My recent visit to the Miami Zoo was incredibly disappointing and honestly disturbing. What was supposed to be a fun and educational day turned into a sad and frustrating experience. The most heartbreaking part was the obvious lack of care for the animals. Many of the exhibits were severely overgrown and neglected, and several animals appeared sickly or lethargic--especially the turtles, which barely moved and looked as though they were on the verge of death. It was difficult to watch, and even harder to explain to my child why these animals seemed so unwell in a place meant to protect and care for them. The park itself was in poor condition--trash cans overflowing, multiple rides and attractions shut down without explanation, and restrooms that were absolutely filthy and smelled horrendous. There were even rats crawling around in plain sight, which says everything about the state of the zoo's cleanliness and maintenance. To make matters worse, the food options were dismal. Many condiments were expired, and the food quality was subpar at best. Trying to find a staff member for help was next to impossible, and the few employees we did encounter seemed either uninterested or overwhelmed. Ironically, the gift shop was the only area that looked remotely well-kept--but of course, everything was outrageously overpriced. It's clear where the zoo's priorities lie, and it's not with the animals or the guests. Overall, this was a deeply disappointing and upsetting experience. The Miami Zoo needs serious improvements in both animal welfare and guest services. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone in its current state. read more

My family and I got the annual passes this year 2024. A Wildly Fun Time at Zoo Miami's Events! Zoo Miami has truly stepped up its game with events like Zoo Lights and Zoo Boo! These events are perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a unique experience that combines the magic of the holidays, fun activities, and the wonder of wildlife. The Zoo Lights event is breathtaking, with dazzling displays that transform the zoo into a glowing wonderland. Zoo Boo was equally impressive, offering creative and festive fun for kids and adults alike. The effort put into decorations, themed activities, and the overall atmosphere makes every visit feel special. Their food and drink options add to the experience--there's something for everyone, from classic favorites to seasonal specialties. The upcoming events also look promising, and it's clear the zoo is working hard to keep things fresh and engaging for the community. That said, it would be amazing to see Zoo Miami take inspiration from Disney's attention to detail and immersive experiences, while keeping animals and wildlife education at the forefront. Imagine an even more magical atmosphere, interactive zones, and perhaps expanded nighttime activities that spotlight conservation in creative ways. Zoo Miami is already doing a fantastic job, and with a few enhancements, it could become a world-class destination for events and wildlife education. Highly recommend checking out their events--you'll love it! read more

Zoo Miami is hands down one of my favorite zoos! If you're looking for a fun, educational, and adventure-filled day out with the family, this place delivers on all fronts. The zoo is massive, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk, but trust me, it's worth every step. What makes Zoo Miami so special is the incredible variety of animals and beautifully designed exhibits. From big cats and elephants to exotic birds and reptiles, there's something to wow visitors of all ages. The lush landscaping and wide open spaces make it feel more like a safari than a traditional zoo. My favorite part? Feeding the giraffes up close! It's such a fun and unforgettable experience to be face to face with these gentle giants. It's a highlight every time and something I always look forward to. There are also plenty of great photo opportunities along the way, whether it's a giraffe in the background, a playful monkey, or the vibrant gardens throughout the park. It's a great spot to make memories, especially if you're visiting with kids. Overall, Zoo Miami is clean, well organized, and thoughtfully laid out. You can tell the staff really care about the animals and the guest experience. I can't wait to visit again and see what's new. Highly recommend for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a fun day outdoors! read more

My visit to Zoo Miami was nothing short of fantastic! Exploring the zoo with my wife and son was a great experience. One aspect that truly stood out was the thoughtful organization of animal exhibits by continent. It added a unique touch to our journey, allowing us to easily transition from African animals to those from Asia, and then immersing ourselves in the Amazon rainforest section. The sheer size of the zoo was impressive - be prepared to clock in a significant number of steps, but trust me, every step is worth it. The extensive layout ensures that there's always something new to discover around each corner. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't see everything in one visit, but that just gives us the perfect excuse to return for more exploration. A highlight of our day was undoubtedly the opportunity to feed the giraffes. It created a memorable and interactive experience that added a personal touch to our zoo adventure. Zoo Miami has successfully created an environment that not only educates but also entertains visitors of all ages. From the informative signage to the well-maintained exhibits, it's evident that the staff is dedicated to providing an enriching experience. We're already looking forward to our next visit, eager to uncover more hidden gems within this vast and diverse zoo. read more

