Zoo MiamiAbout Zoo Miami
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.
Nearby Attractions to Zoo Miami
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 14° - 25° | 20° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 14° - 25° | 20° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 17° - 27° | 22° | 58 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 18° - 29° | 23° | 69 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 21° - 30° | 26° | 154 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 249 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 32° | 28° | 156 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 32° | 28° | 216 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 32° | 28° | 211 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 153 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 19° - 28° | 23° | 75 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 16° - 26° | 21° | 38 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
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.