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Home Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo, Florida: Tickets and Info

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Brevard Zoo: Entry Ticket

Highlights

Explore diverse wildlife habitats including big cats and tropical birds.

Experience interactive moments like giraffe feeding.

Enjoy a family-friendly zoo dedicated to animal care and conservation.

Free parking available on-site.

Support environmental restoration initiatives backed by the zoo.

Good to Know Before Visiting Brevard Zoo

Purchasing your tickets online in advance guarantees the lowest available rate, as standard gate tickets incur an additional on-site fee.

Outside food, alcoholic drinks, and large coolers are completely prohibited past the main ticket turnstiles to ensure safety.

Guests are permitted to bring one non-alcoholic beverage into the park, but all plastic lids and straws must be removed before entering.

The zoo enforces a strict non-refundable ticket policy, and rain checks are not issued for standard afternoon thunderstorms.

Standard self-parking is completely free for all daily ticket holders and is located directly in front of the main entrance gates.

For the health of the animals, selfie sticks, drones, and remote-controlled aerial devices are banned anywhere on the facility grounds.

Standard strollers, double strollers, manual wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available for daily rental at the front guest services window on a first-come basis.

While general entry opens at 9:30 AM, specific interior sections like the Lands of Change loop and the Paws On water play zone do not open until 10:00 AM.

Only officially recognized service animals trained to perform tasks under the ADA are permitted inside the loops, while emotional support animals are not allowed.

Essential Visitor Info

Timings

  • General Admission: The zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Last Entry: The final admission of the day is strictly at 4:15 PM. Guests arriving after this time will not be permitted entry.
  • Holiday Closures: The facility operates year-round with only two exceptions. It is closed all day on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Internal Exhibit Staggered Openings
  • While the main gates open at 9:30 AM, a few specific areas within the zoo have slightly adjusted schedules to allow keepers to prepare the habitats:
  • Lands of Change (Australia and Beyond): Opens daily at 10:00 AM.
  • Paws On (Water Play and Barnyard): Opens daily at 10:00 AM.
  • Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures: Harnesses and courses typically operate from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
  • How Much Time Do You Need?
  • The average visitor spends between 3 to 4 hours exploring the different loops and animal exhibits.
  • If you plan to add extra activities - such as the kayak tours, train rides, or the aerial ropes course—you should budget at least 5 to 6 hours or plan a full-day excursion.
  • Seasonal Timing Tips
  • Beat the Heat: Florida temperatures can peak uncomfortably in the afternoon. Arriving right at 9:30 AM allows you to see the animals when they are most active and complete your outdoor walking before the midday sun.
  • Avoid the Rain: From June through September, Central Florida frequently experiences brief but heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Securing a morning arrival time helps guarantee you can finish the open-air walking trails before these standard weather patterns roll in.

About Brevard Zoo

About Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo stands out as a monumental achievement in grassroots collaboration, officially opening its gates in 1994 after a massive community-build initiative. More than 16,000 local volunteers, ranging from corporate engineers to tradespeople and retirees, came together to construct the initial structures by hand.

  • Today, the 75-acre, non-profit facility is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually. The park’s architecture utilizes a landscape immersion philosophy, organizing habitats into distinct, walkable loops - such as Expedition Africa, Rainforest Revealed, and Wild Florida - that branch out from a central courtyard to mimic the animals' natural ecosystems. The park houses more than 900 individual animals representing over 195 global and native species, including rhinos, giraffes, jaguars, and rare okapi.
  • Beyond standard exhibition, the institution serves as a critical conservation hub for Central Florida. The property features complex, behind-the-scenes rehabilitation centers specifically dedicated to treating and releasing injured sea turtles, orphaned black bear cubs, and threatened Florida manatees. Furthermore, its active "Restore Our Shores" program engages the local community to plant mangroves and build oyster reefs, working directly to revitalize the delicate marine ecosystem of the neighboring Indian River Lagoon.
  • Total Land Area: 72 acres (51 acres developed, 21 acres preserved wetlands)
  • Animal Species Count: Over 170 distinct species
  • Total Animal Population: More than 900 individual animals

Why Visit Brevard Zoo?

Immersive Kayaking Adventures

Brevard Zoo offers the unique opportunity to paddle a tandem kayak directly along the edge of animal habitats. You can book a guided tour along the Nyami Nyami River to glide past rhinos, giraffes, and zebras, or opt for a self-guided route through natural Florida wetlands. It is one of the only zoos in the country where you can observe wildlife from a watercraft.

High-Flying Aerial Ropes Courses

Adventure seekers can see the exhibits from a completely different perspective via the Treetop Trek. This aerial obstacle course challenges you with tightropes, crab walks, and suspended bridges high up in the canopy. The experience concludes with a thrilling zip line ride that sends you directly over habitats containing live alligators and crocodiles.

Up-Close Animal Encounters

The layout is specifically designed to minimize barriers and bring you face-to-face with global wildlife. You can hand-feed lettuce to giant giraffes from an elevated platform or enter the Lands of Change loop to walk alongside free-roaming red kangaroos. The zoo also schedules daily intimate encounters with rhinos, tortoises, and elusive okapi.

Interactive Water Play and Petting Areas

Families traveling with younger children will find plenty of space to unwind inside the Paws On ecosystem loop. This dedicated area features a large, shaded splash pad and wading pool perfect for cooling off in the Florida sun. It also houses a hands-on touch tank filled with local marine life and a barnyard petting zoo.

