Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, is much more than a typical zoo; at Brevard, groups can kayak past exhibits, ride a train, hand-feed animals and even take a ziplining tour above the habitats.
“We are just a half-day experience right off the interstate with lots of unique experiences, some you don’t get at other zoos,” said Andrea Hill, marketing and communications director at Brevard Zoo. “For instance, we are the only zoo in the country where you can kayak around an animal exhibit.”
The young zoo, turning 26 this year, is home to over 900 animals that are grouped into different exhibits —being Expedition Africa, Lands of Change, Wild Florida, Caribbean Trail, Rainforest Revealed and Paws On.
“Our grounds are very lush and intimate, and we are known for being a place to see animals up close,” Hill said.
Enjoy a guided kayaking tour on the Nyami Nyami River through Expedition Africa and see giraffes, rhinos, impalas and more. The waterway also provides a self-guided tour past local wildlife in the Wild Florida exhibit.
The Cape to Cairo Express takes riders on a short trip through the camel, oryx and ostrich habitat. A guide will briefly discuss what makes these animals unique.
Treetop Trek —the zoo’s aerial adventure park— offers ziplining tours that give visitors one-of-a-kind views of animal habitats from above.
Brevard Zoo is also committed to conservation and animal wellness, as well as communicating this to its visitors through educational opportunities.
“There are educational programs we can include, from learning about our conservation initiatives to zoonotic diseases,” Hill said.
For groups, Brevard Zoo can customize packages that include some of these adventures and educational experiences, as well as special animal encounters that allow groups to get up close and personal with the animals and converse with zookeepers. Brevard Zoo offers discounted rates for groups of 15 or more.
For more information call 321-254-9453, ext. 219 or go to brevardzoo.org.
