Jungle Island | Miami

Jungle Island is a dynamic eco-adventure park located in the heart of Miami, offering a combination of wildlife experiences, interactive animal encounters, and thrilling attractions. It's a popular family-friendly destination that caters to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal stop for tourists and locals alike.

1. Overview and History

Location: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132.

Founded: Originally opened in 1936 as Parrot Jungle, a small tropical paradise for bird species. Over the years, the park has grown, evolved, and modernized, transitioning into Jungle Island. It now features a wide range of exotic animals, interactive exhibits, and cutting-edge attractions.

Mission: To combine education, conservation, and entertainment, offering a fun and immersive experience with wildlife.

2. Wildlife Encounters

Jungle Island is renowned for its close-up animal interactions, offering various encounter experiences with some of the world's most exotic species.

Sloth Encounter: Visitors can get up close and personal with these slow-moving, cuddly creatures. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about their behavior, diet, and natural habitat.

Lemur Encounter: The playful lemurs are a crowd favorite. Participants can feed and interact with these social primates.

Flamingo Encounter: Meet and interact with vibrant flamingos. Learn about their feeding habits and striking pink color.

Kangaroo and Wallaby Encounters: Get close to these unique marsupials, often seen hopping around their enclosures.

Giant Tortoise Encounter: Touch and interact with one of the oldest species on Earth. Visitors can learn about the tortoises' longevity and fascinating survival adaptations.

Capybara Encounter: Visit the world's largest rodent and discover how this social animal interacts with others in the wild.

Bunny Encounter: A great experience for younger children to pet and feed adorable bunnies in a relaxed setting.

3. Attractions and Experiences

Jungle Island isn't just about animal encounters; it also offers thrilling activities and unique attractions:

Treewalk Village: This aerial adventure allows visitors to walk through treetops on a series of suspended rope bridges. It’s a fun and safe way to explore the park from a higher vantage point.

Skywire Zip Line: Jungle Island features South Florida's only outdoor zipline that allows guests to soar above the park, offering a thrilling ride and spectacular views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.

SuperFlight: Miami's first-ever permanent indoor vertical wind tunnel, SuperFlight simulates the feeling of skydiving. Visitors can experience the thrill of free-fall with winds up to 120 mph.

Parrot Cove Beach: A swimmable, private beach area featuring a water park with trampolines, slides, and balance beams. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy some family fun.

Coca-Cola Parrot Bowl: A large open-air theater that hosts the Winged Wonders bird show. Watch free-flying birds, including the Andean condor, macaws, and the rare cassowary, perform aerial feats.

4. Educational Programs and Shows

Winged Wonders Show: This popular bird show showcases incredible species of birds, including eagles, parrots, and vultures. It provides an educational insight into the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Dr. Wasabi’s Wild Adventure: A fun and educational show featuring various animals, where the audience can learn more about Jungle Island's residents.

Animal Presentations: Various interactive shows take place throughout the day, where visitors can learn about the behavior and conservation efforts of animals from Jungle Island's expert staff.

5. Special Events

Jungle Island is known for hosting unique seasonal events throughout the year, adding a layer of excitement to your visit:

Luminosa Festival: An annual lantern festival that lights up the park with beautiful and intricate Chinese lantern displays. The event features cultural performances and a magical atmosphere during the evening months.

Holiday Celebrations: Jungle Island hosts festive events during Christmas and New Year’s, including holiday light displays and themed shows.

6. Facilities and Amenities

Dining: The park has several dining options offering snacks, beverages, and meals, including casual eateries and picnic areas.

Shopping: Souvenir shops where visitors can purchase animal-themed merchandise, toys, and apparel.

Restrooms and Seating Areas: There are multiple restrooms, shaded seating areas, and picnic spots throughout the park to ensure comfort during your visit.

Parking: Ample on-site parking is available for visitors. There are also parking lots nearby if the park’s main lot is full.

Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and pathways designed for easy access to most attractions.

7. Ticket Pricing and Hours

Hours of Operation: Jungle Island is open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM).

Ticket Prices:

General admission for adults: Approximately $29.95 (ages 10 and up).

Children (ages 3-9): Approximately $16.95.

Children under 3: Free.

Special Tours: VIP and behind-the-scenes tours are available for a more personalized experience. These can be booked in advance and generally range from $65 to $299 per person depending on the tour type.

8. Visitor Tips

Plan Your Day: Arrive early to experience everything the park has to offer, as it can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.

Weather: Miami is known for its hot and humid weather, so wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

Book in Advance: If you want to participate in animal encounters or special tours, it’s recommended to book them in advance to secure your spot.

Check the Schedule: Be sure to check the schedule for live shows and animal encounters to make the most of your visit.

Summary

Jungle Island is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and adventure seekers in Miami. With its wide range of exotic animal experiences, interactive shows, thrilling attractions like the zip line and wind tunnel, and family-friendly activities, Jungle Island provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to interact with sloths and flamingos or zip through the treetops, Jungle Island is a fun-filled escape in the heart of Miami.