General Palm Beach Zoo Information
Information
The Palm Beach Zoo is a non profit zoological organization located at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. The Zoo houses over 1,500 animals within 23 acres of lush tropical habitat. Its mission is to provide an open-air classroom of living creatures to foster awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. In addition to exciting animals from all over the world living in natural habitats, the zoo features a colorful carousel, an interactive water play fountain, a full service restaurant, daily performances of the "Wings over Water" bird show, and many other programs and events throughout each day. The zoo offers a dynamic Summer Zoo Camp Program, a "Night Owls" Overnight Program, Field Trips, Outreach Programs, and a variety of special events such as "Winter in July", "Boo at the Zoo" and "Festival por los Animales." Zoo memberships provide free admission year-round. The zoo is open every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mission Statement:
The Palm Beach Zoo is an outdoor classroom fostering awareness, appreciation, and respect for the natural world. The Zoo strives to be an educational asset in the community and to responsibly demonstrate its commitment to excellence in conservation by rescue, rehabilitation, and propagation.
Annual Report
Leadership
Palm Beach Zoo Leadership Page
Hours
- The Palm Beach Zoo is open 363 days a year (364 on leap years!), closing only for Christmas & Thanksgiving
- We are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- We sell the last entry tickets at 4:15 p.m.
Admission Prices (effective 10/8/05)
- Palm Beach Zoo Members - Free!
- Children under 3 - Free!
- Regular Adult Admission - $12.95
- Seniors (60+) - $9.95
- Children 3-12 - $8.95
- Group Rates Available - Inquire
Directions
- From the Florida Turnpike:
- Exit at Southern Boulevard
- Travel East to Jog Road
- Turn Right onto Jog
- Travel 1 mile to Summit Boulevard
- Turn Left onto Summit Boulevard
- Travel 5 miles and arrive at the Palm Beach Zoo
- From I-95 southbound:
- Exit at exit 68 Southern Boulevard
- Travel East to Parker Avenue
- Turn Right onto Parker Avenue
- Travel on Parker Avenue until Summit Boulevard
- Turn Right onto Summit Boulevard
- Travel 1 block and arrive at the Palm Beach Zoo
- From I-95 northbound:
- Exit at exit 67 Forest Hill Boulevard
- Travel East to Parker Avenue
- Turn Left onto Parker Avenue
- Travel on Parker Avenue until Summit Boulevard
- Turn Left onto Summit Boulevard
- Travel 1 block and arrive at the Palm Beach Zoo
- Aerial Map Courtesy of Google™ Maps:
- Google™ Map, Click Here (note: map will open in new window)
Attractions & Amenities
- Tropics Café
- Come enjoy a taste of the Tropics Café. Tucked away on the shore of beautiful Baker Lake in the heart of the zoo, the Tropics Café is a pleasant hideaway offering full-service dining in a unique air-conditioned facility with an Amazon Basin theme. The restaurant is state-of-the art, with a delightful menu to please every member of your family. For those seeking light refreshment, our Concession Stand offers cold drinks, novelty ice cream treats, hot dogs and more. Restaurant seating closes at 3 p.m. The concession stand closes at 4:30 p.m.
- Interactive Fountain
- One of the best-loved attractions in South Florida, our Interactive Fountain is beautiful to see and hard to resist. Children are welcome to play in the dancing waters while happy music plays for the entertainment of all. Changing tents are nearby, and pleasant seating is provided for those who wish to relax and watch as their delighted children frolic in the refreshing water jets. Don't forget to bring the kids' bathing suits when you visit the zoo! The fountain closes at 4:30 and during inclement weather.
- Carousel
- The magnificent carousel at the Palm Beach Zoo provides unforgettable experiences for children and a bit of nostalgia for grownups. Thirty two colorful sculptures including horses, hummingbird, ostrich, sea dragon, white tiger, jaguar, zebra and ostrich take children on thrilling rides while traditional carousel music plays. This is where life-long memories are made. The carousel ride costs $2 with all proceeds benefiting the zoo's animals. The carousel closes at 4:30 p.m. and during inclement weather.
- The Harriet W. and George D. Cornell Tropics of the Americas Exhibit
- This breathtaking exhibit is the newest addition to the Palm Beach Zoo, opening in 2004. The $18 million creation showcases both the animals and the native culture found in the Central and South American regions. Jaguars, bush dogs, Baird's tapirs, Patagonian cavies, capybaras and giant anteaters are just a few of the animals that make their home in this 3-acre recreation of a Central and South American rainforest. You will be enchanted by the Mayan pyramids, the sculptures, and the hauntingly beautiful music. This exhibit was named by Animal Planet as one of the "Ultimate Zoo" exhibits in 2006.
Palm Beach Zoo Map
If you would like to view a map of the Palm Beach Zoo, you have a few options. You can view the map within your browser by clicking the image to the right or on the first link below. If you would like to download the map and print it out, please click the second link below.
Animal Highlights Include:
- North American River Otter
- Malayan Tigers
- Kangaroo
- Tropical Birds
- Monkeys
- Florida Panther
- Siamangs
- Baird's Tapirs
- Bush Dogs
- Giant Anteaters
- Patagonian Cavies
- Jamaican Fruit Bats
- Jaguars
- And Much More
Membership
For information regarding Membership to the Palm Beach Zoo, please visit our Palm Beach Zoo Membership section.
Miscellaneous Items
To make your visit more enjoyable, the following items are available for rent:
- Wheelchair - $5.00
- Stroller - $3.00
- Double Stroller - $5.00
- Safari Wagon - $5.00
Accessibility, Accompaniment, & Basic Rules:
- Palm Beach Zoo is wheelchair accessible.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Sorry no pets, food or beverages may be brought into the zoo.