Things to Do
Things to Do
Edited by Virginia Gil
timeout.com/miami/things-to-do @virginwrites
Wild things
Local wildlife sanctuaries offer unforgettable Instagram-worthy close encounters. By Virginia Gil
Zoological Wildlife Foundation
WHEN WAS THE the last time you really got up close to something wild? (And we’re not talking about the peacocks frolicking about Coconut Grove.) For a chance to meet monkeys, pose for pics with a sloth and handle creepy-crawlies of all types, skip the typical wildlife encounter for a visit to one of South Florida’s animal sanctuaries.
Flamingo Gardens The 90-year-old botanical gardens is one of
the oldest animal sanctuaries in the region and has been continually dedicated to preserving aviary species, butterflies and the state’s unofficial mascot, the flamingo. Observe native species such as alligators and eagles in a special section dedicated to the living creatures of the Everglades. There’s also an area sectioned off for wading birds and another for birds of prey, featuring a large collection of raptors. With plenty of gardens to explore, it’s best to hop on one of the trams to get the lay of the land. à 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL (954-473-2955,
flamingogardens.org). Daily 9:30am–5pm; $19.95, children 3–11 $12.95, under 2 free.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary Director Mark McCarthy has been rescuing
animals in SoFlo since the ’70s, nursing back to health everything from owls and hawks
DISCOVER! Flamingo Gardens
to panthers. The longtime wildlife expert has 200 animals you can meet during one of three guided tours offered daily at his Palm Beach facility; you’ll have photo ops with lemurs and macaws along the way. Bonus for the bold: a room that houses spiders, snakes and an albino python you can wear around your neck—just as Britney Spears did. à 12943 61st St North, West Palm Beach, FL (561-790-2116,
mccarthyswildlife.com). Tue–Sat at 11am, noon, 1pm; $35, children $25.
Zoological Wildlife Foundation The animals at this private facility have been
rescued from large zoos or donated. Guests meander through ZWF as part of small
guided tours that include stops at every enclosure. What sets this place apart are the numerous encounters offered: Free with admission is the chance to feed camels—put a carrot in your mouth and watch one take it right from you!—pet an owl and hold two of the smallest tenants, capuchin monkeys Amaya and Ahmed. For a few hundred dollars extra, you can take pictures with a baby chimpanzee, play with lion cubs and race a sloth. à 16225 SW 172nd Ave (305-969-3696, zoologicalwildlife
foundation.com). Daily 9am–6pm; $85, children 3–9 $45, under 3 free.
Safari Edventure Spread over five acres, this privately owned
and funded rescue facility is home to more than 120 species, 15 of which you’re welcome to pet, hold and take selfies with. (Sloths are very photogenic.) Bring change for the food vending machines if you want to feed the lemurs or bottle-feed the adorable pot-bellied pigs. Visits are self-guided but Edventure volunteers lead several hands- on presentations, giving everyone the opportunity to hold baby alligators, snakes and all sorts of other creatures. à 23700 SW 142nd Ave, Homestead (305-238-9453,
safariedventure.com). Wed–Sun 10am–5pm; $18, students and seniors $15.
How to avoid FOMO this summer? Visit
timeout.com/miami. 39
Things to Do
May 18–August 16, 2017 Time Out Miami
PHOTOGRAPHS (FROM TOP): COURTESY ZOOLOGICAL WILDLIFE FOUNDATION; SHUTTERSTOCK
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