Jungle Island

Jungle Island

Jungle Island: Exploring Miami’s Premier Eco-Adventure Theme Park

Unleash your wild side at Jungle Island! Imagine a place where the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape merges seamlessly with an enchanting jungle filled with extraordinary animals from around the world. Welcome to Jungle Island, Miami’s premier entertainment destination, where nature meets adventure.

A Tropical Paradise in the Heart of Miami

Nestled between downtown Miami and South Beach, Jungle Island has been a favorite South Florida landmark since its inception in 1936. This intimate zoological park spans 18 acres and offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with nature while enjoying captivating animal shows, informative exhibits, and stunning natural surroundings.

History of Jungle Island

From Parrot Jungle to Jungle Island: A South Florida Tradition for 80 Years

Jungle Island has a rich history that traces back to its origins as Parrot Jungle. Founded in 1936 by Franz Scherr, Parrot Jungle was initially located in South Miami and gained fame for its diverse collection of exotic birds. Over the years, the park evolved and expanded under the ownership of the current proprietors, who acquired it in 1988.

The Evolution of a Miami Landmark

After Hurricane Andrew struck, the owners decided to relocate Parrot Jungle to Watson Island. Following extensive construction, the park reopened its doors in 2003 as Jungle Island. The name change reflected the park’s transformation into a place that not only showcased birds but also housed a wide variety of animals, plants, and immersive experiences.

Discovering Jungle Island

An Abundance of Extraordinary Animals and Rare Plants

Jungle Island lives up to its name by offering visitors a captivating journey through its unique flora and fauna. As you explore the 1.35 miles of winding, covered trails, you’ll encounter rare cycads, the extraordinary African sausage tree, and a plethora of vibrant wildlife. This lush oasis provides a true escape into nature, right in the heart of Miami.

A Stroll through the Lush Canopy: Exploring the Tropical Landscape

Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Jungle Island as you meander through the dense foliage, surrounded by streams and waterfalls. The canopy of tropical trees creates a serene and magical ambiance, transporting you to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take your time to appreciate the beauty of nature and discover the hidden gems that Jungle Island has to offer.

Jungle Island Miami

Jungle Island

Telephone:
305-400-7000

Address:
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132

Park Hours:
Garden Admission
Open Daily: 9:30 am – 5 pm
(last admission 4:30 pm)

VIP Encounters
Open Daily
(online reservations required)

Animal Encounters
Open Daily: 9 am – 4 pm

Prices and Fees:
Adults: $49.49
Online: $35.99

Children 3 to 10: $37.33
Online:  27.16

Children under 2: Free

Website:
jungleisland.com

Attractions and Experiences

VIP Tour – Go Wild!: Get Up Close and Personal with Charismatic Creatures

Embark on a VIP tour at Jungle Island for a truly unforgettable experience. This exclusive tour allows you to interact with some of the most charismatic creatures in the park. From the Kangaroo Walkabout to the lemur enclosure, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with fascinating animals. Additionally, you can choose to have an encounter with exotic parrots, reptiles, or giant tortoises, ensuring a unique and personalized adventure.

Garden Admission: A Ticket to Explore the Vibrant Wildlife and Everglades Habitat

With a garden admission ticket, you gain access to the enchanting Jungle Island gardens. Set out on a journey to discover the diverse array of wildlife from around the world. As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter exotic birds, mammals, and primates, each with its own unique charm. Don’t miss the Everglades Habitat, a true replica of Florida’s iconic ecosystem, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the Everglades.

Treewalk Village: A Forest Adventure for the Young and Young at Heart

Treewalk Village is a paradise for those seeking thrilling adventures and exhilarating experiences. This captivating setting invites children and the young at heart to embrace their inner explorers as they ascend from one treehouse to another using 8 ft tall hammocks, nets, and wooden bridges. Glide down slides, conquer challenging tree wee obstacle courses, and partake in a myriad of forest games. Treewalk Village provides an ideal opportunity to unleash your adventurous spirit and forge indelible memories that will last a lifetime.

Animal Encounters: Get Up Close and Personal with Wildlife

In addition to the VIP tour, Jungle Island offers thrilling animal encounters that allow you to have intimate interactions with some of the park’s most fascinating creatures. From feeding a kangaroo to holding a parrot or getting to know a sloth, these up-close encounters provide a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with wildlife in a personal and meaningful way. Don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable memories and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible animals.

Birds of Jungle Island

Jungle Island is home to a remarkable variety of birds, each with its own captivating features and behaviors. Let’s explore some of the avian wonders you can encounter during your visit:

Black Palm Cockatoo: These magnificent birds boast erect crests, bright red naked facial skin, and large imposing beaks. Their entirely black plumage, tinged with gray, adds to their unique beauty. Keep an eye out for their distinctive red and black tongues, as their beaks do not fully close.

