The Brevard Zoo is a great attraction to visit year-round. It’s home to more than 165 species from the African bullfrog to the yellow-naped Amazon including crowd favorites giraffes, rhinos and mischievous sea otters.
There is always some exciting event happening at this 72-acre wildlife refuge. This spring, a new baby giraffe was born and many visitors were delighted to see the process unfold.
The doors of this world-class zoo opened in 1994 and the curators have continually added new exhibits ever since like the bird sanctuary, butterfly gardens and most recently a meerkat exhibit.
The Brevard Zoo offers a dizzying array of activities daily. You can simply walk the lush landscape at will or you can take advantage of the many specialized activities they offer such as a zip line adventure, kayaking tours, educational events or even host your own event. Children are big fans of the train adventure that takes you on an educational tour around the zoo on a real open-air train track.
The zoo’s mission is highly-focused on conservation and the Sea Turtle healing center is one of their most popular exhibits to date. The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with last admission at 4:15. It hosts many community events like Halloween and moonlight walks and kayak tours. Fees range from $14 to $18 per day, while children under 3 years old are always free. You can also sign-up for membership and annual passes, which are quite economical.
Built with the help of hundreds of volunteers, zoo officials say it is the largest community zoo build anywhere. If you go, dress comfortably with good walking shoes and wear sunscreen. Strollers are welcome and the areas are wheelchair friendly. There are concession stands scattered throughout the park. Check their website for new events added daily such as art shows, conservation fundraisers and more.
Brevard Zoo
8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne
321-254-9453
MORE ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS
*Gatorland
Not just alligators, but crocodiles and even Florida panthers can be found at this attraction that dates from 1949.
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
407-855-5496
*Jungle Adventures
Home to the “world’s largest alligator,” not a real one, but a building that you can’t miss when driving on State Road 50.
26205 E Colonial Dr., Christmas
407-568-2885




















