Zoo Miami Zoo Miami News 2025

Other Late August / September 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On August 20th, the zoo announced they rehabilitated and released (2.0) green sea turtles back into the wild.

Zoo Miami

On September 4th, the zoo announced they rehabilitated and released a female (0.1) green sea turtle back into the wild. On September 11th, the zoo announced they rehabilitated and released another female (0.1) green sea turtle back into the wild, this time on September 10th.

Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami

On August 29th, the zoo announced they acquired a female (0.1) meerkat named Clementine from Great Plains Zoo in South Dakota on August 19th, which is now on display in Critter Connection.

Zoo Miami

On September 8th, it was mentioned that the zoo transferred a female (0.1) Nicobar pigeon to ABQ BioPark Zoo in New Mexico*.

On September 26th, the zoo announced that a giant eland passed away unexpectedly that day, with a necropsy being performed.

Zoo Miami

* Information provided by @WLV30SAS in the ABQ BioPark Zoo (aka Rio Grande Zoo / Albuquerque Zoo) thread (Page 18 Post #359).
 
Miami Zoo lost recently 1 Dromedary and 1 Bactrian Camel
Zoo Miami on Instagram: "Over the past several weeks, Zoo Miami has faced a series of heartbreaking losses, made even harder by how closely they occurred. From July 25 to September 26, we said goodbye to several high-visibility animals, including two lions, a gaur, a dromedary camel, a giant eland, and a Bactrian camel. We understand the concern these losses may cause, but it is important to recognize the context. Many were geriatric animals who lived longer under zoo care than they likely would have in the wild. Protected from predation, famine, and many diseases, animals in accredited zoos often pass from age-related conditions such as arthritis, organ failure, or chronic illness. This was the case for our lions, gaur, and dromedary camel, each of whom lived beyond typical wild lifespans. With Zoo Miami open for more than 45 years, many of our beloved animals are reaching advanced age, and every day with them is a gift. Some losses, however, were sudden and unexpected. Despite strict safety protocols and advanced veterinary care, unpreventable accidents can occur. Our giant eland tragically aspirated food into her lungs, which proved fatal. Similarly, like people, some animals may develop unforeseen illnesses that rapidly become life-threatening. Our Bactrian camel experienced acute complications—including fluid around his heart and abdomen, kidney failure, infection, and pneumonia—shortly before his death. These difficult moments should not overshadow the critical role modern zoos play in conservation and education. Through expert animal care, breeding programs, and conservation efforts, accredited zoos serve as an insurance policy for endangered species and inspire millions of visitors to value and protect wildlife. Though loss is an inevitable part of caring for animals, Zoo Miami remains deeply committed to its mission. We will continue to protect wildlife for future generations while being transparent and honest in sharing both the joys and the challenges along the way."
 
Haliaeetus said:
Miami Zoo lost recently 1 Dromedary and 1 Bactrian Camel
Zoo Miami on Instagram: "Over the past several weeks, Zoo Miami has faced a series of heartbreaking losses, made even harder by how closely they occurred. From July 25 to September 26, we said goodbye to several high-visibility animals, including two lions, a gaur, a dromedary camel, a giant eland, and a Bactrian camel. We understand the concern these losses may cause, but it is important to recognize the context. Many were geriatric animals who lived longer under zoo care than they likely would have in the wild. Protected from predation, famine, and many diseases, animals in accredited zoos often pass from age-related conditions such as arthritis, organ failure, or chronic illness. This was the case for our lions, gaur, and dromedary camel, each of whom lived beyond typical wild lifespans. With Zoo Miami open for more than 45 years, many of our beloved animals are reaching advanced age, and every day with them is a gift. Some losses, however, were sudden and unexpected. Despite strict safety protocols and advanced veterinary care, unpreventable accidents can occur. Our giant eland tragically aspirated food into her lungs, which proved fatal. Similarly, like people, some animals may develop unforeseen illnesses that rapidly become life-threatening. Our Bactrian camel experienced acute complications—including fluid around his heart and abdomen, kidney failure, infection, and pneumonia—shortly before his death. These difficult moments should not overshadow the critical role modern zoos play in conservation and education. Through expert animal care, breeding programs, and conservation efforts, accredited zoos serve as an insurance policy for endangered species and inspire millions of visitors to value and protect wildlife. Though loss is an inevitable part of caring for animals, Zoo Miami remains deeply committed to its mission. We will continue to protect wildlife for future generations while being transparent and honest in sharing both the joys and the challenges along the way."
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Not only that Haliaeetus, the zoo also stated that during this time that a guar also passed away.
 