Strong Focus on Conservation and Rehabilitation

Every ticket purchase directly supports active, real-world wildlife preservation efforts. The zoo operates behind-the-scenes rehabilitation facilities for injured sea turtles, manatees, and native black bear cubs. Visitors can learn firsthand how the institution restores local environments, like the Indian River Lagoon, through its dedicated "Restore Our Shores" program.

Brevard Zoo - Additional Info

Dining

  • The primary dining complex is Nourish 321, located centrally between the Wild Florida loop and the Lands of Change exhibit.
  • This made-to-order restaurant features a diverse menu of fresh burgers, hot sandwiches, flatbreads, and healthy chopped salads, alongside clear vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices.
  • Adjacent to the main building, separate kiosks serve quick snacks like hot soft pretzels, Dippin' Dots, and frozen beverages.
  • For guests exploring the Paws On play area, Slice provides a quick, walk-up window serving fresh pizza and light grab-and-go options right alongside the Indian River Play Lagoon.
  • Right next door, Cones offers soft-serve ice cream, dairy-free Dole Whip, and chilled alcoholic options for adults.
  • Most standard kitchens operate daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though guests are also permitted to pack their own small coolers with outside food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Interesting Facts about Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo is the only zoo in the United States that offers guests the opportunity to kayak through an expansive African wildlife habitat.

The zoo was constructed in 1992 through a massive community build event where more than 16,000 local volunteers helped assemble the initial structures.

The on-site Sea Turtle Healing Center has treated and successfully released hundreds of sick and injured sea turtles back into the Atlantic Ocean.

The facility's Restore Our Shores program has actively planted millions of oysters and mangroves to help filter the nearby Indian River Lagoon.

Visitors can stand on an elevated wooden platform in the Expedition Africa loop to hand-feed giant giraffes at eye level.

The Treetop Trek aerial obstacle course features zip lines that send participants gliding directly over live alligators and crocodiles.

The zoo participates in crucial conservation breeding programs for the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow, one of North America's rarest birds.

The Rainforest Revealed loop features a complex network of overhead mesh tunnels that allow monkeys to traverse open spaces directly above the visitor paths.

A specialized, state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility on the property is dedicated strictly to treating and recovering injured or orphaned Florida manatees.

It is home to rare okapis, a unique Central African species structurally related to the giraffe but featuring distinct zebra-like stripes on their legs.

The facility is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a distinction held by fewer than ten percent of wildlife exhibits nationwide.

The Paws On loop features a large touch tank where children can safely interact with local marine life like hermit crabs and juvenile horseshoe crabs.

To minimize environmental impact, the zoo completely eliminated plastic shopping bags and single-use plastic straws from all its dining and retail spaces.

FAQs about Brevard Zoo

What makes the layout of Brevard Zoo unique compared to standard zoos?

The facility is built utilizing a landscape immersion philosophy that organizes habitats into distinct, walkable loops branching out from a central courtyard. This open-air layout is intentionally designed to minimize barriers and mimic the natural ecosystems of the animals.

How was Brevard Zoo originally constructed?

The zoo stands out as a historic monument to grassroots collaboration, built in 1992 by more than 16,000 local volunteers who assembled the initial structures by hand. Corporate engineers, tradespeople, and residents completely donated their time to complete the build.

How many animals and species live at the facility?

The 75-acre park houses a total population of more than 900 individual animals. These residents represent over 170 to 195 distinct global and native species.

What kind of local wildlife conservation work does the zoo perform?

The institution operates specialized, behind-the-scenes rehabilitation centers for injured sea turtles, orphaned black bear cubs, and threatened Florida manatees. It also restores local ecosystems by planting mangroves and building oyster reefs in the nearby Indian River Lagoon.

What unique water adventure is offered on-site?

It is the only zoo in the United States where guests can paddle a tandem kayak directly alongside free-roaming African wildlife. Visitors can navigate the Nyami Nyami River to view rhinos, giraffes, and zebras from the water craft.

What is the Rainforest Revealed aerial monkey tunnel system?

This section features an innovative network of overhead mesh tunnels running high above the visitor boardwalks. The setup allows the monkeys to explore open spaces directly over the heads of walking guests.

Is the zoo accredited by any professional organizations?

Yes, the facility is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This prestigious distinction is currently held by fewer than ten percent of wildlife exhibits nationwide.

What are the daily operating hours for general admission?

The main gates are open to the public daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, you must arrive before the final admission cutoff strictly enforced at 4:15 PM.

Do all exhibits inside the park open right at 9:30 AM?

While the main entrance opens early, internal zones like the Lands of Change loop and the Paws On water play area open at 10:00 AM. The Treetop Trek aerial courses typically operate from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Is parking available on-site and how much does it cost?

Standard self-parking is completely free for all daily ticket holders. The main lot is located directly in front of the front entrance gates for easy access.

Can visitors bring outside food and drinks into the loops?

Large coolers, outside meals, and alcoholic beverages are completely prohibited past the main ticket turnstiles. Guests may bring a single non-alcoholic drink, provided the plastic lid and straw are removed first.

What happens if it rains during my visit?

The park enforces a strict non-refundable ticket policy, and rain checks are not issued for afternoon thunderstorms. Guests are encouraged to arrive early in the morning to beat the standard summer rain patterns.

Are wheelchairs and strollers available for guests to use?

Manual wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters, and single or double strollers can be rented at the front guest services window. These items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the public transportation route to the zoo?

You can take the Space Coast Area Transit Route 29 bus line directly to the venue. There is a designated bus stop located right at the North Wickham Road entrance loop.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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