RESPECT: There is a clear culture of mutual respect cultivated at McCarthy’s: the animals are all clearly content and enjoy their lives, and cared for by total professionals. The keepers all clearly care about the animals and speak to them like old friends, but respect their autonomy and power (big cats in particular) and treat them accordingly. There are tons of lovely animals to fall a little bit in love with, and the accompanying talks about them, occasionally delving into what makes them unsuitable as domestic pets, are as timely as they are educational. INTERACTION: We did get to interact with Snowball the boa constrictor and a little baby alligator, which was fun. These interactions were well-structured and for those who opted to participate in the interactive portion, they were given clear instructions for how and when to handle them, always under direct supervision. EXPERIENCE: In my view, the best way to approach this experience is as a privilege: it is an opportunity to come alongside & learn from a great organization. This facility is doing incredible rehabilitation & education work, and there is always something new to learn and see, as well as some long-term residents to check in with. For animal lovers, it is especially exciting to see these wonderful creatures up close and to be certain that they are being well cared for and that their quality of life is excellent (or as good as it can possibly be for some of the rescued/rehabilitated creatures - the one-winged turkey vulture that they nursed back to health after being hit by a truck is living the best life he could, even though he would be unsuitable for the wild with only one wing). My husband and I were here a year and a half ago, again today, and now intend to visit every time we’re in the area. This incredible nonprofit deserves all the support it can get.

2. Wildlife Survival Sanctuary

18212 Booming Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34610-2307 +1 352-797-4785 [email protected] http://www.wildlifesurvival.com/
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 75 reviews

Wildlife Survival Sanctuary

Our mission here at Wildlife Survival is to rescue animals without prejudice. We do not intentionally breed, and we DO Not sell our animals! We do not take our animals out in public or allow direct contact with the public. We were founded to provide the animals we rescue with over-sized natural habitats where they can live out their lives peacefully while being provided with the best possible care they deserve. Our animals call the sanctuary their permanent home where they can be safe from harm.

Reviewed By hsmomndad - New Port Richey, United States

Being able to be so close to the cages. The cages are large and the animal can "hide" from observers. They neuter or spay the animals. There is an excess of wild animal being held as pets. They rescue

3. Island Dolphin Care

150 Lorelane Pl, Key Largo, FL 33037-4235 +1 305-451-5884 [email protected] http://www.islanddolphincare.org
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 334 reviews

Island Dolphin Care

Island Dolphin Care is a 501(c).3 committed to bringing purpose to the lives of marine mammals that cannot survive in the wild WITHOUT exploiting them. IDC brings purpose & financial support to our dolphin family by offering non-profit therapy programs to children with special needs & veterans with PTSD, while working to educate guests about ocean conservation & the protection of marine mammals. We offer educational courses on Marine Science, as well as tours of our facility & experiences that teach you how to help marine mammals & the global ocean environment. We implement a 100% No Breeding Policy. We DO NOT offer public “swim with dolphins” programs. We DO NOT do theme park type-shows. Our facility is an ocean lagoon, NOT a pool. Our goal is to find ways to make their lives even better, while changing the lives of those in need along the way. You can support our efforts by coming for a visit! Book a tour or an educational experience & spend the day with us!!

Reviewed By jblockstein - Takoma Park, United States

I visited IDC for a tour this past week. Joe was my tour guide and gave me a detailed and in-depth tour of the facilities. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and welcoming, from the husband and wife team that run IDC to all of the trainers and therapists... and of course the Dolphins themselves! This is a very special place that is truly changing people's lives and it is clear that everyone working there believes in the mission and finds meaning in the work they are doing. A tour of IDC would be well worth your time to see and learn about their 8 beautiful dolphins and the great work they and the humans of this facility are doing to help some of those who are in the greatest need.

4. Zoo Miami

12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177-1402 +1 305-251-0400 [email protected] http://www.zoomiami.org/
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,689 reviews

Zoo Miami

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 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.

Reviewed By juleeautumn44 - Bothell, United States

We had the best time at the zoo. We went during the week so some attractions were closed but overall had a great time. Best part was that we could rent a bike to travel around the zoo which was something fun for the kids to do without over heating by walking around.

5. Big Cat Rescue

12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL 33625-3702 +1 813-920-4130 [email protected] http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,223 reviews

Big Cat Rescue

Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees? Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger? Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy? Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them? You don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true. The world's largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue.

Reviewed By elizabethmP7310XL

Excellent organization who prioritizes the well-being of the cats and educating visitors on the cruelty of owning these wild animals as pets. The tour is an excellent opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures up close and learn about how to help preserve these species. Don't go to "cub petting" tourist traps! You can tell that everyone who works and volunteers with this organization genuinely loves these animals and are interested in providing the best possible life for them.

6. ZooTampa at Lowry Park

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604-5958 +1 813-935-8552 [email protected] http://www.zootampa.org
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,931 reviews

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

See our full modified operations plan here: https://zootampa.org/visitor-info/new-beginning-zootampa-reopens/ ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The Zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. Guests get closer to wildlife than ever before by touching a giant tortoise, feeding a giraffe, getting nose-to-horn with an Indian rhino, hand-to-fin with slippery stingrays and more! Families can also splash in water play areas, feel thrills on rides and take in educational shows. Love manatees? The Zoo is the only place in Tampa where guests can see Florida manatees year round. At the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Hospital, the Zoo’s veterinary and animal-care staff treat sick, injured and orphaned manatees, and return them to the wild after rehabilitation.