Austin the Sengi said:
After concluding my latest visit to Zoo Miami. I have a few notes and observations to share, in addition to having seen Brianne the Andean Bear at her new home:
  • After a year of being occupied by Servals, their former exhibit in “Africa” is now home to the zoo’s Mongoose Lemurs*.
  • What remains of the former Asian River Life was blocked off with temporary barriers; with the neighboring Komodo Dragon Encounter still open, yet empty of any occupants.
  • Unfortunately, it appears that the zoo no longer has Slender-Horned Gazelles, with the species not being signed in any of the hoofstock moats.
  • Throughout the zoo, there was a lot of staff and construction activity that does affect the number of empty exhibits that are currently vacant of animals.
  • Thankfully, the Wings of Asia aviary was open for visitors; with some areas remaining off-limits. Additionally, at this time, the aviary is open from 11:00 to 4:00, so if you find yourself wanting to head inside the aviary around opening hours; you are likely to wait another hour before going inside.
  • Also, for those who are wondering, they are still using the temporary entrance to get visitors in and out of the aviary.
  • As I was heading towards Wings of Asia, I noticed that the former island for Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs was completely walled off due to construction.
  • Similarly, the moat for the original Mongoose Lemur enclosure has been filled in, with the animals having moved to the former serval enclosure (see the top of the post*).
  • As for the Siamang island, while currently drained and devoid of life; that enclosure did at least have static figures of dinosaurs to make up for their absence (hopefully, it’s temporary).
  • Strangely, over in Amazon and Beyond, the zoo’s adolescent babirusa (1.0) Turbo currently lives in the enclosure usually reserved for giant anteaters.
Fortunately, I was able to see a giant anteater beforehand in one of the ambassador yards; so while it was indeed confusing, it wasn’t a complete miss.
  • Additionally, a solid majority of the Amazon’s interpretive signage has been updated (some for the better, others not so much).
  • This update also includes digital signage for the indoor snake display in the Cloud Forest building; which was not as crisp as one might expect.
  • Outside of the Amazon, the former exhibit for spider monkeys is now signed for painted dogs?! I assume the dogs will be relocated relatively soon, for I didn’t see any in the otherwise empty space; and that the current pair were still present in their original enclosure when I saw them.
  • Finally, I haven’t checked the region’s koala population recently, but it seems like Zoo Miami may now be a former holder of the species. I say this as both of the indoor exhibits that typically held koalas were each occupied by two Matschie’s Tree Kangaroos.
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"As for the Siamang island, while currently drained and devoid of life;"
TBH that exhibit has been empty since when I first visited around May. With all the other movement going on in the park it seems they don't plan to place any new animals in that exhibit.

"Strangely, over in Amazon and Beyond, the zoo’s adolescent babirusa (1.0) Turbo currently lives in the enclosure usually reserved for giant anteaters.
Fortunately, I was able to see a giant anteater beforehand in one of the ambassador yards; so while it was indeed confusing, it wasn’t a complete miss."
Yeah I think they are permanently keeping the Anteater in the rotational habitat. It seems like a common trend/theme for all the specimen that get transferred to the rotational habitat also get their old habitat's repurposed.

"This update also includes digital signage for the indoor snake display in the Cloud Forest building; which was not as crisp as one might expect."
Not sure how new this info is but it appears in the same building they added a Chuck Walla in the space where one of their Uracoan Rattlesnakes used to be. Now instead of having the two individuals separated by a barrier in their terrarium, they are together in the same side of the terrarium, next to the Chuck Walla.
Also, at the entrance of Amazon and Beyond where the Baby Orinoco Crocodiles used to be it is being repurposed to display a TBA mystery specimen from the Sonoran Desert

"Outside of the Amazon, the former exhibit for spider monkeys is now signed for painted dogs?! I assume the dogs will be relocated relatively soon, for I didn’t see any in the otherwise empty space; and that the current pair were still present in their original enclosure when I saw them."
It appears the dogs have not been relocated, they have been split up. There are now two pack members for each exhibit; the ex-Spider Monkey Habitat, and the original AWD/Painted Dog habitat.
 
