The MiamiDade Zoological Park and Gardens, also known as Zoo Miami, is a zoological park and garden near Miami, and the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. Originally established in 1948 at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Zoo Miami relocated in 1980 as Miami MetroZoo to the former location of the Richmond Naval Air Station, southwest of Miami in southern metropolitan MiamiDade County, in the center of the censusdesignated places of Three Lakes (north), South Miami Heights (south), Palmetto Estates (east) and Richmond West (west).

The only tropical zoo in the continental United States, Zoo Miami houses over 3,000 animals on nearly 750 acres (304 ha), 324 acres (131 ha) of which are developed. It is about 3 mi (5 km) around if walked on the path, and features over 100 exhibits. The zoo's communications director is wildlife expert and photographer Ron Magill. He frequently appears on local talk shows and news stations, often promoting the zoo and its wildlife. Zoo Miami is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

There are five main exhibit sections in the zoo: Florida: Mission Everglades, Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia. The zoo's main entry includes an entryway canopy structure, conjoining ticket booths, and an adjacent American flamingo exhibit. At the junction of the zoo's main pathways, is Dr. Wilde's World, an indoor pavilion, featuring seasonal interactive exhibits. The property includes a large lake, called Lake Iguana.

An airconditioned monorail system loops around the zoo's premises, providing both an aerial view of the zoo and a convenient way to move between sections. The monorail system has four stations, each found throughout the zoo. Narrated tram rides and guided tours are given daily.

Florida: Mission Everglades:

The Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit features native fauna and flora species found in Florida, particularly from the state's Everglades region. The $33 million project features Lostman's River Ride, a gentle air boat ride attraction.

Asia:

The zoo's Asian exhibit features dozens of animals. The multileveled Asian Riverlife Experience replicates the surrounding and appearance of an Oriental river brook. Guests can also get close to and brush an Indian rhinoceros at the Kaziranga Camp Rhino Encounter. Zoo Miami is only one of two zoos in the United States to display a pair of blacknecked storks.

The zoo's orangutan exhibit once housed Nonja, a female Sumatran orangutan that was relocated from a Dutch zoo to Zoo Miami. She was widely believed to be the oldest living specimen of her species, until her death in 2007. Another notable resident was Carlita, a 21yearold female white Bengal tiger, who resided in the zoo's tiger enclosure from 1994 until her death in 2014.

The American Banker's Family Aviary, Wings of Asia is also located here. The aviary features 300 rare birds of 70 species in a temperate mixed forest, and it highlights the evolutionary connection of birds to dinosaurs. At 54,000 square feet (5,017 m2), it is the largest openair Asian aviary in the Western Hemisphere. The Children's Zoo, hosts special animals that can be approached to a close distance by guests. Guests can view meerkats, a petting zoo, an exhibit that displays small species of reptiles, amphibians and insects, butterfly gardens, a carousel dedicated to individual animal species, and experience traditional camel rides.

Africa:

The African lobe of the zoo offers animals from different locations on the African continent. Visitors can get eyetoeye and feed reticulated giraffes at the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station for a small fee. Oasis Grill, a small eatery plaza, is situated at the northern end of the African exhibits.

Amazon and Beyond:

Amazon and Beyond, the most recent exhibit, opened on December 6, 2008. This area has 27 acres (10.9 ha) dedicated to the flora and fauna of Central and South America, and is subdivided into four distinct areas: Village Plaza, Cloud Forest, Amazon Flooded Forest, and Atlantic Forest. The first area provides guests an immersive experience for the unique culture found in central and southern American civilizations. The remaining three areas represent native habitats that are found in the Amazonian region, including the "cloud forest", the Amazon River basin, and the Atlantic ForestPantanal.

Australia:

The zoo's Australian habitat showcases specimens from throughout the region of Oceania. Situated near this to habitat, is the 800seat Sami Family Amphitheater, where daily animal presentations, concerts and cultural events are held. The amphitheater is named in memory of Albert and Winifred Sami, who anonymously donated an estimated $3 million to the zoo from 1993 until their deaths in 2007 and 2014, respectively.