Zoo Miami
Park Large subtropical zoo notable for native and exotic species
Miami’s open-air zoological park specializes in subtropical species and large enclosures; visitors come for conservation exhibits, wetland habitats, boat rides and educational programming.
Zoo Miami (Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens) is a large nonprofit zoo in Miami-Dade County, Florida, that opened at its current site in 1980. It is the largest zoo in Florida by land area.
The zoo displays animals in broadly geographic, open-air habitats designed to reflect native ecosystems rather than traditional cages. Exhibits cover species from the Americas, Africa, and Asia and include large mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic displays, with visitor services such as trams and educational programs.
Established in its present location in 1980, the park was created as a modern zoological facility with a focus on naturalistic exhibits and conservation. It has expanded and modernized exhibits and visitor infrastructure over subsequent decades.
Situated in Miami-Dade County in southern Florida, the zoo is within the greater Miami metropolitan area and serves as a major regional attraction for residents and visitors.
- Size: Covers roughly 740 acres and is the largest zoological park in Florida by land area.
- Collection: Houses more than 3,000 animals representing over 500 species, arranged in open-air, regional exhibits.
How to Get to Zoo Miami #
From central Miami, take the Don Shula Expressway (SR 874) or the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) southbound; follow signs to Zoo Miami. The zoo is also reachable via Metrobus routes and special event shuttles; parking is available on site for a fee.
Tips for Visiting Zoo Miami #
- Arrive shortly after opening (typically 9:30-10:00am) to avoid the largest crowds and see the animals at more active times.
- Use the zoo's trams and buses - Zoo Miami is very spread out and walking the full circuit is a long day.
- Check the daily schedule for feedings and keeper talks; the reptile house and tiger feeding times are popular and informative.
Best Time to Visit Zoo Miami #
Winter months offer the most comfortable visiting conditions; arrive early in the day during summer to avoid afternoon storms and heat.
Weather & Climate near Zoo Miami #
Zoo Miami's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1485 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (249 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (216 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (211 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