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Staurcomb said:
"As for the Siamang island, while currently drained and devoid of life;"
TBH that exhibit has been empty since when I first visited around May. With all the other movement going on in the park it seems they don't plan to place any new animals in that exhibit.

"Strangely, over in Amazon and Beyond, the zoo’s adolescent babirusa (1.0) Turbo currently lives in the enclosure usually reserved for giant anteaters.
Fortunately, I was able to see a giant anteater beforehand in one of the ambassador yards; so while it was indeed confusing, it wasn’t a complete miss."
Yeah I think they are permanently keeping the Anteater in the rotational habitat. It seems like a common trend/theme for all the specimen that get transferred to the rotational habitat also get their old habitat's repurposed.

"This update also includes digital signage for the indoor snake display in the Cloud Forest building; which was not as crisp as one might expect."
Not sure how new this info is but it appears in the same building they added a Chuck Walla in the space where one of their Uracoan Rattlesnakes used to be. Now instead of having the two individuals separated by a barrier in their terrarium, they are together in the same side of the terrarium, next to the Chuck Walla.
Also, at the entrance of Amazon and Beyond where the Baby Orinoco Crocodiles used to be it is being repurposed to display a TBA mystery specimen from the Sonoran Desert

"Outside of the Amazon, the former exhibit for spider monkeys is now signed for painted dogs?! I assume the dogs will be relocated relatively soon, for I didn’t see any in the otherwise empty space; and that the current pair were still present in their original enclosure when I saw them."
It appears the dogs have not been relocated, they have been split up. There are now two pack members for each exhibit; the ex-Spider Monkey Habitat, and the original AWD/Painted Dog habitat.
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Context?
 
Austin the Sengi said:
Context?
Click to expand...
It appears they're responding to some of your comments. See the post below for their responses highlighted;
Staurcomb said:
"As for the Siamang island, while currently drained and devoid of life;"
TBH that exhibit has been empty since when I first visited around May. With all the other movement going on in the park it seems they don't plan to place any new animals in that exhibit.

"Strangely, over in Amazon and Beyond, the zoo’s adolescent babirusa (1.0) Turbo currently lives in the enclosure usually reserved for giant anteaters.
Fortunately, I was able to see a giant anteater beforehand in one of the ambassador yards; so while it was indeed confusing, it wasn’t a complete miss."
Yeah I think they are permanently keeping the Anteater in the rotational habitat. It seems like a common trend/theme for all the specimen that get transferred to the rotational habitat also get their old habitat's repurposed.

"This update also includes digital signage for the indoor snake display in the Cloud Forest building; which was not as crisp as one might expect."
Not sure how new this info is but it appears in the same building they added a Chuck Walla in the space where one of their Uracoan Rattlesnakes used to be. Now instead of having the two individuals separated by a barrier in their terrarium, they are together in the same side of the terrarium, next to the Chuck Walla.
Also, at the entrance of Amazon and Beyond where the Baby Orinoco Crocodiles used to be it is being repurposed to display a TBA mystery specimen from the Sonoran Desert

"Outside of the Amazon, the former exhibit for spider monkeys is now signed for painted dogs?! I assume the dogs will be relocated relatively soon, for I didn’t see any in the otherwise empty space; and that the current pair were still present in their original enclosure when I saw them."
It appears the dogs have not been relocated, they have been split up. There are now two pack members for each exhibit; the ex-Spider Monkey Habitat, and the original AWD/Painted Dog habitat.
Click to expand...
 
King of Komodo Dragons said:
Zoo Miami will receive African Lion brothers Jasiri and Azizi from the Phoenix Zoo.

Zoo Miami
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The cubs have made their public debut.
Ron Magill on Instagram: "Today, was the debut of Zoo Miami's new lions! Following the sad passing of the zoo's elderly patriarchs, Jabari and Kwame, several months ago, the zoo's lion habitat had remained empty until today! These two young boys, Azizi and Jasiri, were born on June 3rd of last year at the Phoenix Zoo and arrived at Zoo Miami on November 6th. They have been off habitat in quarantine since their arrival and after passing initial screenings were given their first access to the habitat this morning. I was able to capture these images as they first started exploring their new world. They will be on and off public view intermittently for the next several weeks until they are comfortable and well acclimated. Hopefully, Zoo Miami will be able to bring in some females for these boys with the hope of starting a new pride in the future! #lions #nikonusa #nikonambassador"
 
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