Jungle Island, Zoological park on Watson Island, Miami, United States
Jungle Island is a zoological park on Watson Island in Miami, where visitors can observe animals from different regions across roughly 18 acres. Pathways wind between enclosures that recreate the native habitats of residents through planting and artificial waterways.
The park began in 1936 under a different name in a southern neighborhood and moved to the current island in 2003. The new location allowed expanded facilities and direct access to the bay.
The name recalls the original focus on tropical birds, while today many residents come from South America, Asia and Africa in naturalistic settings. Guided demonstrations show how animals communicate with each other and respond to signals from trainers.
The entrance sits directly on the main road connecting Miami Beach to the mainland, with parking nearby. Shade is available under trees and covered areas, so visits work well even on hot days.
Some areas allow direct encounters with animals like lemurs that move freely among visitors. At certain stations you can experience sloths, wallabies and large tortoises up close under supervision.
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