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 isn’t your average animal park. It’s got history – the place was founded way back in 1919! You’ll find old Florida charm here, mixed in with the wild animal exhibits. It’s the perfect spot for those who like a little nature with…
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 Welcome to Zoo Miami. It’s a big place – 750 acres! That makes it Florida’s largest zoo. Love warm weather? This is the only tropical zoo in the continental U.S., so the animals are thriving. Zoo Miami isn’t your average animal park. They’ve got over 3,000 creatures…
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…
