Gulf Breeze Zoo, Wildlife park in Gulf Breeze, Florida, United States.
Gulf Breeze Zoo is a 50-acre zoo in Woodlawn Beach, Florida, holding over 900 exotic animals including rhinos, hippos, Western lowland gorillas and orangutans. It is split into 20 acres of walking exhibits and a 30-acre free-roaming preserve toured by a C.P. Huntington locomotive train. A raised boardwalk overlooks hoofstock, capybara, pygmy hippos and orangutans.
The zoo opened at its current Woodlawn Beach site in 1984, founded by four local businessmen with Pat Quinn as first director, starting with about 60 animals on 19 acres. In 2004 ownership passed to the nonprofit Gulf Coast Zoological Society, and hurricanes Ivan and Dennis damaged the site in 2004 and 2005. After a 2009 closure, a team from Virginia Safari Park bought and renovated it, reopening on February 18, 2010 as Gulf Breeze Zoo.
The zoo hosts programs that teach visitors about wildlife protection and how different species depend on their natural homes. These educational events help people understand why preserving wild places matters for the animals that live there.
Visitors will find a restaurant, gift shop, picnic areas, and a Safari Train that travels through the grounds. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to walk around, especially on warm days.
The facility works with conservation projects in about 25 countries around the world, making it more than just a local attraction. These global partnerships allow it to support wilderness programs across the globe.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,997 contributors worldwide.
