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The '''Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society''' is a nonprofit zoological institution located at [[Dreher Park]], 1301 Summit Boulevard, in [[West Palm Beach]], Florida. A non-profit zoological organization, the zoo houses hundreds of animals, many of them endangered, within 23 acres of lush tropical habitat. The zoo advances its mission to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world through endangered species propagation, education, and support of conservation initiatives. What began in the early 1960s as a modest barnyard collection has grown into one of [[Palm Beach County]]'s most prominent cultural and recreational destinations, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and participating in conservation programs on multiple continents.
The '''Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society''' is a nonprofit zoological institution at [[Dreher Park]], 1301 Summit Boulevard, in [[West Palm Beach]], Florida. It's home to hundreds of animals, many endangered, spread across 23 acres of lush tropical habitat. The zoo's mission centers on inspiring people to take action for wildlife and the natural world through endangered species breeding programs, education, and support of conservation work. What started as a simple barnyard collection in the early 1960s has become one of [[Palm Beach County]]'s most important cultural and recreational spots, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and running conservation programs across multiple continents.


== History and Origins ==
== History and Origins ==


The Palm Beach Zoo is located in Dreher Park, formerly known as Bacon Park. Bacon Park was utilized as a landfill and a tent city campground, which was destroyed in the 1928 hurricane. The transformation of this once-neglected land into a thriving wildlife attraction is closely tied to the story of one man.
Dreher Park wasn't always what it is today. The land that now hosts the zoo was once Bacon Park, used as a landfill and a tent city campground destroyed during the 1928 hurricane. One man's vision transformed this neglected area into a thriving wildlife destination.


Paul Albert Dreher was born in Württemberg, Germany, and was long interested in landscaping, which led him to obtain a degree in horticulture from the University of Hohen-Heim. After receiving his degree, Dreher moved to South Florida. In 1932, Dreher took a job with the Parks Department for the City of West Palm Beach. His passion for the land around him became instrumental in shaping the future site of the zoo. In 1951, the City of West Palm Beach paid the state $100 for Bacon Park, which would be dedicated and renamed Dreher Park in October 1957. Paul Dreher then worked to develop the land into a usable park. The landfill was removed from the park, and swampland was filled in using backfill from the Palm Beach Canal. Dreher envisioned a zoo for the park that would be an asset for the residents of West Palm Beach.
Paul Albert Dreher arrived from Württemberg, Germany, already passionate about landscaping. He earned a degree in horticulture from the University of Hohen-Heim, then headed to South Florida. Starting with the Parks Department for West Palm Beach in 1932, Dreher shaped the future zoo site through sheer determination. In 1951, the city bought Bacon Park from the state for $100. Six years later, in October 1957, it was dedicated and renamed Dreher Park in his honor. Dreher supervised the transformation personally: removing the landfill and filling swampland with backfill from the Palm Beach Canal. He wanted a zoo here. A zoo for the people of West Palm Beach.


In August 1961, it was announced that a zoo would be built in Dreher Park. Soon after the announcement, the Parks Department set to work building a red barn complete with a fenced-in barnyard with ample room for animals to roam. Using his own money, Dreher purchased for the barnyard ducks, chickens, rabbits, and one goat named Pepita. The "Dreher Park Farm Zoo," which later became known simply as the "Dreher Park Zoo," received its first exotic inhabitant when the Pilicy family donated a rhinoceros iguana on September 5, 1963.
August 1961 brought the announcement that Dreher Park would finally have one. Construction started on a red barn with a fenced barnyard. Using his own money, Dreher stocked it with ducks, chickens, rabbits, and a single goat named Pepita. The "Dreher Park Farm Zoo," later shortened to "Dreher Park Zoo," got its first exotic animal when the Pilicy family donated a rhinoceros iguana on September 5, 1963.


