The Most Popular Zoo in Florida, Ranked

Choose the zoo you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:54
Visiting a zoo can be a delightful day out, filled with the excitement of seeing diverse animal species and learning about their habitats. However, with multiple zoos scattered across Florida, choosing where to go can become a challenging decision. A ranked list of the most popular zoos, based on public votes, provides a useful guide by highlighting which locales are favored by zoo-goers. This dynamic list evolves with every vote cast, reflecting real-time preferences and opinions of visitors from around the globe. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a clearer picture of each zoo's appeal, helping others make informed decisions. Your involvement ensures the ranking stays current and representative of true visitor satisfaction.

What Is the Most Popular Zoo in Florida?

  1. 1
    76
    votes
    Zoo Miami
    Averette · CC BY 3.0

    Zoo Miami

    Miami-Dade County
    Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, and it is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world. It has been voted as the best zoo in Florida by the Miami New Times and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals.
    Zoo Miami, also known as Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. Located in Miami, it spans over 750 acres and is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world. The zoo provides a naturalistic environment for its inhabitants, aiming to promote wildlife conservation and education.
    • Size: 750 acres
    • Animal Count: Over 3,000 animals
    • Location: Miami, Florida
    • Year Established: 1948
    • Number of Species: Over 500 species
  2. 2
    23
    votes

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

    Anheuser-Busch
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a combination of a theme park and a zoo, featuring over 12,000 animals from 300 different species. It is home to some of the world's most exotic animals, including giraffes, tigers, and gorillas.
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a thrilling amusement park and zoo located in Tampa, Florida. It was created by Anheuser-Busch, the famous American brewing company, in 1959. The park spans over 335 acres and has become one of the most popular landmarks in Florida, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Its unique concept combines exciting rides, live entertainment, and up-close animal encounters, making it a favorite destination for both families and thrill-seekers. With its vibrant African theme, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers an immersive experience that transports visitors to the heart of the African continent. Here are ten important specifications about this remarkable attraction:
    • Size: 335 acres
    • Opening Year: 1959
    • Theme: African
    • Number of Rides: 60+
    • Animals: 3000+
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    Lowry Park Zoo is located in Tampa and has been voted as one of the top 10 zoos in the United States by Parents magazine. It is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, and rhinos.
    Lowry Park Zoo is a popular zoo located in Tampa, Florida. It is known for its diverse collection of animals, educational programs, and commitment to wildlife conservation.
    • Size: 63 acres
    • Number of Animals: Over 1,300
    • Featured Exhibits: Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center, Safari Africa, Asian Gardens
    • Conservation Programs: Participates in over 130 Species Survival Plans
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a popular attraction in Northeast Florida. It is home to over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
    The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a popular aquarium located in Jacksonville, Florida. With a focus on education and conservation, it offers visitors a unique and immersive experience with a variety of aquatic life. The zoo and gardens encompass a large area and provide an engaging and informative environment for all ages.
    • Location: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States
    • Size: Over 120 acres
    • Aquarium Exhibits: Multiple aquarium exhibits with diverse marine life
    • Animal Species: Over 2,000 animals representing 350 species
    • Conservation Efforts: Active involvement in various conservation programs
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    The Palm Beach Zoo is located in West Palm Beach and is home to over 550 animals from around the world. It is a popular attraction for families and animal lovers.
    The Palm Beach Zoo is a popular zoological park located in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is home to a diverse collection of animals from various habitats around the world. The zoo provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, aiming to inspire a connection with nature and wildlife conservation.
    • Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
    • Size: 23 acres
    • Animal Species: Over 550 species
    • Exhibits: Approximately 100 exhibits
    • Education Programs: Offering educational programs for children and adults
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is located in Sanford and features over 400 animals from around the world. It is also home to a variety of native Florida animals, making it a great place to learn about the state's wildlife.
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    The Brevard Zoo is located in Melbourne and is home to over 900 animals from around the world. It is known for its animal encounters, where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the zoo's residents.
    The Brevard Zoo is a popular zoo located in Melbourne, Florida. It provides a unique and educational environment for visitors to experience wildlife from various parts of the world.
    • Size: The zoo covers an area of 75 acres.
    • Animal Species: It is home to over 900 animals representing more than 195 species.
    • Exhibits: There are various exhibits, including Expedition Africa, Wild Florida, Australia/Asia, La Selva, and Paws On.
    • Interaction Opportunities: Visitors can participate in animal feedings, kayaking tours, and giraffe and rhino encounters.
    • Zoo Loop: It features a loop trail that allows visitors to explore the entire zoo.
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    While not strictly a zoo, the Miami Seaquarium is a popular attraction in South Florida. It is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.
    The Miami Seaquarium is a vibrant and popular aquarium located in Miami, Florida. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and interact with a wide variety of marine life in a beautiful setting. With its captivating exhibits and entertaining shows, the Miami Seaquarium is a favorite destination for visitors of all ages.
    • Location: Miami, Florida
    • Size: 38 acres
    • Exhibits: Over 10 unique exhibits
    • Animals: More than 10,000 marine creatures
    • Dolphin Show: Featuring Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    The Gulf Breeze Zoo is located in the panhandle of Florida and is home to over 900 animals from around the world. It is known for its safari experience, where visitors can ride through the park and see animals up close.
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is located in Gainesville and is home to over 75 species of animals. It is unique in that it is run by students in the college's zoo animal technology program.
    The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a renowned zoo located in Gainesville, Florida. It was established by Santa Fe College and offers a unique learning experience for both students and visitors. The zoo focuses on the conservation and education of various animal species, promoting research and public awareness of wildlife.
    • Location: Gainesville, Florida
    • Established by: Santa Fe College
    • Type: Teaching Zoo
    • Focus: Conservation and Education
    • Animal Species: Various

Missing your favorite zoo?

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Ranking factors for popular zoo

  1. Overall Visitor Experience
    This includes things like the quality of exhibits and attractions, ease of navigation, quality of food and beverage offerings, cleanliness, and customer service.
  2. Location
    Zoos located in densely populated areas or in popular tourist destinations will generally attract more visitors.
  3. Marketing and Promotion
    Zoos that invest in marketing and promote their offerings effectively will likely attract more visitors.
  4. Reputation
    The zoo with a good reputation for conservation, animal welfare, and education can also attract more visitors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular zoo in Florida. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Zoo is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2385 views
  • 194 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Zoo once every 24 hours. The rank of each Zoo is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular zoo in florida

Florida is home to some of the best zoos in the United States, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Sunshine State is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, and its zoos are no exception. With a number of world-class facilities dotted throughout the state, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. Whether you're a Floridian or a tourist, visiting one of Florida's zoos is a must-do activity. From Miami's Jungle Island to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, there's something for everyone. So, what is the most popular zoo in Florida? Let's find out!

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