Brevard Zoo Celebrates 30 Years

We Share Our Joy of Nature to Help Wildlife and People Thrive

Your story is important to us. Brevard Zoo was built by the community and continues to thrive thanks to the support of thousands of patrons, volunteers, donors and businesses. Below are some of their stories.

Andy Arbuckle one of Brevard Zoo's original docent

My Dad (Andy) absolutely loved being a Docent there. He and My Mom (Marilyn) both worked on some of the original artwork/signage installed throughout the Zoo.

Marianne A

historical photos at houser's zoo. kid on chain link fence, mom and kid feeding elephant

These are a couple of photos I have from Hauser’s zoo circa 1981 or 1982. Notice the regular fences they had back then! My son looks to be about 3 or 4 there and he’s 45 now!

Vanessa Lee B

Annual visits to Florida always include feeding time with the giraffes.

Tammy M

young woman feeding giraffe as another giraffe looks on.

It was the most wonderful experience!!

Avery S

Keene Family photo of child with parakeet on shoulder

Jade loved every minute of this experience!

Tawny K

My son’s first Zoo trip and he LOVED it.

Kara G

1960

Houser's Grove Zoo

In the heart of West Melbourne, a citrus farmer embarked on a unique endeavor, curating and nurturing a diverse collection of 250 animals. Over time, however, the owner's declining health and the encroaching commercialization of the once-rural surroundings posed mounting challenges to the upkeep of the zoo. Recognizing the need for a modern, accredited facility befitting the animals and the community of Brevard County, local residents rallied for change. The owner passed in 1987 and the animals were relocated to various other facilities.

1984

East Coast
Zoological Foundation

In October 1984, a passionate group convened at Melbourne High School to ignite the vision of a modern zoological park in Brevard County. By December of that year, their dedication materialized into the incorporation of the East Coast Zoological Foundation of Florida, Inc., marking the first step towards creating a legacy of wildlife conservation in the region.

1990

A. Duda and Sons Donates the Land

The board sought out community leaders to shape every aspect of the Zoo's destiny: its purpose, location, land acquisition, governmental involvement, and funding strategy. Mr. John Duda of the Viera Corporation generously contributed 56 acres as the Zoo's permanent site. This pivotal donation not only secured the future location but also facilitated the acquisition of a crucial Department of Natural Resources grant.

1991

Generous Donations

$3.5 million in private and public funds were collected. These funds allowed incorporation of the latest in zoo architectural design and technology, married with the expertise of professional animal care and management. Sept. 16, 1991, a groundbreaking ceremony occurred for the zoo’s 2,100 ft. access road, visitors center, 226 parking spaces, and the Paws On petting zoo.

1992 – 1993

The Community Build Begins

Since its inception, the community has been integral to the development of the Zoo, actively participating through promotions, fundraisers, and volunteer efforts. Notably, the brick program yielded an impressive 70,000 bricks, crucial in laying a solid foundation. Supported by nearly 18,000 volunteers who collectively contributed 84,808 hours of labor, the Zoo stands as the largest community-built Zoo worldwide!

1994

Brevard Zoo Opens

At 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 1994, a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Zoo, inviting the public to step through its gates for the first time! Visitors explored the newly constructed boardwalks while the animals acclimated to their new habitats. Among the captivating inhabitants were Onyx the black jaguar, who served as the inspiration for our logo, along with tapirs, anteaters, and a diverse array of monkeys and birds. Their presence inspired fascination and ignited a passion for conservation for all of the guests that opening day.

1995

Wild Florida Loop

This loop demonstrates how we can make a tremendous impact in our own backyard. Many Florida animals found sanctuary at Brevard Zoo due to various reasons preventing them from thriving in the wild. Through continuous interaction with local species like otters, bald eagles, deer, bobcats, foxes, and alligators, our dedicated team of keepers, researchers, and the public has learned invaluable insights into safeguarding their populations and habitats.

1995

The Train

In August 1995, the community demonstrated its unwavering support for the Zoo once again, as a hundred volunteers journeyed to Walt Disney World to assist in lifting railroad tracks generously donated to the Zoo by Disney. Following its installation, visitors were treated to a unique experience, embarking on a leisurely excursion through an expansive habitat. Guided by seasoned narrators, they journeyed alongside some of our most beloved animals, immersing themselves in the beauty and wonder of Brevard Zoo's diverse ecosystem.

1996 – 2002

Austral-Asia Opens

Expanding its family of animals, Brevard Zoo welcomed a diverse array of Australian and Asian species into its fold. Kangaroos and wallabies roamed together in shared spaces, while the majestic cassowary proudly displayed its vibrant crown and colorful head. Guests were treated to an interactive experience with free-flying lorikeets and cockatiels in the aviary, where these tiny Australian parrots would perch on visitors' arms or heads to sip nectar and nibble on seed sticks, offering an up-close and personal encounter with the wonders of nature.

1998

Kayaking

Brevard Zoo achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the unveiling of its meticulously restored 22-acre wetlands to the public. In a remarkable first for zoos across the nation, visitors were now able to partake in on-site kayaking adventures, immersing themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the wetlands while gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving such vital ecosystems.

2003

Expedition Africa

In 2003, Brevard Zoo again relied on the strength of its community to answer the call by providing $2.5 million and 800 volunteers for the construction of Expedition Africa. This monumental endeavor marked a transformative chapter in the Zoo's evolution, introducing an immersive African experience. Anchored by a giraffe feeding platform and encompassing two expansive savannas, an additional kayak trail, and enhanced animal viewing opportunities along the train route, Expedition Africa redefined the zoo's landscape. The inclusion of a husbandry barn underscored the Zoo's commitment to the highest levels of animal care.

