Zoo Miami

The San Antonio Zoo released 50 Texas Horned Lizards last week into the Texas hill country. My daughter had the opportunity to experience the release with staff from Zoo Miami, Josh Abbott of the Josh Abbott Band and Schalk and Candice Pretorius with Ulovane Environmental Training. A unique learning day outside of the classroom to see conservation and research put into action. The fifty horned lizards were bred and nurtured at the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo "Participating in this release was a unique opportunity," stated Dr. Andy Gluesenkamp, Director of the CCR. "The presence of influential figures like Josh Abbott and international guests highlights the widespread support and enthusiasm for our efforts. By rigorously evaluating candidate release sites and partnering with landowners, we're laying the groundwork for the successful reintroduction of this treasured species”.

On September 16th, after a gestation of approximately 13 months, an endangered Malayan Tapir was born at Zoo Miami! Discover how our dedicated team nurtured Tengi, our female Malayan Tapir, during her pregnancy and the birth of her calf - the first successful birth of this species at the zoo in 18 years!

Join Andrew and Will from our Animal Care team as they share insights on the meticulous training and attentive care that ultimately resulted in the birth of Zoo Miami’s first-ever Babirusa piglet!

Discover how our dedicated team nurtures Poppy, our female tree kangaroo, during her gestation and conducts regular 'pouch checks' on her new joey!

On September 16th, after a gestation of approximately 13 months, an endangered Malayan tapir was born at Zoo Miami! This is the first successful birth of this species at the zoo in 18 years! The 8-year-old mother’s name is Tengi, and she came to Zoo Miami from Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. This is her first viable offspring. Sadly, she had a still born calf in 2022. The 12-year-old father’s name is Kazu, and he arrived at Zoo Miami from the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. This is his first offspring. Sometimes weighing close to 800 pounds, Malayan tapirs are the largest of the four species of tapirs and the only species found in the Eastern Hemisphere. Using its long prehensile snout much like an elephant uses its trunk, this distant relative of the horse and rhinoceros is found around bodies of water in tropical forests of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Feeding on a variety of leaves, twigs, and fruits, it is an excellent swimmer and will often use its snout as a snorkel while also feeding on aquatic vegetation. They are primarily black with a large gray saddle that serves as a form of camouflage that helps disguise the body outline. Newborns and juveniles are dark brown with white stripes and spots to blend in with the dappled sunlight on the forest floor. The greatest threat to Malayan tapirs is the loss of habitat due to deforestation for agricultural palm oil plantations. They are also hunted for food in some communities. A neonatal exam was done this morning by the Animal Health team. The exam allowed the team to establish baseline statistics so that they can ensure that the baby is developing normally. The newborn weighed 18.5 lbs. and was confirmed to be a male. He has been observed successfully nursing and initial indications are that he is healthy and thriving. This was a carefully planned birth as part of the @Species Survival Plan (SSP) managed through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This plan makes recommendations based on the genetic information of the parents with the goal of producing the healthiest and most genetically diverse offspring. Mother and infant will remain off public view for an undetermined amount of time to ensure that they are able to properly bond with minimum distractions. 📹: Ron Magill

I've had the pleasure of working with Ron Magill Wildlife and Zoo Miami on wishes for 3 years now. They consistently put on incredible wishes for our wish kids who come all over the country to experience the magic that Ron Magill brings! Luci, who flew from Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley to Miami, had a fantastic day feeding giraffes, hearing Baby the parrot sing, and more! See below for photos I took of the day. 🦒

#ZooMiami is currently the only AZA accredited zoo in the US to have Giant Eland on habitat, and we are proud to have had 3 calves born here late last year!

Meet Will Montiel, an Animal Care Coordinator and one of the many faces behind the daily operations at Zoo Miami. Discover our staff’s unique talents, hear their stories, and appreciate the commitment they bring to their roles. 

We're #hiring a new Zoo Animal Well-being, Behavior and Enrichment Specialist in Miami, Florida. Apply today or share this post with your network.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀!🌿 We're searching for passionate individuals to join our team at Miami-Dade Parks & Rec. Join us for our hiring event tomorrow, Sept 12, at 3pm at Zoo Miami. Let's create a brighter future together! 𝗧𝗮𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺! #MiamiDadeParks #HiringEvent #ZooMiami #JobSearch #SouthFlorida #ParksAndRecreation #CareerOpportunities #LiveAParkLife #OurCounty