Palm Beach Zoo — Attraction in West Palm Beach

I grew up at a time when theme parks did not exist in Florida. Mom took us to many attractions on our summer vacations and school days off. I loved going to Miami Seaquarium, Crandon Park Zoo, Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle, Pirates World and many other popular attractions around the state at the time. I learned about many species of wildlife from these trips and grew up to respect the role they played in our fragile ecosystem. I visited Palm Beach Zoo when it was named Dreher Park Zoo back in the day. I took my son there many times. It was easy to get to off I95, reasonably priced, clean and had many wonderful, well maintained exhibits. I walked in with my son, daughter in law and 20 month old grandson hoping to enjoy the same experience. We went on an overcast Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., the park closed at 5, plenty of time to see everything and not too hot or crowded. I pre purchased the tickets online: 2 adults and 1 senior came to $106.85. My grandson was 'free'. Wow! Sticker shock but somewhat expected given the economy. We checked in and it was a very easy process. We rented a safari wagon for our little one. It was a reasonable $3 but they didn't accept cash. We had to use a credit card to pay. A large splash pad is located at the entrance and many children were enjoying this water feature. We didn't have a change of clothes and/or towels for our waterbug and he was quite upset he couldn't frolic with them so we rolled quickly past to begin the zoo journey. (I did wonder if the recycled water shooting up in their innocent little faces was chlorinated. It looked like a superspreader event with many bulging diapers.) As we worked our way through each area, I noted many of the animal exhibits I remembered from back when were gone. The few animals they had looked cared for and healthy but the overall vibe was depressing. I saw only a few zoo staff members who looked busy but did not interact with the customers. Note: different animal encounters are available but you are charged extra $$$ and participants age is limited. We went to the lorikeet exhibit. They sold small cups of nectar ($2 for 1, $5 for 3) but when we got there they were feeding them big bowls of it. They warned us the birds wouldn't come to us and to save our $$. It was around 4 p.m. They were right. The birds could care less if we were holding their nectar treat. The carousel was nice and again, credit or debit card only. No cash is accepted in the park. We gradually made our way out. I left with new memories but also a greater appreciation of what we were so fortunate to have had experienced in...

We visited the zoo in early January and were enchanted by its facilities and variety.

The Palm Beach Zoo is a captivating oasis of wildlife and conservation, enchanting visitors with its rich biodiversity and commitment to animal welfare. Nestled in the heart of Florida's Palm Beach County, this extraordinary sanctuary is a testament to the power of education, preservation, and the inherent beauty of nature. At the Palm Beach Zoo, one can embark on an awe-inspiring journey through lush landscapes and encounter an incredible array of animal species. From majestic lions and tigers to playful monkeys and colorful birds, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife in an intimate and respectful setting. Not only does the Palm Beach Zoo provide an unforgettable experience for visitors, but it also serves as a vital force for conservation efforts. Through innovative research programs, habitat restoration initiatives, and partnerships with global conservation organizations, the zoo plays a pivotal role in safeguarding endangered species and their delicate ecosystems. What truly sets the Palm Beach Zoo apart is its unwavering dedication to education. Through engaging exhibits, interactive presentations, and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages are enlightened about the importance of conservation and inspired to become stewards of the natural world. The zoo's passionate and knowledgeable staff foster a sense of wonder and curiosity, igniting a lifelong love for wildlife and environmental preservation. The Palm Beach Zoo stands as a shining example of a world-class institution that seamlessly blends entertainment, education, and conservation. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or simply a nature lover in search of tranquility, a visit to the Palm Beach Zoo is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. Step into this remarkable sanctuary and be prepared to be captivated by the wonders of the animal kingdom and the remarkable conservation efforts that are taking place within its boundaries.

Without any doubt I recommend you to...

My wife and I visited here (for the first time) on the morning of June 16, 2025. We were en route to nearby John Prince Park Campground (where we couldn't check in until 1:00 pm) and I was towing a small travel trailer with my pickup truck, so we'd already planned to arrive here as soon as they opened at 9:00 am. I was glad we did that because I was able to find and take up two shaded parking spaces under the small solar panel awning near the entrance to their (free) parking lot, and it was not crowded yet. At the ticket booth, the very nice lady who helped us asked if I was former military or a retired first responder, and when I told her I was, she gave me free admission and my wife got a 50% discount on her ticket. The zoo itself is not very big (acreage wise), but it packs a lot of great content into a relatively small package. Just a short walk inside the entrance is a large "splash pad" area (about 200 feet in diameter) for the kids to play in, and it also serves as the center point of the zoo, with each section of the animal displays surrounding it in a spoke-like arrangement. This makes it very easy to navigate the park without the need of a map because you can't get lost here. All of the animals' living areas were super clean and well cared for. The zoo's grounds are also VERY BEAUTIFUL with all kinds of exotic tropical plants and trees that are as nicely groomed and maintained as those found in a botanical garden. The zoo also has quite a nice selection of big cats, monkeys, and other animals from South and Central America, as well as from SE Asia. We have been to about 40 different zoos all over the US and SE Asia, and this one was way up near the top in terms of its cleanliness and easy-to-navigate layout. It only takes about 2-3 hours to see everything. It should definitely be on your MUST DO list if you are visiting the Palm Beach County area of Florida. If you are visiting in the summer months, go early in the morning as soon as they open at 9:00 am to avoid heat exhaustion, because the summer sun and high humidity will get you...