While waiting to go to a late flight out decided to stop by to see the zoo. Heard it may only take 2-3 hours to go through, but that's if you just glance at things and renting the bikes. It's a pretty nice size zoo 300 acres I read and if you are not physically able to walk the few miles it takes to see everything then I would suggest renting the bikes. The zoo seems to arranged in concentric circles which makes navigating easier but a lot more walking or biking. The park is clean with a lot of interesting animals with a lot of space. There are some additional cost attractions such as the everglades ride and the monorail, which I don't think it's necessary to go on either. The zoo is one of the better zoos in the states. I came here during January and was nice walking around. I could only imagine the summer I probably would not come here as there isn't too much shade and even with a bike you would be all sweaty. So recommend to come here during the winter months. At about 22 admission I think it's worth it. read more

The Miami MetroZoo is a wonderful place to go to enjoy a beautiful day. There are many amazing animals and daily keeper talks that provide interesting facts about the animals you see. I especially enjoyed the safari cycles that can be rented. The cycles still require some exercise, but a comfortable and unique way to see the zoo! My favorite exhibits were the Asian and African elephant exhibits :) I have never been to a zoo where you seem so close, and during the keeper talks you get to see the elephants enjoy eating large tree branches or palms. So cool! The koalas, tigers, komodo dragon, rhinos, gorillas, and giraffes (which you can FEED) were also very cool. If you haven't been you should definitely go, it is one of the cheapest day adventures I have enjoyed in Miami, not to mention educational! On the weekends they have Fat Tuesday frozen drinks and for the kiddies a Diego show. What a treat! read more

Zoo Miami is a fantastic destination for a day of family fun and animal exploration. The park's cleanliness and excellent upkeep make for a pleasant visit, and the animals appear content in their well-maintained habitats. With a diverse range of animals to observe, the zoo provides an enriching experience. It's advisable to wear light clothing, apply sunscreen, and bring refreshments due to the extensive walking, but the option to rent bikes adds a unique twist to your visit. The splash zone for kids is a refreshing bonus during hot days. The sensation of strolling through a jungle is ever-present, and feeding the giraffes adds an interactive touch that both kids and adults can enjoy. Zoo Miami is a must-visit, and I can't wait to return for more exciting adventures with friends and family. read more

Perhaps I should not have picked such a hot and rainy day to attend the zoo. It was over all a nice time. But the heat and humidity made it almost unbearable. Not to mention that we decided to walk around the zoo which is a very very large, so by the end of it my knees and calves were screaming. They do rent these paddle cars, which in retrospect may have been a good investment. They cost about 30 buck for 2 hours. Most the animals were active on the day I went so we all i feel got our moneys worth over all. The vending is a bit ridiculous, be aware they charge 3 dollars for water at the machines and they don't allow you to bring in your own. SO be perpared to spend some $$ on hydration if your going for a full day. read more

Best zoo in the Eastern United States, on par with the Bronx and Audobon. The size of the zoo and number of unique exhibits is quite impressive. What other zoo has Indian rhinos, Asian lions, pygmy hippos, and koalas in one place other than San Diego? The number of unique reptile and bird exhibits would probably go unnoticed by most visitors, but for those of us who recognize them, they are truly impressive. Incredibly huge zoo that will literally require you to walk 5 miles, so spend the entire day or you'll be rushing to finish. Admission price of $16 is a bargain. They could justify more than twice that price for the number of exhibits. This place is a definite top 10 zoo in the USA. read more

