About
Zoo Miami Camps and Youth Programs include time in water play areas and up close animal encounters and feedings. The program takes place within a zoo that features lush, tropical, open-air exhibits where animals are grouped according to their geographic territories and placed with species that live together peacefully in the wild. Exhibits match trees, foliage, and soil as closely as possible to the animals’ native habitats and allow guests to see wildlife at a close range.
Zoo Miami Camps and Youth Programs are part of an institution whose history can be traced back to 1948, when it was known as the Crandon Park Zoo on the island of Key Biscayne. The zoo’s vision is “Uniting everyone with nature to protect and restore wildlife,” and its mission is “To inspire people through engaging experiences to preserve nature in South Florida and across the globe.” The leadership team includes William Elgar, Director; Philip Hillary, Assistant Zoo Director; Darian A. Fonticiella, Infrastructure and Construction Division Chief; Diana Vega, Chief of Operations; and Dr. Gwen Myers, Chief of Animal Health. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which indicates it has passed a rigorous application and inspection process and meets or exceeds AZA standards for animal health and welfare, fundraising, zoo staffing, and involvement in global conservation efforts. Zoo Miami is involved in over 36 wildlife and environmental conservation projects taking place on six continents. Unique features at the zoo include opportunities to travel the grounds by foot, safari cycle, or tram tour; more than 2,000 animals representing over 375 species; and exhibits that feature jaguars in the Amazon, tigers in Asia, tree kangaroos in Australia, and crocodiles in The Florida Everglades. Additional features include a Conservation Action Center indoor interactive exhibit where visitors can crawl through a python structure to learn about invasive species, live cams featuring animals, and a smoke-free park policy effective January 1, 2026.
Last updated February 20, 2026.
Zoo Miami Camps and Youth Programs are part of an institution whose history can be traced back to 1948, when it was known as the Crandon Park Zoo on the island of Key Biscayne. The zoo’s vision is “Uniting everyone with nature to protect and restore wildlife,” and its mission is “To inspire people through engaging experiences to preserve nature in South Florida and across the globe.” The leadership team includes William Elgar, Director; Philip Hillary, Assistant Zoo Director; Darian A. Fonticiella, Infrastructure and Construction Division Chief; Diana Vega, Chief of Operations; and Dr. Gwen Myers, Chief of Animal Health. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which indicates it has passed a rigorous application and inspection process and meets or exceeds AZA standards for animal health and welfare, fundraising, zoo staffing, and involvement in global conservation efforts. Zoo Miami is involved in over 36 wildlife and environmental conservation projects taking place on six continents. Unique features at the zoo include opportunities to travel the grounds by foot, safari cycle, or tram tour; more than 2,000 animals representing over 375 species; and exhibits that feature jaguars in the Amazon, tigers in Asia, tree kangaroos in Australia, and crocodiles in The Florida Everglades. Additional features include a Conservation Action Center indoor interactive exhibit where visitors can crawl through a python structure to learn about invasive species, live cams featuring animals, and a smoke-free park policy effective January 1, 2026.
Last updated February 20, 2026.
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