Gulf Breeze Zoo

5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, USA

Address:	5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, USA
Phone:	+1 850-932-2229
Site:	gulfbreezezoo.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 4

Katy Gammons

This is definitely not the best zoo Ive ever visited but my kids and I still had a good time. Just like many of the reviews say, the Budgie exhibit was the best. You can purchase "Budgie sticks" at admission for $1.50 each or 4 for $5. They are just popsicle sticks with bird seeds stuck to them. And let me tell you, they are making a fortune off them! My husband said if we ever go back, we should make our own and sneak them in:) I definitely recommend buying atleast a couple though bc its really fun. I was surprised at how friendly they were (and hungry). I was imagining having to kinda coax them into eating the bird seed but thats not the case! As soon as you walk in they swarm you and land on you to eat the seed. It freaked us out a little at first bc it happens immediately but you get used to it. Our second favorite thing we did was feeding the giraffes. Again, they have food you can purchase at admission to feed the animals. The food you buy can be fed to the giraffes, llamas, goats, pigs, etc. Ive never fed a giraffe so that was fun for me. All in all we had a good time. Its a very small zoo so it doesnt take very long to see everything. I didnt like the fact that you have to purchase separate tickets for the train ride. It should be included in the admission price since you cant see all the exhibits without riding the train. Another thing I didnt like was how small the animals enclosures were. Apparently the conditions are better now than they were before the zoo owners were arrested and charged with animal abuse due to a number of different issues including expired vaccines, rusty nails poking thru cages, not properly feeding the animals, not making sure they always have clean water, etc. If I had known this before telling my kids we would go, I NEVER would have went and supported a zoo that cant even provide water to their animals. But unfortunately I had already told my kids we would go and didnt want to let them down. Although as far as I understand, the owners made alot of changes and resolved the issues. Otherwise the zoo would be shut down and the animals taken elsewhere. Hopefully the state will stay on their ass and make sure they are doing things properly from now on.

A Private User

My husband and I went to the zoo today for the first time since they reopened a few months ago. I have to say I saw nothing but improvement. The exhibits have been repaired, restored, and improved. Some animals have been relocated to different exhibits and all seemed happy with their enclosures. A few animals that I had previously come to expect not to see "up and about" were actually moving around so that they could be seen: the black bear and the hippo. The large primate exhibit (where Colosus was back in the day) was not open and there were a few men working on painting the jungle gym and the viewing area, so Im sure they have plans for that area soon. In contrast to visits in the past, we actually saw employees out tending to the exhibits and the animals. All of the animals appeared to be in good health, as well. They have expanded the petting and feeding zoo to span the entire length of the zoo along the highway, with the exception of a small pond near the entrance. The llamas were very friendly and so soft! The giraffe feeding platform that used to be there has been removed and there dont seem to be any time restrictions on when you can feed the giraffes anymore. We paid the $3 for the train ride, and I enjoyed it. The conductor was very friendly and very informative about the animals. He was conscious of the noise made by the engine and slowed or stopped to address the passengers to make sure we could hear him. I was in the first train car and could hear him well, which I recall being a problem in the past. As far as the Feb 21 review below that stated the old snake exhibit is gone, it has just be relocated into the two-story white building near the exit (I think that building was previously used for education or something). The exhibit was very nice. Also, there are now laminated signs on some of the cages - you can tell theyre making an effort to bring the zoo up to par. The concession stand was open today.

A Private User

I almost did not go to this zoo because of what jonathan wrote. I am so glad that I did go. What a great place. The animals were clean and healthy and their cages were very clean. The animals seemed to enjoy where they live. There is a big section where you can feed and pet the animals and its nice to do that because not every day do you get to do this. The Emu sign says to feed with the cup. Well my husband went to feed it and the Emu grabbed the cup right out of his hand and ran away with it. That was so funny! There is only a small area that is not a cement walk. Therefore strollers are not a big problem. They have this newer boardwalk and we went up the stairs and found some interesting animals on both sides. There is also a ramp for strollers or wheel chairs so everyone can enjoy the view. They also have a train ride through the park that cost $3.00 per person extra. I dont mind spending $12.00 per adult it was worth it..The money that you pay helps them to feed and board these fantistic animals. There were monkeys, lions. tigers, black bear,lamas, pigs goats cows giraffe birds other that peacocks, (I saw 2 peacocks) ducks turtles, reptiles, and they were outside with a baby aligator letting people touch it. It is well worth the trip. I would recommend this Zoo to anyone. It is good for young and old. We spent several hours there. I would go back there again also it is larger than what I thought it would be.

A Private User

This zoo closed for a while due to financial problems, I think it is now under new management. Here is a list of what is wrong with this place. 1. The prices went up. It is now 12$ for an adult. 2. A lot less animals. A lot of the cages are now empty or have some kind of common animal trying to be passed as an exhibit. For example I went to look at the Giant bats they use to have. Now there are a couple of chickens in the cage. There are many exhibits that are just completely empty. 3. There are no signs on the animal cages. If you dont know what animal you are looking at and would like to know, too bad. 4. Im not sure, but the price for the train ride went up. I think it use to be a dollar. Now it is three. 5. the animal food is now 3$ as well. 6. the old snake exhibit is completely gone too. 7. The concession stand is closed as well. These are only a few of the problems I had when I went today. Basically if you are going to reopen the zoo and have less animals do NOT charge MORE MONEY!!!! The lady in front of us in line had 5 kids with her. I remember her total was 127$. I find it absurd to pay over 100$ to bring your kids to a zoo that barely has anything other than farm animals. Bottom line, if they cant afford to keep it open and they must charge that much money then they should not have opened it at all.