THE Zoo Northwest Florida on the Gulf Coast
Wild Animal Park near Pensacola One of Area’s Top Family Attractions
May 3, 2009
Is it any wonder then, that when visitors to Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast have had enough sun and surf, they head to one of the area’s top family attractions? Since 1984, THE Zoo Northwest Florida has entertained children of all ages, hitting the 120,000 visitor mark the first year it was open. It was then and still is the only zoo in Northwest Florida.
Wild Animal Park
Located in Gulf Breeze, about seven miles south of Pensacola on U. S. Highway 98, THE Zoo has grown from a small compound to about 50 acres in size with over 1200 animals both in cages and roaming free. A 30-acre wildlife preserve includes zebras, kudus, llamas, ostriches, eland (the world’s largest antelope) and gorilla and chimpanzee islands.
A boardwalk over the preserve lets visitors see the animals without bars or screens blocking the view – great for photography, especially when the animals cooperate and come in close. Another way to view these animals is to take a train ride through the preserve. The train passes by the hippos, emu, zebras, gorillas and the alligators before finishing at the train station and snack bar.
Other Animals and the Petting Zoo
Visitors can walk on accessible paved pathways to the various animal exhibits. Caged and otherwise secured animals include lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my) as well as an Andean Condor, kangaroos, orangutans and a Komodo Dragon behind glass. There’s even a giant snake pavilion and a collection of creepy crawlies.
Stairs lead to a platform above the giraffe compound where at designated times visitors may watch zoo staff feed the giraffes. A petting zoo for young children is located near the water fowl, allowing young children to interact with animals such as deer and small farm animals. Various shows or Encounters are scheduled throughout the day with such animals as the toucan, camel, reptiles, orangutans and the giraffe feeding.
THE Zoo Visitor Information
Entrance to THE ZOO is through the Lion’s Lair Gift Shop which sells tee-shirts, toys, tickets and packets of animal food for $1 for those wishing to feed the animals. Families with young children may rent a stroller for $2 or a wagon for $5. The train ride is an additional charge of $3 per person. Children two and under are free.
THE Zoo Northwest Florida is open Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The last tickets are sold at 4 PM. Adults (ages 12 to 61) are $11.50, Seniors (62 and up) are $10.50, and Children (3 to 11) are $8.25
THE Zoo Northwest Florida is located on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast at 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, about seven miles west of another great attraction, the Panhandle Butterfly House. For more information call (850) 932-2229.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
