Another highlight of the Miami MetroZoo is the American Bankers Family Aviary, Wings of Asia. This habitat brings together a huge collection of diverse species from a variety of environments and habitats, some of the inhabitants are so rare they’re only available at the Miami MetroZoo due to its heavy involvement in the Species Survival Program. The aviary has a few different regions, the Field Research Center traces the proposed evolution of dinosaurs to modern birds with interactive exhibits, the Potamkin Conservation Center gives guests a look at aquatic birds from above and below the water, and finally the Asian center with more than 300 exotic, rare and endangered Asian birds. Stretching over more than 54,000 square feet this is the largest open air Asian aviary in the Western Hemisphere.
The Merchantil Commercebank Children’s Zoo lets people get up close and personal with a huge variety of animals. Humpy’s Camel Rides let children explore a traditional form of transportation that is often a once in a lifetime chance for many American children. Toadstool is an exhibit room that is full of small reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Zookeepers will remove some of the reptiles for a hands on experience. The Petting Zoo is another opportunity to get to touch and interact with some of the zoo’s inhabitants. At Zoo Scene Investigations at the Children’s Zoo stage you can help solve animal mysteries and meet some of the animals in the zoo. These presentations occur three times a day and feature a variety of exhibited animals.
The Miami MetroZoo has a variety of transportation options available for those who want to explore the zoo in a different way. The Monorail is air conditioned and makes four stops throughout the zoo, it’s a great and easy way to get from place to place. The Safari Cycle Rentals has two sized cycles, the small cycles can fit up to three adults and two small children and the large cycles will hold up to six adults and two children. And for a tour with more, there are Asia and Africa Safari Tram Tours narrated by well versed park employees.
If you’d like a real unique experience that will leave lasting memories, sign up for the Zookeeper for a Day program which allows you to spend a full day working alongside a zookeeper as their tend to their daily chores. Learn to identify and evaluate animals and help when possible. Or sign up for an overnight stay at the Miami MetroZoo. Groups can arrange to spend the night at the zoo in a sleepover program that includes personalized behind the scenes tours of exhibits and a morning activity.
Photo credit: Michele Eve
