12400
SW 152nd St., Miami
(305) 251-0401
Hours:
Open daily 9:30 am- 5:30 pm
Admission/fees
Adult: $8
Children $4
Free for children under 3.
Rated by experts as one of the best zoos in the
world, Miami Metrozoo houses more than 900 wild
animals in a 290-acre cage-less environment.
Many people who shudder at the thought of exotic animals
trapped in small cages will be happy to find some of the
world's most endangered wildlife roaming in huge open
spaces at the metrozoo. This is the only
zoo in the continental U.S. located in a subtropical
climate. Here you'll find more than 260
species of fauna, including flamingos, chinchillas, giraffes,
koalas, kangaroos, Komodo dragons, wart hogs,
gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, Himalayan black bears,
unusual white tigers, and other exotic creatures.
Miami
Metrozoo has won several awards for the successful
breeding of rare animal species, due largely to the faithful reproduction of
the animals' natural habitats.
Pick up a map at the entrance booth and start your
journey on the air conditioned Zoofari monorail,
which makes a complete loop of the zoo in about 25
minutes. A narrated tram tour ($2) shows some
behind-the-scenes areas, including the animal
hospital. The recent installation of water
misters, fans, and shade structures throughout the
property create the Cool Zoo Experience.
Zoo officials recommend early morning or late afternoon
visiting hours to avoid the worst of the heat.
That's also the time the animals are most
active. Sunday morning is usually the quietest
time at the zoo.
PAWS, the children's petting zoo, allows kids to
touch pot-bellied pigs, deer, and other tame
creatures. The zoo sponsors camps for kids, family
sleep-overs, and after-school programs. Miami
Metrozoo, which takes about 1/2 day to visit, also has
handicapped access,
wheelchair rental, baby stroller rental, and a trio
of food courts. It's best not to go on a rainy day.
