Gulf Breeze Zoo

Gulf Breeze Zoo, a sprawling 50-acre wildlife sanctuary in Florida, offers a diverse collection of animals from around the globe. With its interactive experiences, visitors can get up close and personal with some of these fascinating creatures.
If you're seeking a family-friendly adventure filled with wildlife and hands-on encounters and marine life exhibits, Gulf Breeze Zoo is the perfect destination. From feeding giraffes to strolling through lush botanical gardens, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 800 animals where you can learn about and examine more than 100 species, some of which are primates, exotic birds, big cats, and so on. 

Gulf Breeze Zoo Animals

Are you ready to meet the friendly giraffe, hippo, rhino, and tortoise? Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to an incredible variety of animals, including mammals, birds, farm animals, reptiles, and amphibians from all around the world. 

Some of the most popular and fascinating creatures you can encounter during your visit are:

Giraffes

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Get acquainted to the friendly giraffes in the Gulf Breeze Zoo and get an opportunity to feed them. Make a day out of learning more about them as well as bring in your kids for an educational adventure, as well. 

Big Cats (Lions, Tigers, and Leopards)

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Dangerous, but can be exciting to watch! The big cats at the Gulf Breeze Zoo are a striking display of power and grace. 

• Lions, often called the "King of the Jungle," are known for their majestic manes and social behavior, living in pride.
• Tigers, with their distinctive stripes, are solitary hunters and can swim, a unique trait among big cats. 
• Leopards are extremely agile and can carry prey much larger than themselves up trees to keep them safe from scavengers.

You may not get to feed them, but you can for sure get an opportunity to learn about them. Interestingly enough, these big cats have a lot to teach not just to kids, but also adults. If you are into wildlife, explore the Gulf Zoo with your kids on your trip to Destin. 

Primates (Gorillas, Lemurs, Monkeys)

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Want to watch a wild mirror of human behavior in Gulf Breeze Zoo animals? 
Gorillas are one of the most intelligent animals, with social structures and behaviors that closely resemble those of humans. Watching them interact, communicate, and use tools is a fascinating experience.
Lemurs, native to Madagascar, are known for their large, reflective eyes and unique vocals. The zoo’s monkeys are always active, swinging from branches and showcasing their acrobatic skills, which make them a favorite among visitors. 
They are interactive and friendly, making them a fun source to learn information about wildlife. 
There are many other animals in the Gulf Breeze Zoo that you can encounter. Get to learn about them and our wildlife. Like any other educational trip, this too, can be a very interesting educational encounter. 
Here is a list of some of the other animals that you can get to see in the Gulf Breeze:

• Zebras
• Parakeets (Budgies 
• Flamingos
• Peafowl
• Giant Tortoises
• Snakes
• Goats, Sheep, and Pigs

Do you think there is a favorite that you might want to encounter? If you are an animal lover and are willing to explore this paradise, then plan your visit to the Gulf Zoo today.
Here are some additional details for you:

Gulf Breeze Zoo Tickets Price

Admissions are affordable, with discounts available for children, seniors, and military personnel. (Animal feeding may have extra charges.)

Here’s a quick guide to Gulf Breeze Zoo's price for 2024, making it easy to choose the best option for you and your family. 

Ticket Category	Adventure Pass Pricing
Kids under 2	Free
Children (2-12)	$20.95
Adult (13-64)	$27.95
Senior (65+)	$25.95

For the latest updates, we recommend you check out the zoo's official website for offers and promotions.

Gulf Breeze Zoo Hours

The zoo is open 7 days a week, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy all the exhibits and attractions. 
However, please note that Gulf Zoo is usually not operational on Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. 
Here are the operational hours for you:

• January 1 to February 29 - Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:00 PM)
• March 1 to October 31 - Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
• November 1 to December 31 - Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:00 PM)

Make sure to arrive before the last admission time to fully experience everything the zoo has to offer. The Gulf Breeze Zoo is ready to welcome you!

Things to do at the Gulf Breeze Zoo

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Are you brave enough to feed the animals? Each animal at Gulf Zoo offers something unique, whether it’s their appearance, behavior, or interaction with visitors.

This visit to the zoo is not just an educational experience but also an exciting adventure where you can learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom firsthand. 

And the best part is, how exciting it is to hand-feed animals? If you also want to take advantage of feeding animals with your hands, then Gulf Zoo in Florida can be your favorite place for this trill.

Here is the list of the zoo’s most fascinating animals to experience a personal interaction with:

Giraffe Feeding - Don’t miss the chance to feed this long-neck animal! The thrill of feeding a towering giraffe with their long neck and gentle nature—giraffes are always favourites at Gulf Breeze Zoo can also be an unforgettable experience for you.

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Camel Feeding - Get ready to meet the friendly and curious camels. These hardy animals are known for their distinctive humps and gentle dispositions. Feeding a camel is not just fun; it’s also a great way to learn about these fascinating creatures.

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Scottish Highland Cow Feeding - Let’s interact, shall we? These shaggy, long-haired cows with their majestic horns are as gentle as they are impressive. Feeding the Scottish Highland cows offers a special opportunity to interact with this iconic breed, known for their resilience and friendly nature.

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American Alligator Feeding (Seasonal) - For a more thrilling experience of Gulf Breeze Zoo animals, try feeding the American alligators! Available seasonally, this activity gives you the chance to safely feed one of nature’s most formidable predators, adding a touch of excitement to your visit.

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For more such things to do, you can visit the website of the Zoo and plan your day as you like.

Things to know before visiting Gulf Breeze Zoo Florida

To ensure you have the best experience possible at Gulf Zoo, here are some essential tips and guidelines to keep in mind before your visit:

Age Requirements at Gulf Breeze Zoo

Children Under 6: For safety reasons, children under the age of 6 are not permitted to participate in certain encounters.
Children Ages 6-12: Must be accompanied by a paying adult to join any animal encounters or special activities.

Participant Limits

Encounter Capacity: Each animal encounter is limited to just 10 participants, so it’s a good idea to book early to secure your spot.

Duration of each animal encounter at Gulf Zoo

The duration of each encounter is approximately 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy and interact with the animals.

Some Additional Tips to Follow

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended to ensure your safety and comfort during the experience.
• Check-in at the Giraffe Food Hut, where you will receive further instructions for your encounter.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled encounter time. The experience begins promptly, and late arrivals will not be allowed to join.
• With limited spots available for encounters, it’s wise to book your tickets in advance.
• Florida’s weather can be hot and humid if you are visiting in summer, so be sure to drink plenty of water during your visit.
• Capture those special moments with the animals in Gulf Breeze Zoo photos, but remember to enjoy the experience in the moment as well.

Conclusion

Be ready for a memorable day at the Gulf Breeze Zoo! Whether you're a resident or visiting the Gulf Coast, the Gulf Zoo is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families. With its diverse animal exhibits, interactive experiences, and beautiful gardens, the zoo offers a full day of fun and adventure for all ages.

So make your plan to visit Gulf Breeze Zoo Florida today!