=== Joey the Kangaroo and Early Growth ===
=== Joey the Kangaroo and Early Growth ===


One of the most colorful stories from the zoo's formative years involves a kangaroo named Joey. An airline pilot was between flights in Australia when he found a kangaroo for sale. He purchased the animal and flew it back to Florida. Unable to keep the kangaroo long-term, he gave Joey to his friend Walter Brooks III. Joey became infamous for escaping from Walter Brooks's home several times, making him well known to South Florida residents. Joey was featured in two issues of ''Life Magazine'' in October 1961 and April 1964, and was declared an honorary member of the Boy Scouts of America. Visitors to see Joey at the home of Walter Brooks were common, with a frequent visitor being Caroline Kennedy.
Every zoo's early days have their colorful stories. This one belonged to a kangaroo named Joey. An airline pilot passing through Australia spotted a kangaroo for sale, bought it, and flew it back to Florida. Unable to keep the animal long-term, he gave Joey to his friend Walter Brooks III. Joey became famous for escaping repeatedly from Brooks's home, making South Florida residents take notice. Two issues of ''Life Magazine'' featured him in October 1961 and April 1964. The Boy Scouts of America named him an honorary member. Visitors flocked to see Joey at Brooks's house. Caroline Kennedy was among them.


In December 1961, Brooks received a letter from attorney Elwyn Middleton against the possession of Joey. This led to a Palm Beach ordinance that banned all pets excluding cats, dogs, canaries, parrots, and parakeets. After two years of legal battles by Joey's owners and Palm Beach residents, Joey was not permitted to stay as a house pet. On February 29, 1964, Joey was moved to the Dreher Park Zoo, where he remained a resident.
December 1961 changed things. Attorney Elwyn Middleton sent Brooks a letter opposing Joey's ownership. This sparked a Palm Beach ordinance banning all pets except cats, dogs, canaries, parrots, and parakeets. Two years of legal fighting followed. In the end, Joey couldn't stay as a house pet. On February 29, 1964, he moved to Dreher Park Zoo, where he lived out his days as a resident.


=== The Elephant Toppie and First Animal Births ===
=== The Elephant Toppie and First Animal Births ===


In the early 1960s, "Jett's Petting Zoo" visited South Florida, intriguing citizens with the presence of an Asian baby elephant. Although the zoo had recently acquired a famous kangaroo, it was made up of a group of miscellaneous animals and lacked a major attraction. This led the residents of South Florida to campaign for the purchase of the young elephant for the zoo. The West Palm Beach Firemen's Benevolent Association worked to buy the elephant by raising 1,000 books of Top Value Trading Stamps. Top Value Trading Stamps, whose mascot was a cartoon elephant named Toppie, made it fitting to name the newly acquired elephant "Toppie."
Early 1960s South Florida was captivated by "Jett's Petting Zoo" and its Asian baby elephant. The local zoo had Joey, but the rest of the animal collection was scattered and ordinary. It lacked any real draw. So residents campaigned for the zoo to buy the elephant. The West Palm Beach Firemen's Benevolent Association took on the challenge, collecting 1,000 books of Top Value Trading Stamps. The stamps' mascot was a cartoon elephant named Toppie, making the name perfect for the newly acquired animal.


In addition to the acquisition of an elephant, 1965 also brought the first animal birth at the zoo. Zoo officials thought the first birth was going to be a pregnant miniature goat. They were surprised on May 19, 1965, when a squirrel monkey gave birth. Remarkably, the second birth of the zoo occurred on the same day as the first. White-fronted capuchin Clarabelle gave birth later that afternoon. The birth of Nanny Belle the miniature goat's baby became a reality on June 1, 1965, making it the third animal born in the zoo's history.
That same year brought something equally momentous. On May 19, 1965, a squirrel monkey gave birth. Zoo staff had expected the first birth to come from a pregnant miniature goat, but nature surprised them. Later that afternoon, white-fronted capuchin Clarabelle gave birth too. Then on June 1, Nanny Belle's baby arrived, completing the first trio of zoo births.


