Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks — it’s also home to some of the most exciting and beautifully maintained zoos in the United States. Whether you love exotic wildlife, marine life, or interactive animal experiences, the Sunshine State has a zoo for everyone. Here are the Top 10 Zoos in Florida you should definitely visit in 2025 if you’re an animal lover.
Zoo Miami is Florida’s largest and oldest zoo, covering over 740 acres and housing more than 3,000 animals. What makes it special is its open-air habitat design, which mimics the animals’ natural environments.
You’ll find animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Amazon, and the zoo even offers giraffe feeding and camel rides. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly zoos, actively involved in global wildlife conservation programs.
Highlights of Zoo Miam
Amazon & Beyond Exhibit
Rhino and Giraffe Feeding
African Savanna & Asian Elephant Habitat
Monorail Ride around the zoo
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
- Location: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL
- Website: Zoo Miami
2. ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa)
If you love close-up animal encounters, ZooTampa is perfect. It’s known for its Florida manatee rescue and rehabilitation center, which helps endangered manatees recover.
You’ll also see African elephants, white rhinos, penguins, and more. The zoo is beautifully shaded, which makes walking around enjoyable even on hot days.
Highlights of ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Manatee Care Center
Expedition Wild Africa
Penguin Encounter
Giraffe Feeding Station
- Tip: Book your tickets online for discounts and check for evening events like Zoo Brews or Christmas in the Wild.
- Location: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL
- Website: ZooTampa at Lowry Park
3. Brevard Zoo (Melbourne / Space Coast)
Brevard Zoo offers a unique adventure — you can kayak through the African savanna exhibit, passing giraffes and rhinos as you paddle! The zoo has about 900 animals and focuses heavily on conservation and education.
It’s a bit smaller than Zoo Miami but feels very natural, with shaded paths and immersive enclosures.
Highlights of Brevard Zoo
Kayak Through Africa Experience
Feed Lorikeets and Giraffes
Wild Florida & Rainforest Revealed
Treetop Trek Zipline
- Tip: Visit early morning for the kayak tours — they sell out quickly.
- Location: 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL
- Website: Brevard Zoo
4. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Sanford)
If you’re staying near Orlando, this zoo is an easy half-day trip. It features over 400 animals, a botanical garden, and a zipline adventure course called “Seminole Aerial Adventures.”
It’s smaller and quieter, making it ideal for families or visitors looking to relax away from the big Orlando crowds.
Highlights of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:
Giraffe Feeding Station
Reptile House
Butterfly Garden
Treetop Zipline Adventure
- Tip: Wear closed shoes if you plan to do the zipline and carry insect repellent.
- Location: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL
- Website: Central Florida Zoo
5. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society (West Palm Beach)
The Palm Beach Zoo may be smaller, but it’s beautifully designed and easy to explore. It’s home to more than 500 animals, including Malayan tigers, jaguars, and koalas. The zoo focuses heavily on wildlife conservation and offers interactive animal experiences for visitors.
Highlights of Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Tiger River Habitat
Interactive Animal Shows
Tropics Café
Play Fountain for Kids
- Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to nearby beaches or downtown West Palm Beach.
- Location: 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL
- Website: Palm Beach Zoo
6. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens (Naples)
The Naples Zoo is built inside a historic tropical garden that dates back to the early 1900s. It’s not just a zoo — it’s a lush botanical paradise filled with animals like lions, leopards, giraffes, monkeys, and alligators.
A unique highlight here is the Primate Expedition Cruise, where you can take a short boat ride around islands inhabited by monkeys and lemurs.
Highlights of Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Primate Expedition Boat Ride
Giraffe Feeding Platform
Leopard Rock Exhibit
Historic Botanical Gardens
- Tip: Visit early morning to enjoy the boat tour with fewer crowds.
- Location: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL
- Website: Naples Zoo
7. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville)
The Jacksonville Zoo combines vibrant gardens and over 2,000 animals in an immersive layout. It’s well-known for its Land of the Tiger exhibit and River Valley Aviary, where birds fly freely overhead.
The zoo also has a Savanna Blooms Garden and a children’s splash pad, making it ideal for families.
Highlights of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Land of the Tiger Exhibit
Range of the Jaguar
Butterfly Hollow
Train and Splash Play Area
- Tip: Don’t miss the giraffe overlook — one of the best selfie spots in the zoo!
- Location: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL
- Website: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
8. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (St. Augustine)
One of Florida’s oldest attractions, this zoo started back in 1893! It’s home to every living species of crocodilian — a rare claim among zoos worldwide.
Besides gators, you’ll also find exotic birds, lemurs, and reptiles. The park even has a zipline adventure that flies right over alligator enclosures (if you’re brave enough!).
Highlights of St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park:
Crocodile Crossing Zipline
Maximo, the 15-foot saltwater croc
Bird and reptile shows
Lemur and Komodo dragon exhibits
- Tip: Great spot for thrill seekers and photography lovers.
- Location: 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL
- Website: St. Augustine Alligator Farm
9. Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee / West Palm Beach)
Want to experience an African safari without leaving Florida? Lion Country Safari lets you drive your own car through open habitats where lions, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes roam freely.
After the drive-through, there’s a walk-through safari park with feeding areas, rides, and a water playground.
Highlights of Lion Country Safari:
Drive-through Safari Adventure
Giraffe Feeding
Petting Zoo & Splash Safari
Lion Habitat
- Tip: Go early — animals are more active before noon.
- Location: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL
- Website: Lion Country Safari
10. Big Cat Rescue (Tampa)
Featured on numerous wildlife documentaries, Big Cat Rescue is one of the most respected sanctuaries for abused and neglected big cats. It’s not a typical zoo — it’s a nonprofit rescue center that focuses on education, rehabilitation, and conservation.
Here, you’ll find tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats, and cougars, all living in natural-style enclosures.
Highlights of Big Cat Rescue:
Guided Sanctuary Tours
Educational Programs
Tiger and Lion Rescue Stories
Peaceful, Ethical Environment
- Tip: Tours are by reservation only — check the website before visiting.
- Location: 12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL
- Website: Big Cat Rescue
Final Thoughts
Florida truly is a paradise for animal lovers. From the massive Zoo Miami to the conservation-focused Big Cat Rescue, every zoo offers something different — whether it’s adventure, education, or inspiration.
If you’re planning a Florida trip in 2025, add a few of these zoos to your itinerary. You’ll not only have fun but also support wildlife conservation efforts across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many zoos does Florida have?
There are more than 20 zoos and wildlife parks across Florida.
2. Which zoo has the most animals?
Zoo Miami has over 3,000 animals, making it the largest in Florida.
3. What zoo in Florida lets you drive through?
Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee offers a real drive-through safari experience.
4. Which zoo is best for families?
ZooTampa, Brevard Zoo, and Naples Zoo are perfect for families with kids.
5. Which zoo focuses on big cats?
Big Cat Rescue in Tampa specializes in rescuing and caring for big cats.