I just got back from taking my out of town guests to the Miami Zoo. I must say that it surpassed all my expectations. I have been to many zoos, big and small. I think I like the Miami Zoo the best. They have a wide range of exhibits and I liked the zebras the best. The place is clean and all up to date. The workers there are very friendly and eager to help. this being my first time there (my guests too), we had a lot of questions on where everything was located. There was always a zoo employee right there ready to help and get us in the right direction. I plan to go back there in the future by myself so I can spend more time with the eshibits just for me. Again, just a great place. read more

Aside from having like no wildlife, my fiancé was harassed by security about her service dog. In the office the lady was basically grilling her interrogation style about why she has a service dog. This woman knew full well she was pressuring my fiancé to disclose her private medical information and changed her tune when I asked what was going on. Huge violation of privacy and instead of simply reviewing the service dog card and showing us which places were off limits, we spent a half hour in security and missed the attraction we went for in the first place. read more

On a Saturday the Zoo opened a 1/2 hour late at 9:30 instead of 9. The biggest complaint is that they had the Elephants locked up between the opening of the Zoo ans12:30 ( SO OUR KIDS MISSED OUT). They don't have Giraffes feedings until 11:00 AM and most of the Giraffes won't eat unless your first in line then they dwindle off and your stuck with no Giraffes to feed and a super long line. One thing that is cool is the water park and play ground for the kids but this zoo needs better management. read more

Whenever the sun is out and I have a free weekend, I take my niece to the Miami Metro Zoo. We have a new tradition. we rent a 4 person bike, and start our trek around the zoo grounds. We usually eat by the elephants and continue our journey. We always eat an ice cream by the lake and feed the giraffes. I love that we can get so close to those beautiful animals. I get a year pass and go several times a year. Even if only for the workout on the bikes and taking pictures of the animals. read more

It's just getting worse every year missing animals empty places is what's waiting for you at Miami zoo . Now they spend money on dinosaurs instead what a joke We want to see real animals something to show our kids not prehistoric replicas . Very disappointed. First they destroyed the aquarium this zoo is close to reach the same level .do we have any place to take our children's .miami is rule by 3 world country people and is becoming a 3rd world city read more

A wonderful experience! Fantastic and beneficial spot to enjoy with your family or loved ones. They have recreated the wildlife of all continents in a lovely setting where the environment and the animals on display are looked after and preserved. The location is clean and spacious. There are numerous rest locations where you can unwind if necessary. The staff is friendly and inviting, and the meal was fairly good. Must see place in Miami. read more

The Zoo Miami is a wonderful place. The Asian aviary is a fantastic place to spend time and enjoy wildlife. I enjoyed the bird feeding. The layout of the Zoo is very innovative since there are almost no fences. the animals seem to roam freely. it gives one the impression of the animals being very close. The water park is a great feature for the kids. the African elephants were particularly interesting. Their sheer size was impressive. read more

Oh my goodness! We love zoos and Zoo Miami is one of the best we've visited. We did the two hour VIP tour with Brad. And if you ever get a chance to do a tour with him, GO!! Brad was amazing! He quickly realized that we knew a bit more (from long time animal planet and natgeo viewing) and he adjusted the tour for us. We had the most amazing time. And we learn so much! Truly, this tour was one of the coolest things we've ever done! read more

I love the layout. We rented the rydables and yes it's pricey but so worth it. it made the experience so much easier and faster! You're able to ride by all the animals without need to get down from the rydable. Except for the places like the Amazon and the conservation center that are walk throughs. But pretty much all the animals you can ride by and stop by the ones you want to take pictures etc without leaving the rydable. So good read more

The animals here are abused to the point where they suffer from mental illnesses. They do obsessive, repetitive and harmful actions such as self harm, disordered eating, circling and pacing, addiction, etc. This is a indicator of POOR WELFARE! If anyone reading this review cares about animal welfare, please take actions against zoos and seaworlds. Especially zoo Miami when their animals suffer from zoochosis. read more