=== The Zoological Society and Name Change ===
=== The Zoological Society and Name Change ===


In 1969, a group of citizens in West Palm Beach showed an interest in creating a society for the advancement and support of the zoo. With the support of the city, The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches was founded on March 27, 1969. On October 1st, the operation of the zoo was transferred over to the Zoological Society. In 2014, to emphasize its mission, the Palm Beach Zoo changed its name to the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society.
By 1969, West Palm Beach residents wanted to do more for the zoo. They formed The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches on March 27, 1969, with city backing. On October 1st that year, the city handed operation of the zoo to the society. Fast forward to 2014. The organization changed its name to the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society to better reflect what it actually does.


== Exhibits and Animal Collection ==
== Exhibits and Animal Collection ==


Located in the heart of West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a lush, walkable wildlife destination home to animals from Florida and around the world. Spanning over 23 tropical acres, the Zoo features immersive habitats, shaded pathways, and memorable guest experiences — including a charming carousel, interactive fountain, and nature-inspired play areas.
The Palm Beach Zoo sits in the heart of West Palm Beach as a lush, walkable wildlife destination. Over 23 tropical acres, visitors encounter immersive habitats, shaded pathways, and a carousel, interactive fountain, and nature-inspired play areas. Close encounters with jaguars, tigers, panthers, sloths, and koalas are possible. Daily animal talks, interactive encounters, and seasonal events keep coming back.
 
Guests enjoy close-up views of iconic species such as jaguars, tigers, panthers, sloths, and koalas, along with daily animal talks, engaging encounters, and seasonal events throughout the year.


=== Tropics of the Americas ===
=== Tropics of the Americas ===


In 2004, the Zoo opened the "George and Harriett Cornell Tropics of the Americas," an $18 million exhibit that displays jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, New World monkeys, and a diverse collection of tropical birds. This exhibit complex features animals and the Mayan culture found in Central and South America, and is located on a three-acre peninsula in the zoo. The exhibit features two Mayan pyramids that are over 40 feet tall and a walk-through cave, among other displays. Animal Planet featured Tropics of the Americas on the television show ''Ultimate Zoo'' in 2006.
2004 brought an $18 million exhibit called the "George and Harriett Cornell Tropics of the Americas." It showcases jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, New World monkeys, and tropical birds across three acres on a peninsula. Two Mayan pyramids over 40 feet tall anchor the display, along with a walk-through cave and other installations representing Central and South American wildlife and culture. Animal Planet filmed the exhibit for ''Ultimate Zoo'' in 2006.


=== Tiger Habitat ===
=== Tiger Habitat ===


The Henry and Charlotte Kimelman Tiger Falls opened in 2000. On November 8, 2006, Malayan tigers "Mata" and "Rimba" arrived at the zoo from the [[San Diego Zoo]]. Malayan tiger "Berapi" came to the zoo in November 2010. Three cubs sired by Rimba were born to Berapi on May 12, 2011. The three tigers — "Jaya," "Bunga," and "Penari" — were moved to the Jacksonville Zoo on October 28, 2013. In March 2015, the zoo opened its "Tiger River" habitat, adding an extra exhibit yard to the Henry and Charlotte Kimelman Tiger Habitat.
The Henry and Charlotte Kimelman Tiger Falls opened in 2000. Malayan tigers "Mata" and "Rimba" arrived from the [[San Diego Zoo]] on November 8, 2006. "Berapi," another Malayan tiger, came in November 2010. Berapi gave birth to three cubs fathered by Rimba on May 12, 2011. The cubs "Jaya," "Bunga," and "Penari" were moved to Jacksonville Zoo on October 28, 2013. March 2015 saw the opening of "Tiger River," an additional habitat yard for the existing Kimelman Tiger Habitat.


