Brevard Zoo, located in Melbourne, Florida, is a unique wildlife attraction known for its immersive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and community-built origins. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the zoo stands out as one of North America’s top-ranked small zoos—winning national accolades for both its engaging animal habitats and impactful conservation initiatives.
A Community Effort
Founded in 1994, Brevard Zoo was constructed through the extraordinary volunteer effort of over 16,000 Brevard County residents, making it the largest community-built zoo in the world. Local families and businesses came together, reminiscent of an Amish barn raising, laying the foundation for the zoo’s ongoing relationship with its community.
Exhibits & Experiences
Spread across 50 acres, Brevard Zoo houses over 900 animals representing 195 species in four distinct loops: Expedition Africa, Australia/Asia, Wild Florida, and La Selva (South America). Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as feeding giraffes, kayaking on the African river, riding the Cape to Cairo Express train, exploring the Treetop Trek aerial obstacle course and zipline, and animal encounters in the “Paws On” play area and petting zone.
Signature experiences include close-up encounters with giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, kangaroos, river otters, and exotic birds like cockatiels and kookaburras. Unique exhibits feature a bonsai tree collection—some over fifty years old—bat habitats, and regular baby animal debuts. The zoo is regarded as a half-day adventure, with engaging signage and interactive activities for both kids and adults.
Conservation & Restoration Mission
Brevard Zoo is more than a visitor attraction—it’s a leader in conservation and restoration. Its “Restore Our Shores” program dedicates funds from every ticket sale to healing the Indian River Lagoon through extensive volunteer-supported habitat restoration projects, including seagrass planting, oyster bed construction, and mangrove reforestation. Thousands of volunteers have helped with these projects, improving water quality and rebuilding critical habitats for coastal wildlife.
The zoo also partners with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is recognized regionally for groundbreaking conservation work, such as supporting the endangered white-nosed coati population, rescuing sea turtles, and raising awareness for Florida’s native species.
National Recognition
Brevard Zoo has consistently been nominated among the top zoos in the United States, recently ranking No. 6 nationally and No. 4 for its membership program. Its innovative approach to education, animal wellness, and community support continues to make the zoo a beloved destination and an important voice in global and local conservation efforts.
Visitor Tips
Don’t miss special programs like the Wildlife Detective Training Academy, seasonal events, and behind-the-scenes blog stories. Plan for a half-day visit—there’s so much to see and do, it’s easy to forget this “small zoo does big things!”.
Brevard Zoo’s blend of interactive learning, conservation leadership, and community spirit makes it one of Florida’s most rewarding and unforgettable attractions.
