If you are looking for a new adventure, you don’t have to travel far. Located about an hour southeast of Orlando is Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida and it’s the perfect day trip. We recently made the trip on a sunny day and what a great trip it was.
Brevard Zoo calls itself the small zoo with big things and sitting at 75 acres, it really does offer a lot of unique experiences.
As we strolled the parks we saw many colorful birds. A few of the beautiful birds we wsaw were the Scarlett Ibis, American and Chilean Flamingos and the Yellow-billed Ground Dove.
As we made our way through the zoo, we came upon the Wetland Outpost. We were surprised to find that Brevard Zoo offers self guided paddle boat rides through their restored wetlands in Wild Florida at the Wetland Outpost daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are on the half-hour and cost is $15 a boat for non-members (up to four people). Cost for Zoo-members is $12.
Our next stop was Expedition Africa. it was here that we encountered this beautiful giraffe and we were even able to feed him. Brevard Zoo participates in the giraffe Species Survival Plan and has produced 4 offspring; three male and one female. The giraffe herd at the Zoo currently includes 5 males and 2 females.
Another unique experience that Brevard Zoo offers guided kayaking tours. You will be able to kayak through Expedition Africa and see these beautiful animals from a completely different view. Guided kayak tours are $6 per person and no children under the age of 5 can kayak.
While roaming the zoo grounds, we also ran into this big guy. Isn’t he handsome?
One thing I love to visit at the zoo is the bird aviaries. Brevard Zoo did not disappoint with it’s aviary located in their Austral-Asia area. This free-flight aviary housed cockatoos, eclectus parrots, kookaburras and cockatiels and trust me when I say they offer a rousing welcome when you enter. The aviary also was home to this beautiful Lorikeet who I just fell in love with.
If you are visiting Brevard Zoo on a warm Florida day, they also offer the opportunity for the little ones to cool off in their Splash Zone.
As we exited the zoo, I made sure we stopped in their gift shop. Here I found these great stuffed giraffes. They also had some great Christmas ornaments and many other items to remind you of your special trip to the zoo.
I loved our day wondering the Brevard Zoo and found it easy to spend the whole day here.
Admission: Adults——$16 Seniors——$15 Children 2 to 12——$12 Children under 2——Free
Brevard Zoo is located at 8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940. More info on the zoo can be found here including ticket specials and hours.
~ Gretta