=== Other Exhibits ===
=== Other Exhibits ===


On January 15, 2018, the zoo opened a new ocelot habitat, sponsored by a local Palm Beach couple, Carole and John Moran. The new habitat allows for three ocelots to live and roam around. The zoo also maintains a Florida Wetlands section, which showcases a recreation of a [[cypress swamp]], as well as an Islands section presenting species from around the world. Visitors can take a spin on the wildlife carousel, splash in the interactive play fountain, and connect with animals and keepers at over 60 keeper talks and wildlife presentations per week.
A new ocelot habitat opened January 15, 2018, sponsored by Carole and John Moran. Three ocelots roam the space. The zoo also maintains a Florida Wetlands section recreating a [[cypress swamp]], plus an Islands section with species from around the world. Wildlife carousel rides, interactive play fountains, and more than 60 keeper talks and wildlife presentations per week let visitors connect with animals and staff.


== Conservation Programs ==
== Conservation Programs ==


The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society advances its mission to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world through endangered species propagation, education, and support of conservation initiatives. The Zoo participates in conservation projects in the field by providing monetary support to other conservation organizations through its grant program.
The zoo's work extends far beyond West Palm Beach. It advances its mission to inspire action for wildlife through endangered species breeding, education, and conservation support. Monetary grants fund other conservation organizations doing field work.
 
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]].


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 square kilometers. The area protects jaguars, black-faced spider monkeys, lowland tapir, giant river otters, Andean bears, Andean condors, and other wildlife.
Partnerships span major institutions: 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 zoo was the first to partner with the [[Florida Wildlife Corridor]].


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.
Working with Madidi National Park in Bolivia and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the zoo funds and staffs conservation work in roughly 18,900 square kilometers of protected area. Jaguars, black-faced spider monkeys, lowland tapir, giant river otters, Andean bears, Andean condors, and other wildlife benefit. The zoo also backs Wildlife Conservation Society efforts to strengthen anti-poaching laws in Malaysia protecting tigers and their habitats.


Conservation programs include support of the Avian Research & Conservation Institute's swallow-tail kite and snail kite program, and the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center's jaguar conservation programs. Staff also works directly in the community on programs including the swallow-tail kite program in association with Palm Beach County's Department of Environmental Protection, and coral monitoring off the east coast of Florida in cooperation with the Florida Wildlife Commission.
Support for the Avian Research & Conservation Institute's swallow-tail kite and snail kite program comes directly from the zoo. So does backing for the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center's jaguar conservation work. Staff members engage locally too, partnering with Palm Beach County's Department of Environmental Protection on swallow-tail kite programs and monitoring coral off Florida's east coast with the Florida Wildlife Commission.


=== Animal Care Facilities ===
=== Animal Care Facilities ===


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. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex serves as headquarters for the Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society. The Green Building Council awarded it Gold Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).


== Education ==
== Education ==


The Palm Beach Zoo Education Department hosts multiple programs for children from ages 3 to 18 to educate and spread awareness about conservation efforts and their significance. The department provides entertainment to members as well as hands-on experiences with the zoo's attractions and 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.
The Education Department runs multiple programs for kids aged 3 to 18. They learn about conservation and its importance while enjoying hands-on experiences. Zoo Camp, Overnight Adventures, the Ed Morse ZooMobile, and programs for schools, scout troops, and community groups offer real involvement in conservation projects.


As a fully accredited public zoo caring for over 500 animals of 190 species, many of whom are endangered, the Palm Beach Zoo is geared toward inspiring its over 360,000 guests who come annually.
The zoo cares for over 500 animals of 190 species, many endangered. It's fully accredited and geared toward inspiring its more than 360,000 annual visitors.


== Membership and Accreditation ==
== Membership and Accreditation ==


Located at 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on support to continue providing extraordinary animal care and saving wildlife in wild places. The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a member of the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] and the [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums]].
Located at 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It relies on community support to continue providing animal care and saving wildlife in their natural habitats. The organization holds membership in the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] and the [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums]].


