Miami's Jungle Island - A must see

MIAMI - Nov. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Whether your kids are budding biologists or ornithologists – or just plain ol’ animal lovers, they will enjoy seeing the abundant wildlife that Southern Florida has on display all year round. A short hop east of the Downtown Miami area on the way to South Beach, Jungle Island offers an exciting opportunity to see local fauna in a zoological park that has been made into a realistic replica of their natural habitat. Originally famous as “Parrot Jungle,” the park underwent a couple of name changes as it moved to its present location on the waterfront of Watson Island, and expanded its focus to include a wide variety of exotic animals. Jungle Island is open for visitors 365 days a year, and is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

More than Parrots

Jungle Island has been 75 years in the making and now boasts over 3000 species of birds (yes, including many parrots!), primates and other mammals, reptiles and fish, as well as 500 types of tropical plants. Enjoy a multifaceted experience at the park, with lots of activities to suit the ages and interests of your family group. You can choose to take part in an interactive animal safari, be spectators at educational and amusing animal stage shows, get “up close and personal” with tame creatures at the petting zoo or just wander around and take in all the amazing sights and sounds that surround you.

To Amaze and Amuse You

Pinky the cockatoo is a beloved symbol of the park and still inaugurates the Winged Wonders Show, which stars other awesome avians such as a slightly scary vulture and an enormous cassowary, which just may be taller than the Moms and Dads present in the Pepsi Parrot Bowl. Ooh and aah at the spectacular cast of graceful big jungle cats in Tale of the Tiger in the Jungle Bowl, produced by the international big cat conservation organization, The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS for short). Slink over to the Serpentarium for Dr. Wasabi’s Wild Adventures with serpents, snakes and more wild wonders. Or interact with kangaroos, squirrel monkeys, orangutans and more with the guidance of their trainers.

Where the Wild Things Are

Isn’t it interesting how, after a long day of having fun, most kids still need to blow off a little steam? Well, Jungle Island understands and to make things easy, they have provided a playground for youngsters to engage in some “ferocious” antics of their own. (HINT: This is a great photo opp for doting relatives.) There is even a private beach for human visitors to the island to frolic at, weather permitting. Pack a picnic or have a cozy family lunch at the Lakeside Café while watching the flamingos preen and pose on the water nearby.

Miami has so much to see and do that you’ll appreciate staying in a comfortable hotel with easy access to everything. The nicer and lower priced Miami hotels tend to fill up fast, though, so it’s a good idea to reserve in advance (http://crshotels.com/).