Brevard Zoo551

The Brevard Zoo seems more like a park with cute critters than a traditional zoo with cages and concrete slabs. The plentiful natural vegetation - and therefore shade - lends an air of serenity to casual strolls through the exhibits.

The zoo is divided into different lands. In Expedition Africa you'll see rhinos, gazelles, birds, and more. Bring dollar bills to purchase special food to hand-feed a giraffe. The animals put their heads right over the railing to get the crackers with their long tongues, so pay attention if you have one in your hand. You can also kayak through the river in this area for an additional cost.

Wild Florida brings you up close to several 250-pound crocodiles and alligators, otters, bobcats, and more. Alligator and Crocodile feedings are at 3pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and can be seen from the bridge to Wild Florida.

Beautiful cockatoos, parrots, and other birds abound in the free-flight aviary at Australia-Asia. You can feed the rainbow lorikeets fruity nectar for $1. When the zoo isn't busy, these cute but pushy birds can be quite insistantly up-close and personal - literally on your shoulder and head - to get some of the food. Wallabies, kangaroos, and emus also live in this area.

Kids who love monkeys can spend plenty of time in La Selva. Watch the jaguar pace back and forth before moving on to see the hijinxs of the troop of spider monkeys and fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand squirrel monkeys.

The zoo's snack bar offers an extensive menu. It's located in the back of the zoo, near the active flamingo area. The snack bar area also features expanded restrooms. This is also where you can catch a train ride past the Australian aviary and the backside of Africa including Lemur Island. The train costs $3 for everyone ages two and up.

Special Programs: The zoo offers a number of special programs for kids and families throughout the year. Zoo Camps are available every spring and summer break. Overnights At The Zoo offer kids the chance to sleep at the zoo, participate in special activities, and take a a flashlight safari through the zoo. Contact the zoo for current prices and to reserve your space. The Teen Volunteer Program lets teenagers fulfill their school volunteer requirements by performing lots of different tasks at the zoo.

Be sure to ask about the zoo's Young Explorer's Package and Wild Explorer's Package, which combines general admission with several of the "extras" including train rides, animal feedings, and more.

Birthdays Parties: Zoorific Birthdays are available on the weekends for children ages three to 12. Kids spend an hour and a half in the themed Zoo School classrooms with animal friends. Packages include crafts, games, hands-on animal presentations, a gift for birthday child, lemonade and water, paper goods, room décor, a party host, and zoo admission. Party-givers can choose from one of three themes, or pick the Night Hike Birthday, at which kids can celebrate their birthday with a flashlight zoo safari.