Location: Christmas, Florida Years Active: 1960 – Active Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo is a throwback. It’s a little old-school, a little gritty – a world away from the polished theme park experience. Think of it as Florida untamed, with a side of old roadside attraction charm. You’ll see gators bigger than your car,…
Location: Melbourne, Florida Years Active: 1994 – Active The Brevard Zoo isn’t your average animal park. Sure, you’ll find the usual suspects – giraffes, lions, the works. But here’s an insider tip: their reptile collection is seriously underrated. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch a keeper training session. Those can get fascinating… and sometimes…
Location: Fort Myers, Florida Years Active: 1938 – Active Love it or hate it, the Shell Factory & Nature Park is a Florida classic. It’s been around since 1938, so they must be doing something right! Sure, some of it’s super kitschy, but there’s weird fun to be had. Think giant seashells, a nature park…
Location: Naples, Florida Years Active: 1969 – Active Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a 43-acre zoo and botanical garden in Naples, Florida. Originally a tropical garden in 1919, it became a zoo in 1969. The zoo features exotic animals, including lions, giraffes, and alligators, along with boat tours to view primates on islands. It…
Location: Sanford, Florida Years Active: 1975 – Active The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens isn’t your typical glossy, tourist-trap animal park. It’s a bit older, a bit quirky, but full of heart. Animals roam in spacious enclosures, lush gardens surprise you around corners, and it’s got that down-home Florida vibe. Want those postcard pics…
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida Years Active: 1957 – Active Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo isn’t your average animal park. It’s a testament to Tampa’s passion for wildlife. This isn’t about pretty cages – they focus on conservation and real education. It’s been around since 1957 and keeps getting better. Now, here’s why you’ll dig it: it’s…
Location: Miami, Florida Years Active: 1948 – Active Zoo Miami, located in Miami, Florida, is the largest zoo in Florida and the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States. It spans over 750 acres and is home to more than 3,000 animals from around the world. The zoo features open-air exhibits, interactive experiences, and…
Location: Wilmington, Delaware Years Active: 1905 – Active The Brandywine Zoo’s been a Wilmington favorite for over a century. It’s tucked away in Brandywine Park – a total escape in the city. This place is serious about saving animals and teaching folks about them. They’ve got the cool stuff like Amur tigers, but the red…
Location: Ansonia, Connecticut Years Active: 1970 – Active Forget fancy nature preserves – Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center is the real deal. This place isn’t about manicured lawns and guided tours. It’s a little rough around the edges, with muddy trails and critters that might actually try to steal your snacks. That’s what makes it…
Location: Goshen, Connecticut Years Active: 1989 – Active Action Wildlife Foundation isn’t your standard zoo. This place is wild. They’ve been around since 1989, tucked away in Goshen, Connecticut. It’s all about getting up close with amazing creatures, but there’s a conservation mission running deep too. Get ready to see animals you won’t find anywhere…