The zoo is open daily — excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas days — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located within Dreher Park, about 4 miles southwest of downtown West Palm Beach, the zoo offers various animal exhibits, including multiple interactive experiences with koalas, sloths, and panthers. Special events like the Zoo Lights holiday celebration are also hosted throughout the year.
The zoo opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. About 4 miles southwest of downtown, it offers multiple animal exhibits with interactive experiences involving koalas, sloths, and panthers. Special events like Zoo Lights happen throughout the year.


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 22:38, 23 April 2026


The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a nonprofit zoological institution at Dreher Park, 1301 Summit Boulevard, in West Palm Beach, Florida. It's home to hundreds of animals, many endangered, spread across 23 acres of lush tropical habitat. The zoo's mission centers on inspiring people to take action for wildlife and the natural world through endangered species breeding programs, education, and support of conservation work. What started as a simple barnyard collection in the early 1960s has become one of Palm Beach County's most important cultural and recreational spots, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and running conservation programs across multiple continents.

History and Origins

Dreher Park wasn't always what it is today. The land that now hosts the zoo was once Bacon Park, used as a landfill and a tent city campground destroyed during the 1928 hurricane. One man's vision transformed this neglected area into a thriving wildlife destination.

Paul Albert Dreher arrived from Württemberg, Germany, already passionate about landscaping. He earned a degree in horticulture from the University of Hohen-Heim, then headed to South Florida. Starting with the Parks Department for West Palm Beach in 1932, Dreher shaped the future zoo site through sheer determination. In 1951, the city bought Bacon Park from the state for $100. Six years later, in October 1957, it was dedicated and renamed Dreher Park in his honor. Dreher supervised the transformation personally: removing the landfill and filling swampland with backfill from the Palm Beach Canal. He wanted a zoo here. A zoo for the people of West Palm Beach.

August 1961 brought the announcement that Dreher Park would finally have one. Construction started on a red barn with a fenced barnyard. Using his own money, Dreher stocked it with ducks, chickens, rabbits, and a single goat named Pepita. The "Dreher Park Farm Zoo," later shortened to "Dreher Park Zoo," got its first exotic animal when the Pilicy family donated a rhinoceros iguana on September 5, 1963.

Joey the Kangaroo and Early Growth

Every zoo's early days have their colorful stories. This one belonged to a kangaroo named Joey. An airline pilot passing through Australia spotted a kangaroo for sale, bought it, and flew it back to Florida. Unable to keep the animal long-term, he gave Joey to his friend Walter Brooks III. Joey became famous for escaping repeatedly from Brooks's home, making South Florida residents take notice. Two issues of Life Magazine featured him in October 1961 and April 1964. The Boy Scouts of America named him an honorary member. Visitors flocked to see Joey at Brooks's house. Caroline Kennedy was among them.

December 1961 changed things. Attorney Elwyn Middleton sent Brooks a letter opposing Joey's ownership. This sparked a Palm Beach ordinance banning all pets except cats, dogs, canaries, parrots, and parakeets. Two years of legal fighting followed. In the end, Joey couldn't stay as a house pet. On February 29, 1964, he moved to Dreher Park Zoo, where he lived out his days as a resident.

The Elephant Toppie and First Animal Births

Early 1960s South Florida was captivated by "Jett's Petting Zoo" and its Asian baby elephant. The local zoo had Joey, but the rest of the animal collection was scattered and ordinary. It lacked any real draw. So residents campaigned for the zoo to buy the elephant. The West Palm Beach Firemen's Benevolent Association took on the challenge, collecting 1,000 books of Top Value Trading Stamps. The stamps' mascot was a cartoon elephant named Toppie, making the name perfect for the newly acquired animal.

That same year brought something equally momentous. On May 19, 1965, a squirrel monkey gave birth. Zoo staff had expected the first birth to come from a pregnant miniature goat, but nature surprised them. Later that afternoon, white-fronted capuchin Clarabelle gave birth too. Then on June 1, Nanny Belle's baby arrived, completing the first trio of zoo births.

