Florida Zoo Trip (somewhat)

[Pacarana]

Hello Everyone!

I usually don't ask for help when on zoo trips, but since I won't have a lot of time on my hands and need to be choosey. I'm traveling to centralized Florida in December and I'm in need of some recommendations. I was thinking I would spend most of my time around the Naples area but will be spending quite a lot of time in Tampa and then heading over to Miami area.

If any of you would be so kind as to tell me where I should go, zoo wise, that would be very helpful! I trust opinions on ZooChat more than I would on trip advisor, or some other website. Right now, I'm looking for 2-3 zoos to visit and my requirements are as follows:

1) I know Florida has some amazing hoof stock still left. I really want to get some last chance views of these phase-out species that so many zoos have gotten rid of. I was thinking Tampa would be an excellent zoo for this as I saw they have a couple species of uncommon duiker and Buru babirusa.

2) Soft bills are also very important on this trip. Who currently has the best variety of exotic and unusual soft bills in Florida? I saw that Tampa also had some impressive Turacos too.

3) If you haven't taken notice yet, I'm a big herper. Any zoo with good, well managed, Vivaria, Aquaria, and Insectaria would be a huge bonus! Not interested in all snake collections... Unfortunately Florida is full of invasive species. Fortunately for herpers like me, this gives me some opportunities to get some more counts on my life list. Do any of you know where the best place to look for invasive species is? I'm thinking Miami?

Thank you in advance! I know you will all be really helpful. If any of you know of other animal/adventure related experiences, let me know. I'm currently interested in everglade kayaking, and manatee tours but don't know how well these are rated.

 

[Pacarana]

Well this is unfortunate... Maybe if I make it simpler I will get more of a response. I'm about to book my tickets and I see that many of you have been to those zoos. If you can help that would be much appreciated!

Zoo Miami vs. Zoo Tampa? Looking for diverse collection and beauty over immersive exhibits and guest attractions.

Anyone?

 

[Arizona Docent]

I have not been to Miami, but I do like Lowry Park Zoo very much. I also enjoyed Palm Beach Zoo. Central Florida Zoo is one I do not particularly care for, but they do have a decent (though not huge) reptile house. There is also a serpentarium somewhere down there - I forget exactly where (maybe near Miami?). The Florida Aquarium, also in Tampa, is nice.

Others will likely tell you Disney Animal Kingdom is great. Due to an incident in the way I was treated and the fact that you cannot see the savanna unless you are on the ride, I do not like it myself. I seem to be the only ZooChatter who is of this opinion, though.

Florida is beautiful, lots to see both in and out of zoos, I am sure you will have a great time.

 

[Phantom Gaur]

Having just done a Florida zoo trip in March, I would definitely recommend Zoo Miami. One of the best hoofstock collections I've seen. Naples Zoo is also a pretty nice zoo too and they are one of the few zoos in the U.S. with Honey Badgers. Parts of Lowry were nice and parts were kind of rundown, in my opinion. I was actually a little disappointed with Lowry. When I went, even though their website said 3 or 4 species of Duiker, they only had one on exhibit. Jungle Island is also in Miami but I didn't get a chance to visit.

 

[snowleopard]

I have toured 12 Florida zoos and written extensively about all of them in lengthy reviews on this site, but here is an extremely quick recap:

The Big 5:

Zoo Miami - close to being a top 10 American zoo, with a vast hoofstock collection and a spectacular walk-through aviary. I'm a huge fan and I'd highly recommend a visit, and since you like reptiles you must visit Amazon & Beyond.

Jacksonville Zoo - possibly a top 20 zoo and Range of the Jaguar showcases an impressive collection of South American animals. The long boardwalk through the African zone is superb.

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo - top 25 zoo and remarkably consistent throughout its grounds. Nothing ground-breaking but a zoo that appeals to all ages and is well worth visiting.

DAK - Disney has some incredible exhibits and I'm a massive fan of the walking trail with gorillas, colobus monkeys and other animals. The safari ride is terrific but also badly flawed in that some animals can be seen for a very short period of time. For example there is literally a minute or two (at best) of viewing the elephants and overall I'm not a big fan of this zoo as there is very little to see.

Busch Gardens - another zoo that does not really appeal to me (like DAK) but is enormously popular. Lots of rollercoasters and rides amongst the occasional awesome animal habitat (gorilla, chimpanzee, hippo, etc.)

The Rest:

White Oak - I had a life-affirming visit there in 2008 but it was a special behind-the-scenes tour that can perhaps never be topped. When will I ever pet a Sumatran rhinoceros again?

Brevard Zoo - small but well done with a terrific children's zone and lush grounds.

Palm Beach Zoo - a great South American section but the rest of the zoo is definitely hit-and-miss in my opinion.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary - don't bother with this one.

Naples Zoo - ratels are a highlight, the primate cruise is interesting, and this small zoo can easily be seen in 3 hours or less.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park - an absolute must-see simply to gaze upon 23 species of crocodilian.

The Florida Aquarium - I've been to about 40 aquariums in North America and this one would crack the top 20. Well done in sections but nothing mind-blowing.

 

[tschandler71]

Another thing about DAK you can go to the Lodge without being a guest and tour it for free. Lots of diverse hoofstock and giraffe there at your own pace.

 

[Pacarana]

Thank you ArizonaDocent, PhantomGaur, Snowleopard, and Tschandler71! Your post were all I needed to make my decision. Snowleopard, I will most likely look through your reviews too. Can't believe I have forgotten about them!