2003-2004

Education Classrooms

Education is one of the core pillars at the heart of Brevard Zoo. To support this, the Zoo constructed a series of permanent educational facilities. Among these are three themed classrooms designed to evoke the atmosphere of a cave, a treehouse, and a lagoon, offering immersive learning environments for students of all ages. Additionally, an education complex was established, featuring two spacious classrooms, a discovery center, and a dedicated teacher resource room.

2007

Wildlife Detective Training Academy

For years, this indoor play space has been a cherished destination for children and families, offering a dynamic environment where learning seamlessly intertwines with play. Spanning 1,800 square feet, the space provides a platform for children to engage in hands-on activities, such as caring for plush patients in a pretend veterinary lab and solving animal mysteries using real artifacts from the zoo. With approximately 40 animals on exhibit, young visitors have the opportunity to observe and interact with a diverse array of wildlife, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

2008

Paws On

The Paws On Loop has been revamped into an interactive area focused on learning about our local waterways. Children can splash in the Indian River Play Lagoon, play at the Gopher Tortoise Inn playground, observe fish in a 20,000-gallon aquarium, interact with animals in the Petting Zone, and grab snacks at the Pizzeria. Additionally, the Wildlife Detective Training Academy offers indoor play space for learning and exploration.

2011

Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures

Calling all adventure-seekers! Trekkers could zip, climb, crawl and careen through acre after acre of lush Florida landscapes. These self-guided courses of varying difficulty offered abundant thrills such as rope bridges, swinging logs, and later even a high-wire bicycle. Trekkers could challenge their friends, have a blast and see animals from a different view while getting a supreme workout.

2012

L3Harris Veterinary Hospital

Dedicated to the responsible, professional, and passionate care of over 900 animals, Brevard Zoo prioritizes their well-being with utmost diligence. To ensure the highest standards of care, the Zoo constructed a modern 9,000-square-foot animal hospital equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment tailored for individualized treatment and wellness monitoring. Additionally, this space features a commissary where meals for the animals are meticulously prepared and tracked, further enhancing their health and nutrition regimen.

2014

Sea Turtle Healing Center

Brevard County's beaches serve as vital nesting grounds for sea turtles, yet many of these majestic creatures face challenges such as injuries and illnesses. Each year, approximately 100 sea turtle patients are brought to the Healing Center for treatment. These patients, brought in for various reasons, receive expert care from the experienced staff, who work tirelessly to rehabilitate them and prepare them for their return to the open waters. Through the Healing Center's dedicated efforts, injured and sick sea turtles are given a second chance to thrive in their natural habitat, contributing to the preservation of these iconic marine species.

2017

Lands of Change

The Australian and Asian loop undergoes a transformative renovation, emerging as Lands of Change, dedicated to highlighting the effects of climate change on animals in these regions. Through immersive exhibits, visitors gain insight into the importance of individual actions in safeguarding the planet. The loop also revitalizes beloved attractions, such as the aviary, while introducing new experiences like the kangaroo walkabout and the introduction of the majestic komodo dragon.

2019

Rainforest Revealed

This loop opens with a visionary approach, emphasizing the intricate interconnectedness of life. Central to its transformation is an innovative skytrail system, providing ample space for primate species to roam freely and interact, mirroring their natural habitats. The addition of an animal cognition center fosters ongoing studies, deepening our understanding of animal behavior. Rainforest Revealed introduced new species such as Arapaima fish, giant otters, and several venomous animals, enriching the visitor experience while highlighting the biodiversity of our planet's ecosystems.

2021

Our Legacy Campaign

A transformative campaign is launched with the ambitious goal of raising $100 million to propel our efforts in animal wellness, conservation, and education to new heights. With a clear vision in mind, funds are allocated to the creation of an aquarium and conservation campus, representing a significant leap forward in our mission. The establishment of a second campus will serve to expand our conservation initiatives, preserve aquatic environments, protect wildlife, and engage communities in advocating for clean water. Furthermore, it will deepen our commitment to science literacy by providing invaluable educational resources and opportunities.

2023

Wildlife Training Hub and Preschool

We refurbished the former Wildlife Detective Training Academy into the newly named Wildlife Discovery Hub. Inside this modern learning space you’ll find updated animal habitats, you may spot our preschool students listening to a story, see summer campers meeting one of our animals, or Zoo Teen Conservation Leaders working together to plan the next Youth Conservation Summit.

2024

Lions Habitat in Expedition Africa

Our three boys Chobe, Karoo and Ruaha outgrew their space with their mom and dad at Naples Zoo, so we sprang into action to build a temporary habitat in Wild Florida. They arrived to our Zoo in May of 2022, settled in and we began envisioning their permanent home in Expedition Africa. The new 15,750-square-foot habitat even has a chill pad close to a floor-to-ceiling glass viewing area!

A white-nosed coati receives an ultrasound

See the Work We Do

Learn more about the work we do in our back yard and around the world such asa ground breaking research; animal rehabilitation; and restoration of our waterways.

Read Our Stories

Adventure Awaits

Your visit continues this incredible legacy. Supporters like you make it possible for us to continue our mission work every day.

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Get Your Gear

Step into the wild side and show your love for the animals with exclusive Brevard Zoo 30th Anniversary merchandise! For a limited time, while supplies last.

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Looking forward to our next 30 years

As we look towards our future and what the next 30 years might look like, we wanted to make sure you knew about the transformative project we are working on through Our Legacy Campaign to build a future Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral, Florida. This second campus will be an expansion of the work we do at Brevard Zoo and so much more. With your support, we can continue to ensure a future for wildlife and the health of our planet. Please make your tax-deductible gift!

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