The Zoological Society and Name Change

By 1969, West Palm Beach residents wanted to do more for the zoo. They formed The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches on March 27, 1969, with city backing. On October 1st that year, the city handed operation of the zoo to the society. Fast forward to 2014. The organization changed its name to the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society to better reflect what it actually does.

Exhibits and Animal Collection

The Palm Beach Zoo sits in the heart of West Palm Beach as a lush, walkable wildlife destination. Over 23 tropical acres, visitors encounter immersive habitats, shaded pathways, and a carousel, interactive fountain, and nature-inspired play areas. Close encounters with jaguars, tigers, panthers, sloths, and koalas are possible. Daily animal talks, interactive encounters, and seasonal events keep coming back.

Tropics of the Americas

2004 brought an $18 million exhibit called the "George and Harriett Cornell Tropics of the Americas." It showcases jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, New World monkeys, and tropical birds across three acres on a peninsula. Two Mayan pyramids over 40 feet tall anchor the display, along with a walk-through cave and other installations representing Central and South American wildlife and culture. Animal Planet filmed the exhibit for Ultimate Zoo in 2006.

Tiger Habitat

The Henry and Charlotte Kimelman Tiger Falls opened in 2000. Malayan tigers "Mata" and "Rimba" arrived from the San Diego Zoo on November 8, 2006. "Berapi," another Malayan tiger, came in November 2010. Berapi gave birth to three cubs fathered by Rimba on May 12, 2011. The cubs "Jaya," "Bunga," and "Penari" were moved to Jacksonville Zoo on October 28, 2013. March 2015 saw the opening of "Tiger River," an additional habitat yard for the existing Kimelman Tiger Habitat.

Other Exhibits

A new ocelot habitat opened January 15, 2018, sponsored by Carole and John Moran. Three ocelots roam the space. The zoo also maintains a Florida Wetlands section recreating a cypress swamp, plus an Islands section with species from around the world. Wildlife carousel rides, interactive play fountains, and more than 60 keeper talks and wildlife presentations per week let visitors connect with animals and staff.

Conservation Programs

The zoo's work extends far beyond West Palm Beach. It advances its mission to inspire action for wildlife through endangered species breeding, education, and conservation support. Monetary grants fund other conservation organizations doing field work.

Partnerships span major institutions: 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 zoo was the first to partner with the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Working with Madidi National Park in Bolivia and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the zoo funds and staffs conservation work in roughly 18,900 square kilometers of protected area. Jaguars, black-faced spider monkeys, lowland tapir, giant river otters, Andean bears, Andean condors, and other wildlife benefit. The zoo also backs Wildlife Conservation Society efforts to strengthen anti-poaching laws in Malaysia protecting tigers and their habitats.

Support for the Avian Research & Conservation Institute's swallow-tail kite and snail kite program comes directly from the zoo. So does backing for the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center's jaguar conservation work. Staff members engage locally too, partnering with Palm Beach County's Department of Environmental Protection on swallow-tail kite programs and monitoring coral off Florida's east coast with the Florida Wildlife Commission.

Animal Care Facilities

The Melvin J. & Claire Levine Animal Care Complex serves as headquarters for the Palm Beach Zoo Conservation Society. The Green Building Council awarded it Gold Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Education

The Education Department runs multiple programs for kids aged 3 to 18. They learn about conservation and its importance while enjoying hands-on experiences. Zoo Camp, Overnight Adventures, the Ed Morse ZooMobile, and programs for schools, scout troops, and community groups offer real involvement in conservation projects.

The zoo cares for over 500 animals of 190 species, many endangered. It's fully accredited and geared toward inspiring its more than 360,000 annual visitors.

Membership and Accreditation

Located at 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It relies on community support to continue providing animal care and saving wildlife in their natural habitats. The organization holds membership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. About 4 miles southwest of downtown, it offers multiple animal exhibits with interactive experiences involving koalas, sloths, and panthers. Special events like Zoo Lights happen throughout the year.

References

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