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Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park
West Palm Beach, FL 33405 561-533-0887 The Palm Beach Zoo is shady and intimate, nestled on just 23 acres in West Palm Beach (compared to Miami Metrozoo's 740 acres). Many of the 900 animals reside in tropical landscaped habitats only a few feet from the main trail at the easily walkable park. With a focus on South and Central Americas as well as the Pacific Rim, the zoo is home to animals such as Bengal tigers, jaguars, exotic parrots, a Komodo dragon and a 4-foot long capybara from South America, the largest rodent in the world. The Tropics of the Americas exhibit showcases Mayan culture, animals and horticulture. The zoo's history dates to the 1950s when the late Paul Dreher urged the city of West Palm Beach to preserve the land that sits just east of I-95 between Forest Hill and Southern boulevards. Dreher, the former parks and recreation director, wanted a botanical and zoological garden. But it wasn't until 1969 that a group of citizens formed the Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches and the zoo opened with a handful of animals. (August 4, 2005) Hours: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ticket counter closes at 4:15pm. Reader reviews: Write a review | Read other reviews
Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information. |
