Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami is one of the largest zoos in the United States, covering more than 700 acres at 12400 SW 152nd Street in South Miami-Dade, Florida. Most animals are shown in cageless habitats, where moats and landscaping replace bars, and the grounds are organised into regional areas for Asia, Africa and Australia. The scale is large enough that visitors usually use the tram and the monorail, which travels an elevated loop and offers a good overview of the zoo, to cover distances. Highlights include large mammals such as giraffes, elephants and rhinoceroses, along with primates, big cats and reptiles, and feeding or keeper-talk sessions are held at set times, so the daily schedule is worth checking on arrival. Shaded paths and misters help in hot weather, but much of the walking is exposed. A thorough visit takes four to six hours, and families with young children often split it with a rest in the middle. Opening hour is the best time to arrive, since animals are more active before the afternoon heat and the car park and queues are lighter. Weekends, school holidays and field-trip days are the busiest. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry about 4:00 PM, and hours are confirmed on zoomiami.org. Adult admission is roughly 25 to 30 USD and children aged 3 to 12 roughly 20 to 25 USD, with parking free. The zoo is best reached by car or rideshare, about 45 minutes from Downtown Miami, because public transport options such as Metrobus 252 Coral Reef MAX with a transfer are slow. Visitors should bring sun protection, water and comfortable shoes.