Blue & Gold Macaw: Known for their beauty and personality, Blue and Gold Macaws are among the largest parrots. Their stunning ultramarine blue feathers, coupled with a rich gold underside, make them a sight to behold. Watch as their facial skin blushes with excitement, just like ours.

American Flamingo: With their elegant pink feathers, long necks, and legs, American Flamingos are easily recognizable. Their boomerang-shaped beaks are perfectly adapted for their filter-feeding habits. These highly social birds inhabit various waterways, feeding on small crustaceans, insects, mollusks, worms, and seeds.

Eclectus Parrot: Standing out with their strikingly dimorphic plumage, Eclectus Parrots exhibit a stark contrast between males and females. Females feature deep red feathers and jet-black beaks, while males sport brilliant green plumage and yellow-orange beaks. This distinct color difference led scientists to initially classify them as separate species. Their soft, fur-like feathers and short square tails add to their charm.

Hyacinth Macaw: Known as the gentle giants of the parrot world, Hyacinth Macaws are highly prized for their beauty and personality. As the largest of all parrots, they boast iridescent violet-blue feathers and bright yellow eye-rings. Their large and strong beaks are perfectly adapted for opening large nuts, and their yellow-striped tongues add a touch of uniqueness.

Scarlet Macaw: Scarlet Macaws are renowned for their brilliant red plumage and long tails. With their vibrant feathers and contrasting blue and yellow coverts on the wings, they are truly a sight to behold. These majestic parrots are among the largest of their kind, reaching impressive lengths between 32 and 38 inches.

Yellow-naped Amazons: Among the most popular and well-known Amazons, Yellow-naped Amazons captivate with their bright green feathers and a distinct yellow patch at the nape of their necks. These talkative parrots are famous for their ability to mimic sounds and are adored for their colorful and playful personalities.

Mammals of Jungle Island

Jungle Island is not only home to a vast array of birds but also boasts an impressive collection of fascinating mammals. Let’s discover some of the captivating mammals you can encounter during your visit:

Red Kangaroo: As the largest marsupial, Red Kangaroos are famous for their signature hopping style. Found across mainland Australia, males can reach up to 6 feet in height, while females reach up to 4 feet. With their powerful hind legs and long tails, these iconic Australian animals are a sight to behold.

Capybara: Known as the largest living rodent, the capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests near bodies of water in South America. These gentle creatures have a unique charm and are often seen socializing with their fellow capybaras, making them a joy to observe.

Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth: Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, also known as the southern two-toed sloth, is a slow-moving and adorable species found in South America. With their iconic slow-motion lifestyle, they can be found in Venezuela, the Guyanas, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Keep an eye out for these delightful creatures as they go about their leisurely activities.

Planning Your Visit

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Deering Estate, here are some essential details to keep in mind:

Operating Hours: The estate is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4 PM. It operates every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission: General admission prices are $15 for adults (15+), $13 for U.S. active duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans, and $7 for youth (4-14). Children aged 3 and under can enter for free, as well as Foundation Members. Parking is also free.

Ticket Purchase: Daily general admission tickets can be purchased online via Park Link. Discounts are available for certain groups, and identification must be shown on-site to avail of discounted rates.

Directions: The Deering Estate is conveniently located in Palmetto Bay, Miami-Dade County. Detailed driving directions are provided for various routes, including from downtown Miami, Miami International Airport, and the Florida Keys. Public transit options and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Picnics: Visitors are welcome to have picnics in the outdoor areas of the estate. However, barbecuing, grilling, and cooking on-site are not permitted.

Photography and Filming: Certain rules and permits apply for photography and filming at the estate, including restrictions on portrait photography inside the historic houses. Professional photography and film shoots require additional permits from the Office of Film and Entertainment.

Important Guidelines: Visitors are expected to adhere to the estate’s guidelines, which include respecting the natural environment, refraining from making loud noises or harassing wildlife, and staying on designated pathways. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

Connectivity: Free WiFi is available in select areas of the park, although coverage is currently being improved and expanded.

Prepare for an Extraordinary Experience

Visiting the Deering Estate is an opportunity to immerse yourself in history, connect with nature, and embrace the cultural heritage of South Florida. Plan your visit in advance to ensure you have enough time to explore all the attractions and participate in the activities that interest you the most. Check the estate’s website for updated information on opening hours, guided tours, and any temporary closures or special events.

Before you set foot on this enchanting estate, remember to bring comfortable footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re captivated by history, awed by natural beauty, or seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city, the Deering Estate promises an extraordinary experience that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

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