Miami Metrozoo

The only zoo I know of where the animals roam around the same walk path as you. The zoo is cageless and although it seems daring to visit, it sure is every penny spent at the entrance. There are staff members all around assisting visitors and introducing them to the animals. They offer exotic animals from around the world which makes the visit so exciting. It truly is a wonderful place to visit especially if you have kids.

Metrozoo is probably the best zoo in South Florida or maybe even the only one for that matter. There are a wide variety of animals to see from bears to alligators. The park also has (or at least used to have) a raised tram which circled the zoo while at the same time allowing you to look down and see the animals. Overall, the zoo is pretty fun and is worth a visit if you or your child is into animals. I'm not sure about cost, but it could be fairly costly to go. Unfortunately, the zoo has had several problems over the years with hurricaines and other events which may mean it isn't in the best codition or perhaps might be lacking in exhibits as a result.

This is a great place for the whole family. It does get expensive if you have a big family. I would recommend getting a year pass. It will save you cash in the long run and you will be able to visit more often. This zoo is great for teaching your children about animals, its peaceful for adults to also view the animals. This is also a good place to get some exercise because you will spend the whole day walking in order to get around the park. There is a gift shop. YOu can also pay extra to go on tours on bus. You get a bit of a behind the scenes look. This place is really fun for children ( just make sure you bring lots of water to drink).

PROS: fun and educational, and relaxing
CONS: price

I've been to numerous zoos across the US, and this one in Miami is about the middle of the road on a national scale.

The one major plus here is that they do have a gorgeous white Bengal tiger in a beautiful area, but that hardly makes up for the hefty admitance price. Maybe I'm spoiled by the free entrance to the DC Zoo, but I almost choked when I saw they wanted around $12 per person here for adults.

They have some nice enclosures, but the animals themselves are fairly sparce making it a bit of a disappointment overall. The sprawling enclosures sometimes makes it hard to even locate the specimen inside with so few animals in a given space.

They do also offer a behind-the-scenes tram tour for an additional cost. I believe it was $3.95 per person. Regular tram rides are only $1 for an all-day bracelet.

The grounds are nice and well-kept, but it was just pretty disappointing to me. I understand that they are still rebuilding from Hurricane Andrew, but Sand Diego kicks Miami's butt right now zoo-wise, and DC kicks it entrance-fee wise. 3 stars. If it were maybe only about $5 to get in, they would have gotten 4 stars... but I have to rate based on bang-for-the-buck and it's not here.

PROS: White Bengal Tiger
CONS: Entrance fee too high

Miami Metrozoo is just the greatest for children and adults alike.
The animals are loose and there are many different things to see there inside and out.
The best time to go is when it gets a little cooler out and not the hot summer as there is plenty of walking to do.
Even tho it is a distance from where I live, I love to go there with my grandkids and so many times, as they enjoy it too.
P.S. take an umbrella to shade the sun when walking

When I was a child, we went to Crandon Park Zoo which was located on Key Biscayne. When Hurricane Betsy put three feet of water over most of the zoo and caused the deaths of 250 animals in 1965, officials began to talk about moving the zoo inland. On December 11, 1970, Dade County officially applied for 600 acres of land that was then the Richmond Naval Air Station property for a new zoo. (My mom and aunts remember when blimps would land and take off from this Naval Air Station during WWII.) The community was delighted when, after much hard work, Miami Metrozoo had its grand opening on December 12, 1981. It was created as a cageless zoo, which was than a new concept, and was far better than any of us had imagined. Although it was devastated by Hurricane Andrew in 1982 and many animals were lost and killed, the zoo has recovered and become even more magnificent.

Exhibits are divided into sections called Africa, Asia and Australia; each area containing animals native to there. Along the way there are also the American Bankers Family Aviary Wings of Asia, a brand new Dr. Wildes World and ToadStool is an interactive adventure for explorers of all ages. There are various ways to take all this in: via the monorail, narrated tram tours, on rented safari cycles or water cycles and/or from the wildlife carousel. Of course, the whole zoo can be experienced on foot, too.

Wonderful wildlife shows and zoo keeper talks help make your zoo experience even better. Miami Metrozoo is such a vast encounter that it takes several trips to take it all in.

This is an amazing zoo and well worth the price. It is HUGE! You can rent bicycle-like carts to save your feet frm all teh walking if you choose. They have exhibit upon exhibit and everything is well mapped out so you can find your wat around easily. It gets very hot but they have both indoor and outdoor exhibits so you can cool off when you need to. It is such a big zoo you will want to plan a whole day for the visit so you don't feel rushed.

PROS: Huge and well laid out
CONS: none

This is a great zoo and we are members. We took our son when he was about 10 months old or so and had a great time. The animals are cageless, seperated from you by only a moat and a low fence. The enclosers are huge and entertaining to see. The downside is since the enclosers are so big, there is LOTS of walking. There's not a lot of shade and you have to walk what feels like miles and miles. I would recommend this zoo in the fall and winter.

Simply put, I love Metrozoo and would go all the time, since I live right down the street, but the summer heat makes it a bit unbearable. The zoo does provide cooling water misters throughout the park but sometimes that's not enough. During the cooler months though, what a treat for my kids and myself.
My personal favorite, the tiger habitat.
When it's cooler, the animals are much more active and you can see a lot more.
The concessions could be better and I hear they are upgrading them.

Since it's recovery from Hurricane Andrew the zoo is now in great shape..The animals are not confined in cages and the new Aviary makes you feel as if you are walking in a Rain forest.. Check out the Komoto dragon ...They also have big bicycles that will carry 4-6 people you can rent if you get tired of walking...I love this Zoo

PROS: Animals not in cages
CONS: Very hot in summer

When it first opened in 1981, Metrozoo was an amazing concept- animals roamed in open enclosures, separated from the public by deep moats. But Metrozoo was hit by Hurricane Andrew in '92, and it's still on its way to recovery. Visitors will find tons of good food and the usual zoo exhibits including koalas, Komodo dragons, and Cuban crocodiles. I'm looking forward to the day when the zoo is back to exemplary! Until then, though, it's definitely good for the family.

PROS: Open 365 days!
CONS: