OUR HISTORY

East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), the 501(c)3 nonprofit parent organization of Brevard Zoo, was formed by a small group of people with a big dream: building a community zoo. This world-class Zoo would serve as a conservation hub where people could gather to learn about animals and nature. A place to escape from the manmade world and reconnect with the diversity of the life with which we share this planet.

They had the vision, but they needed the resources. Former Florida Today publisher Frank Vega recruited several community leaders and Brevard County’s tight-knit communities came together to help this dream take shape. More than 16,000 people—from business owners and engineers to tradespeople and retirees—contributed their time and talents to build what is now one of the country’s largest independent zoos.

Executives from the major aerospace companies collaborated to craft architectural designs and provide labor for this ambitious project. A. Duda and Sons graciously donated a large tract of land just east of Interstate 95—a prime location for the Zoo.

In March 1994, Brevard Zoo officially opened its gates to the public. Visitors delightedly meandered the newly built boardwalks, exploring a thick native Florida forest as the animals settled into their new homes. A jaguar, tapirs, anteaters and a myriad of monkeys and birds inspired fascination and a passion for conservation.

In the last three decades, Brevard Zoo has grown to have 700 animals representing 170 species from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Visitor favorites include our lions, jaguars, giraffes, rhinos, okapi, zebras, monkeys, otters, kangaroos, bears and alligators.

As the Zoo itself grew, so did our commitment to conservation and education.

Our dedicated conservation department works with wildlife agencies and the community to spearhead several conservation projects that benefit both local wildlife populations and those beyond our county’s borders.

One of our oldest conservation programs, Restore Our Shores, works to restore the ecosystem of our local biodiverse estuary, the Indian River Lagoon, through reinstating native oyster and clam populations, growing and planting seagrass and mangroves, building buffer zones and living shorelines and more.

We also oversee conservation breeding programs at the Zoo for the critically endangered Florida grasshopper sparrows and native beach mice. Our behind-the-scenes rehabilitation centers also help aid native wildlife populations through caring for and releasing sea turtles, Florida black bear cubs and manatees in need.

Our education programs are as inspiring as they are informational. Through daily presentations, summer camps, field trips and an onsite “Zoo School,” our education department impacts tens of thousands of children each year. As part of the “Lagoon Quest” program, every fourth grader in Brevard Public Schools is brought to the Lagoon for two full days of hands-on exploration and learning.

We continue to hold steadfast to our mission and exceed expectations. We have earned 90% of our funds through admission-related income. More than 500,000 people visit the Zoo annually (with 44% from outside the county). In 2023, Brevard Zoo had an estimated total economic impact of $97.2 million in area sales, generating a local labor income of $33.9 million and supporting 1,005 jobs. With the help of our community, the Zoo has continually been recognized as a leading organization in top zoo lists and awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

After decades of conservation impacts and animal wellbeing wins spearheaded at Brevard Zoo, ECZF had a desire to expand its impact — this time in the shape of a new aquarium. In 2021, ECZF launched Our Legacy Campaign, seeking once again to link arms with the community to build a world-class aquarium on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon in Port Canaveral, Florida. This second campus would be built to answer the call to preserve and protect the wild Florida habitats our community and wildlife call home.

Click here to see our ECZF board of directors.

Brevard Zoo has accreditation and membership with industry-leading organizations and often receives grant support from these institutions: