Palm Beach Zoo

Last updated
Palm Beach Zoo
Palm Beach Zoo
26°39′59.06″N80°4′9.47″W / 26.6664056°N 80.0692972°W / 26.6664056; -80.0692972
Date opened1957
LocationDreher Park, West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Land area23 acres (9.3 ha)
Annual visitors380,000 [1]
Memberships AZA, [2] WAZA [3]
Website www.palmbeachzoo.org

The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a non-profit zoological organization located at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. The zoo houses hundreds of animals, many of them endangered, within 23-acres of lush tropical habitat. The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. [4]

Contents

Exhibits and Animals

Florida Wetlands

The Florida Wetlands showcases a recreation of a cypress swamp and showcases the following:

Asia

The Henry and Charlotte Kimelman Tiger Falls opened in 2000. [5]

On November 8, 2006, Malayan tigers "Mata" and "Rimba" arrived at the zoo from the San Diego Zoo. [5] Malayan tiger "Berapi" came to the zoo in November 2010. Three cubs sired by Rimba were born to Berapi on May 12, 2011. [6] The three tigers "Jaya", "Bunga" and "Penari" were moved to the Jacksonville Zoo on October 28, 2013. [7]

In March 2015, the zoo opened its "Tiger River" habitat, adding an extra exhibit yard to the Henry and Charlotte Kimelman Tiger Habitat. Here, visitors will find:

Harriet W. and George D. Cornell Tropics of the Americas

This 18 million-dollar exhibit complex opened in 2004 and features animals and the Mayan culture found in Central and South America. The exhibit is located on a three-acre peninsula in the zoo. Animal Planet featured Tropics of the Americas on the television show "Ultimate Zoo" in 2006. On January 15, 2018, the zoo opened their new ocelot habitat, which was sponsored by a local Palm Beach couple, Carole and John Moran. The new habitat allows for three ocelots to live and roam around. This couple also sponsored the Panther Prowl habitat. [8] The exhibit features two Mayan pyramids that are over 40 feet tall, and a walk-through cave, among other displays and houses animals found in Central and South America such as:

The Islands

This section of the zoo showcases different species of animals from islands all over the world including:

Other amenities

Conservation

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo entrance, August 2019 Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.jpg
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo entrance, August 2019

The Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society takes part in various conservation programs, including studies, campaigns, projects, and awareness campaigns. The Palm Beach Zoo has partnered with institutions and organizations such as the Southeastern Disease Cooperative at the University of Georgia, the Brookfield Zoo, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Contraception Center, the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), the Brevard Zoo, the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo, The US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida State Parks Service, the Palm Beach County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and Madidi National Park. The Palm Beach Zoo is also the first zoo to partner with the Florida Wildlife Corridor. [9]

Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex

The Palm Beach Zoo is home to the Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex, which serves as the headquarters for the Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society. The complex has earned Gold Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the Green Building Council. The Melvin J. and Claire Levine Animal Care Complex. It also houses the Center for Conservation Medicine. [10]

Education

The Palm Beach Zoo Education Department is an organization hosting multiple programs to children from ages 3 to 18 to educate and spread awareness to children and adolescents about conservation efforts and their significance. The department provides entertainment to members as well as hands-on experiences with the zoo's attractions as well as the opportunity to partake in active conservation projects. Programs include the Zoo Camp, Overnight Adventures, the Ed Morse ZooMobile, and other opportunities for schools, scout troops, and community groups looking for involvement in the zoo's conservation projects. [11]

International projects

In collaboration with Madidi National Park in Bolivia and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Palm Beach Zoo provides funding and staff for conservation activities in a protected area of approximately 18,900 kilometers squared. The area protects jaguars, black faced spider monkeys, lowland tapir, giant river otters, Andean bears, Andean condors and other wildlife abound in this remote sector of the Amazon. New Species are still being discovered to this day. The region is also home to eleven indigenous groups that are also contributing to the preservation of the area and its wildlife. [12]

The Palm Beach Zoo also supports the Wildlife Conservation Society in its projects to strengthen anti-poaching laws in Malaysia in order to protect tigers and their habitats. These species are considered critically endangered. The Palm Beach zoo also provides education and activities about these tigers in areas local to their habitats. The Palm Beach Zoo provides information on their site on how others can contribute to tiger conservation in Malaysia. [13]

Hours

Sunday9:00 am–5:00 pm
Monday9:00 am–5:00 pm
Tuesday9:00 am–5:00 pm
Wednesday9:00 am–5:00 pm
Thursday9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday9:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday9:00 am–5:00 pm

Last Admission at 4:15 pm.

Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. [14]

Incidents and controversies

Worker killed by tiger

On April 15, 2016, lead zookeeper Stacey Konwiser was mauled by a rare Malayan tiger while preparing the animal for a show called "Tiger Talk." Konwiser, who had been working for the Palm Beach Zoo for three years, had been doing routine work alone in the tiger enclosure when the animal attacked. To reach Konwiser, staff needed to tranquilize the tiger, as it had been guarding her body like prey. Konwiser was then brought to St. Mary's Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. Zoo officials later stated that Konwiser had been covering for another staff member who had called in sick. It was also reported that zookeepers were not supposed to enter the enclosure without another keeper present. The zoo went against killing the tiger after the incident and instead tranquilized the animal at the scene. [15]

Shotguns stolen from critical response team

In April 2018, 2 modified shotguns belonging to the zoo's "critical response team" were removed from a safe. It was reported that someone had broken in and stolen the guns overnight. Head of Communications & Public Relations for Palm Beach Zoo, Naki Carter, had no comment when asked whether this was an "inside job" or not. Despite a reward offering for the return of the weapons, the guns have not been found to this day. [16]

Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus) Bush Dog.jpg
Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)

Flood kills two bush dogs

In October 2017, two bush dogs were killed after a zookeeper forgot to turn off the water that fills the pool in their habitat. The two animals, Lilly and Carino, were presumed dead after the entire zoo was searched, and were not found. It is said that Lily and Carino were likely burrowed underground, where they sleep, at the time of the accident. Head of Communications & Public Relations for Palm Beach Zoo, Naki Carter, stated that the zoo has now made modifications to the habitat, including an overflow drain and new security features to the waterline. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Diego Zoo</span> Zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, United States

The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres (40 ha) of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Its parent organization, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, is a private nonprofit conservation organization, and has one of the largest zoological membership associations in the world, with more than 250,000 member households and 130,000 child memberships, representing more than a half million people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Zoo</span> Zoo in Houston, Texas, United States

The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre (22 ha) zoological park located within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas, United States. The zoo houses over 6,000 animals from more than 900 species. It receives around 2 million visitors each year and is the second most visited zoo in the United States, surpassed only by the San Diego Zoo. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beardsley Zoo</span> Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoo in the state of Connecticut. The zoo includes one of the few carousels in the state. The zoo has around 500 animals, from over 100 species, and welcomes about 280,000 visitors a year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oakland Zoo</span> Zoo in Oakland, California, United States

The Oakland Zoo is a zoo located in the Grass Valley neighborhood of Oakland, California, United States. Established on June 6, 1922, it is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The zoo is home to more than 850 native and exotic animals and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ZooTampa at Lowry Park</span> Nonprofit zoo in Tampa, Florida

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a 63-acre (25 ha) nonprofit zoo located in Tampa, Florida. In 2009, Lowry Park Zoo was voted the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the US by Parents Magazine, and is recognized by the State of Florida as the center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity. The zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The zoo also exists as a center for conservation of endangered wildlife both locally and around the globe. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as well as a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums (FAZA) and the Florida Attractions Association (FAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audubon Zoo</span> Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Audubon Zoo is an American zoo located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is part of the Audubon Nature Institute which also manages Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoran Species Survival Center, Audubon Park, and Audubon Coastal Wildlife Network. It covers 58 acres (23 ha) and is home to over 2,000 animals. It is located in a section of Audubon Park in Uptown New Orleans, on the Mississippi River side of Magazine Street. The zoo and park are named in honor of artist and naturalist John James Audubon who lived in New Orleans starting in 1821.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden</span> Zoo in Indiana, United States

The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is a zoo that opened in 1928 in Evansville, Indiana, United States. It is located in Mesker Park on Evansville's northwest side and is run by the City of Evansville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calgary Zoo</span> Zoo in Alberta, Canada

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is located in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, just east of the city's downtown and adjacent to the Inglewood and East Village neighborhoods. It is accessible via Calgary's C-Train light rail system, by car via Memorial Drive, and by bicycle and footpath via the Bow River pathway. A large portion of the zoo is located on St. George's Island in the Bow River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Paddock Zoo</span> Zoo in California, United States

The Charles Paddock Zoo is a small 5-acre (2.0 ha) community zoo located in San Luis Obispo County, California, in the City of Atascadero, California. It is the only zoo in the Central Coast area of that U.S. state. It is home to an endangered male Malayan tiger named Menderu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dallas Zoo</span> Zoo in Dallas, Texas, United States

Dallas Zoo is a 106-acre (43 ha) zoo located 3 mi (5 km) south of downtown Dallas, Texas, in Marsalis Park. Established in 1888, it is the oldest and largest zoological park in Texas and is managed by the non-profit Dallas Zoological Society. It is home to over 2,000 animals representing 406 species. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sedgwick County Zoo</span> Zoo in Kansas, USA

The Sedgwick County Zoo is an AZA-accredited wildlife park and major attraction in Wichita, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1971, with the help of the Sedgwick County Zoological Society, the zoo has quickly become recognized both nationally and internationally for its support of conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species. Having over 3,000 animals of nearly 400 species, the zoo has slowly increased its visitors and now ranks as the number one outdoor tourist attraction in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo</span> Zoo and zookeeper training facility in Gainesville, Florida, United States

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a 10-acre (4.0 ha) zoo in Gainesville, Florida. Located on Santa Fe College's main campus, it is the only college zookeeper training facility in the United States. Since 2000, the zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Topeka Zoo</span> Zoo in Topeka, Kansas, U.S.

The Topeka Zoo is a medium-sized zoo in Topeka, Kansas in the United States. It is located within Gage Park, just off I-70 in the north central portion of the city. Despite its size, it houses over 300 animals in a number of exhibits, including one of the first indoor tropical rain forests in the United States. It is one of the most popular attractions in Topeka, with over 250,000 visitors a year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Ana Zoo</span> Zoo in Santa Ana, California

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in Santa Ana, California, is a 20-acre (8.1 ha) zoo focusing on the animals and plants of Central and South America. The Santa Ana Zoo hosts more than 270,000 people annually. The zoo opened in 1952 and is owned and operated by the City of Santa Ana. Joseph Prentice donated land for the zoo with the stipulation that the city must keep at least 50 monkeys at all times. The zoo maintains an extensive primate collection with over a dozen species from around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Species Survival Plan</span>

The American Species Survival Plan or SSP program was developed in 1981 by the (American) Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered in the wild.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Antonio Zoo</span> Zoo in Texas, United States

The San Antonio Zoo is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo in Midtown San Antonio, Texas, United States. It is located in the city's Brackenridge Park. San Antonio Zoo is a 50+ acre zoo home to over 750 species, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild, and an annual attendance of more than 1 million. It also runs non-animal attractions, such as the 2 ft narrow gauge San Antonio Zoo Eagle train ride, which first opened in 1956.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens</span> Zoo and botanical garden near Orlando, Florida, United States

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre (47 ha) zoo and botanical garden located north of Orlando, Florida in Sanford. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, providing experiences that inspire actions on behalf of wildlife. The Zoo has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandywine Zoo</span> Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Brandywine Zoo is a small 4.7-acre (1.9 ha) zoo that opened in 1905 in Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. It is located on the banks of the Brandywine River. The zoo is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation and supported by the Delaware Zoological Society. It is usually open daily, 10AM – 4PM, weather permitting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naples Zoo</span> Zoo in Naples, Florida, USA

The Naples Zoo is a 43-acre zoo and historic botanical garden. The first plantings were done by botanist and ornithologist Dr. Henry Nehrling in 1919. The gardens were neglected after Nehrling's death in 1929. In the 1950s, Julius Fleischmann added new plantings, created lakes and a pathway, and introduced parrots and waterfowl and opened as Caribbean Gardens in 1954. After his passing in 1968, the exotic animals were introduced in 1969 by Larry and Jane Tetzlaff, aka Jungle Larry and Safari Jane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ellen Trout Zoo</span> Zoo in Lufkin, Texas

The Ellen Trout Zoo is a small zoo founded by Walter Trout in 1967 and located in Lufkin, Texas, United States. The zoo gets about 150,000 visitors a year. It is currently owned and operated by the City of Lufkin, with Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo (F.O.E.T.Z.) supporting it with funding for major expansion and renovation projects in the Zoo's master plan.

References

  1. ↑ "Record doesn't exist". Archived from the original on 2012-12-28. Retrieved 2009-01-17.
  2. ↑ "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA . Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  3. ↑ "Zoos and Aquariums of the World". waza.org. WAZA . Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  4. ↑ "Mission". Palm Beach Zoo.
  5. 1 2 "Top South Florida News, Sports, Weather and Entertainment". Sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  6. ↑ "Palm Beach Zoo tiger gives birth to 3 cubs | www.palmbeachpost.com". Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
  7. ↑ "Tiger Brothers Leaving Palm Beach Zoo | Palm Beach Zoo". Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
  8. ↑ Fetterly, Jane. "Palm Beach couple sponsors ocelot habitat at Palm Beach Zoo". Palm Beach Daily News. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
  9. ↑ "On Site Programs". Palm Beach Zoo.
  10. ↑ "Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex". Palm Beach Zoo.
  11. ↑ "Palm Beach Zoo Education". Palm Beach Zoo.
  12. ↑ "Greater Madidi Tambopata Landscape Conservation Project". Palm Beach Zoo.
  13. ↑ "Tiger Conservation in Malaysia". Palm Beach Zoo.
  14. ↑ "Hours of Operation". Palm Beach Zoo.
  15. ↑ "Palm Beach Zoo Under Fire for Handling of Fatal Tiger Mauling". NBC News. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  16. ↑ "Shotguns stolen from Palm Beach Zoo". WPTV. 2018-04-29. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  17. ↑ "Palm Beach Zoo: Human error caused deadly flood". WPTV. 2017-10-13. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.