Animal Encounters

The Zoo Miami, formally known as Miami Metro Zoo is located southwest of Miami, in the former site of the Richmond Naval Air Station. It is situated in southern metropolitan Miami-Dade county.  The zoo is the perfect day activity for families with young children as it houses over 2000 animals and over 100 exhibits on its massive 740 acre total land area.

Jungle Island is an interactive zoological park, situated in the Watson Island in the Miami Dade County. The attraction was opened on the 20th of December 1936, to 100 visitors, with an entrance fee of 25 cents per visitor to see and heed Scherr talk about his trees, birds, and flowers. Jungle Island, over the years, was visited by renowned celebrities, such as Sir Winston Churchill, movie director Steven Spielberg, and ex-US President Jimmy Carter.

The Children's Animal Park, known as the Sheriff's Animal Farm, in Key West is located at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Headquarters building, 5501 College Road.  This wonderful non-profit was created over 20 years ago in an open area underneath the jail facility which was built on stilts.

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center is located in Marathon right on the Overseas highway.  Find some time to explore the peaceful environs of the Keys wile hiking one of the trails on Crane Point.  Explore the Hammock loop with signs helping you to identify the trees you will see on the path or the Butterfly Meadow trail with native plants that attract zebra longwings, gulf fritillaries and swallowtails.  Visit the historic Adderley House which is the oldest house in the Keys outside of Key West.

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is located in Key West on Duval street. See over 50 different butterfly species from all over the planet as well as 20+ exotic birds all in the comfort of a glass-enclosed habitat.  See the gorgeous flowering plants that attract these gorgeous flying friends and relax by the cascading waterfalls as you take in the colorful scene.   This indoor paradise will allow you access to observe these wonders with plenty of photo opportunities.

Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale, made famous by the Animal Planet show Gator Boys, offers fishing and airboat rides in the Everglades.  The hour long Everglades tours allow you access to the river of grass filled with all sorts of wildlife.  The informative tour guide takes a group out in their covered airboats every 20 minutes.  Tickets must be purchased for anyone over the age of 3 but there is discounted pricing for children.  

Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Discovery and Science is located in the heart of downtown off Las Olas and close to the picturesque Riverwalk area.  When you come to MODS you can easily plan to spend the entire day. With two floors and an entire new wing full of scientific exploration for the entire family as well as an IMAX theater and onsite restaurants (Subway & Auntie Anne's Pretzels), you'll have no reason to leave!  Parking for this attraction can be found on the surrounding streets' metered spots or at the adjacent parking garage.

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is located right off the Overseas Highway on Stock Island just east of the main island of Key West.  This wonderful oasis is the only place in the continental United states that never has frost. Enjoy the tropical flora and fauna of which many are endangered or threatened.  The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden strives to protect this natural environment and educate visitors of the importance of native Floridian species. 

Theater of the Sea in Islandmorada in the Florida Keys provides a safe home to their animals while at the same time educating visitors on environmental issues. Theater of the Sea is family owned and considered one of the oldest marine mammal facilities in the world. Visitors will enjoy sea lion shows, parrot shows, and dolphin shows.

For the bird watcher in all of us the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is a sanctuary for native and migratory birds. It's mission, to rescue, rehab, and release birds that have been harmed or displaced. As a public service this establishment also aims to educate the importance of this conservation effort. Visitors enjoy a boardwalk stroll to stop at various aviaries along the way. With species like the Broad Winged Hawk, Turkey Vultes, a Horned and Barred Owel, Pelicans and much more, you are sure to be inspired by these wonderful creatures.