Reviewed By tompM626YY

Nestled in the lush vegetation of Lowry Park in Tampa, FL is a most wonderful zoo experience for the family. The Tampa Zoo is a world class facility filled with engaging and unique exhibits of animals from around the world. The park is clean, well maintained and staffed by some of the most friendly and well trained people you will encounter anywhere. The African Exhibit tram in particular is well worth the ride. Our tour guide Betsy provided an entertaining and fact-filled narrative while we enjoyed an up-close encounter with rhinos, giraffes, antelopes, elephants and monkeys. The zoo provides many opportunities for special animal encounters and hosts a variety of programs for children including zoo camps, sleepovers, zoo school and arts & crafts. The zoo's kids zone is well designed with kid-friendly exhibits and play areas to keep the little ones entertained. And the zoo's on-site animal hospital keeps the residents healthy while working to promote the zoo's breeding programs and sustainability initiatives. An all around great day with the family at a first-class attraction. Enjoy.

7. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218-5770 +1 904-757-4463 [email protected] http://jacksonvillezoo.org
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,221 reviews

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

This 73-acre park is the only zoo in Florida's northeast. With over 2000 animals and 1000 plants, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is 1 of only 7 zoos in the United States with an animal wellness team who help to provide the very best care for our animals.

Reviewed By S3227OMcindys

This is a great place to visit it’s well-maintained everybody’s friendly and there’s lots to do. We have annual passes and love to take the grandchildren! They have a merry go round for the theater and you can even feed and pet the stingrays this is an absolute dump must be around Christmas time Santa is there with his wife it is gorgeous and a big light show

8. Brevard Zoo

8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940-7924 +1 321-254-9453 [email protected] http://brevardzoo.org
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,515 reviews

Brevard Zoo

Explore the world of animals at Brevard Zoo, an internationally accredited facility home to giraffe, rhinos, big cats and hundreds of colorful parrots. Interactive experiences include giraffe and bird feedings, a children's water play area and kayaking around animal habitats.

Reviewed By DavidL2541 - Melbourne, United States

My wife and I sited the Brevard zoo with our two granddaughters and their parents. And I have to say everyone had a GREAT time from the youngest (2 years old) to The oldest (67years old). It is hard to capture all the things we saw! There were whole sections we didn't even get to. This zoo is vast for a venue that was originally a community development built by local volunteers. The Africa section with the rhinos and feeding the giraffe was a huge hit. The lorikeet experience of hand feeding the birds had the girls speechless. They could hardly believe it as three lorikeets landed on mommy's arm and ate nectar from the cup. A must see for everyone! The train ride allows you to cool off and see some of the back areas with camels and Oryx and ostrich. The paws on splash pad must be last with the little ones, because you can never get the to leave. We never even got to kayaking or tree top treck. As far as favorites i would say the girls liked the meerkats and The jaguar. They laughed endlessly at the playful meerkats. At the jaguar, the four year old sat down by the window just as the older male walked over and sat down right in front of her and started to roar for several minutes. Our granddaughter was convinced the jaguar was talking to her. The zoo was a massive hit with everyone young and old !!! We will be back several times yearly now that we have experienced the fun!

9. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236-1004 +1 941-388-4441 http://mote.org
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,257 reviews

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, this is home to a 135,000 gallon outdoor shark tank and many other marine species.

Reviewed By AtypicalTraverlers - Durham, United States

We went with our 8 and 11 yr olds on a quiet Friday and were very impressed . Lots of content for the pre-tween crowd. Highlights were the boat tour, preserved Giant squid (!), baby shark touch tank and (like many of the otter reviewers) the otters. I loved that the exhibits were very focused on the local ecosystem - not a grab bag of random cool aquatic creatures like some other aquariums we'd visited. Its a legit research lab and it was great seeing real science in action. We added the boat tour which was well worth it - our guide (Martha I think?) was a working biologist with great knowledge and light-hearted funny presentation . Saw some manatees, blue herons, dwarf sea horse (awww), pufferfish, sea squirts. All around fascinating and worthwhile. The volunteers/staff stood out to me as well. We came away learning additional cool facts and details from quite a few of the staff.

10. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405-3035 +1 561-547-9453 [email protected] http://www.palmbeachzoo.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,110 reviews

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

FREE PARKING DAILY! As Palm Beach County’s only top-rated Zoological experience, we are home to over 550 animals, many of them endangered. Our mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. Our unique tropical zoo showcases an animal collection (Malayan tigers, jaguars, Mexican spider monkeys, panther) from around the world, living in natural habitats. Enjoy shady paths, a colorful carousel, an interactive water play fountain, Nature Play Pavilion, a full-service restaurant, and 11 daily shows and keeper talks where you can watch animal trainings, feedings and meet zookeepers. Book a behind-the-scenes animal experience and get up close and personal with a sloth, koalas, capybaras, anteaters, Aldabra tortoises or mingle with flamingos.

Reviewed By rcwbw - Buffalo, United States

My husband and I visited there because I wanted to do the koala experience. Very few zoos in the US have koalas because they belong to Australia. Part of me would have loved to hold them. (FYI - In Australia only a few select territories allow contact with koalas. If you go there, check the experiences because some only allow you to hold them for a few seconds for a photo op as if they are a toy. I would hold a koala only if the experience is right for and respectful of the koala.) Grayson led the koala experience and was very informative about Oz and Katherine. As we meandered through the zoo, volunteers and zoo employees loved sharing information about the animals who seemed happy and healthy. My husband can't walk far nor for long so he was able to enjoy seeing the animals The gift shops were a bit lacking in selection of swag outside of stuffed animals (but no koalas). We hope to go back next year to see if Oz and Katherine had a little joey. Overall, we liked the size of Palm Beach zoo.

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