Our macaws are already loving their new bridge!

Editor’s note: We are reflecting on our 12 most impactful moments of 2025. Your support made these incredible stories of rescue, recovery and wonder at your Zoo possible. Thank you. We celebrate what your support made possible – and ask you to help create even more magical moments in 2026. Thanks to our generous matching donors, the first $30,000 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar, making these gifts even more joyous. Learn more here.      

At our Zoo, animal wellbeing is at the heart of our work. Our animal care teams are constantly finding new and innovative ways to improve the quality of our animal residents’ lives and expand their choice and control, including revamping their habitats!  

We started off the year strong with our macaw bridge, which stretches across our main boardwalk near the entrance of our Lands of Change loop. Previously, our macaws lived on the loop-side of the boardwalk, while our flamingos’ nighthouse was located on the opposite side. However, our team noticed that our flamingos seldom used their nighthouse and preferred to stay in their pond area instead. So, we made use of the space by turning it into extra space for our macaws! 

Our animal care team worked hard over several months to form structures leading up to a bridge which crosses the boardwalk. Now, the macaws enjoy their time from new heights! 

Over in our Rainforest Revealed loop, a number of our smaller animals are enjoying upgrades to their habitats, too. As you may know, many of our monkeys, including our spider monkeys and capuchins, roam from habitat to habitat with overhead “sky tunnels,” giving them more choice and control over where they choose to spend their time. This year, we installed even MORE tunnels for our smaller animal residents, including our cotton-top tamarins, golden-lion headed tamarins, two-toed sloths, white-faced saki monkeys and white-nosed coatis. Now, these animals can often be seen exploring their new views from above.  

Every animal resident deserves a well-constructed habitat, no matter their size! That’s why we decided to revamp our Expedition Africa snake habitat belonging to Brittany the Burmese python and Tsodilo the African rock python.  

Complete with a spacious, swamp-like pond, new plants, logs and rocks, the two now have even more opportunities to slither and burrow through cracks and crevices across the habitat.

The new habitat was incredibly beneficial for Brittany and Tsodilo’s wellbeing because it “provided appropriate mental stimulation as well as physical challenges tailored to each individuals’ capabilities,” said Curator of Animals Nicole Payne. 

Our Herps and Aquatics team also changed the substrate inside Capone the alligator snapping turtle’s pond from rocks to sand. This now provides him with opportunities to dig in the substrate—a natural behavior for his species—while improving the quality of his nails at the same time. Capone also has more natural opportunities for sinking food enrichments, since we removed the possibility of mistaking rocks for snacks, said Nicole. 

Over in our Paws On loop, our Barnyard received a major makeover with the addition of a new bridge for our Nigerian dwarf goats! This bridge, built by our hardworking facilities team, stretches across the entire barnyard, allowing our goats to stroll between platforms and explore their habitat from brand new heights. Not only is this a bonus for their choice and control, but the new bridge also brings out the goats’ natural behaviors as avid climbers.  

Most recently, our Lands of Change loop received a big glow up! Our Kangaroo Walkabout underwent a series of renovations this year including added substrate, landscaping, fans, shade cloths and a new boardwalk to elevate the Walkabout for both our guests and animal residents.  

Our kangaroo mob already loves the renovated space!

After each habitat renovation, we’re reminded of how important a comfortable, nurturing environment is for our animals. Even small changes can further encourage animals’ natural behaviors, helping them live their best lives. 

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.