The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens (also known as Zoo Miami) is a zoological garden and zoological park located in the heart of Florida. It is also the largest state zoo. It is also the most visited attraction in the state. Zoo Miami was established in 1948 at Crandon park in Key Biscayne. In 1980, it became Miami MetroZoo. It is located southwest of Miami-Dade County in the former Richmond Naval Air Station. This station is in the middle of the census-designated areas of Three Lakes (north), South Miami Heights, Palmetto Estates, and Richmond West (west). Zoo Miami (west) is a non-profit organization that works to conserve wildlife.
Zoo Miami is the country’s only tropical zoo. It is situated on 750 acres of land, 324 of which are developed. Over 3,000 species are found in Zoo Miami, making it the largest tropical zoo within the United States. It is approximately 4 miles long with more than 100 exhibits. Ron Magill, a wildlife expert and photographer, is the communications director at the zoo. Zoo Miami (AZA), has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Zoo Miami’s origins can be traced back as far as 1948 when three monkeys and a goat were given up by a roadshow that got stuck in Miami. The animals were exchanged for $270 worth of truck repairs. The Crandon Park Zoo was founded with these six animals. It is located on Key Biscayne just southeast, near Miami Shores. The Crandon Park Zoo took up 48 acres of park land during its tenure. Many animals, including elephants, lions and rhinoceros, were left orphaned by a circus near Miami Florida. Matheson’s estate donated some Galapagos tortoises and monkeys to the exhibit. The Crandon Park Zoo was home to more than 1,200 animals by 1967 and was considered one of the best 25 zoos in America. In 1968, a white Bengal Tiger, the first of its kind, was added to the Crandon Park Zoo.
In 1965, Hurricane Betsy caused havoc at the zoo and killed more than 250 animals. Although a new zoo was proposed for Dade County immediately after the hurricane, Dade County officials did not submit a 600-acre application for land on the Richmond Naval Air Station property until December 11, 1970. The construction of the project started in 1975. The first zoo opened its doors as Miami MetroZoo on July 4, 1980[1]. It had a preview area with 12 exhibits. The zoo’s initial major attraction was Asia. It debuted on 12/12/81. The public was exposed to 38 exhibits that covered 200 acres. If you’re ever near Princeton, Florida, you should definitely take a day trip.
