I’ve heard nice things about the Brevard Zoo and I’ve wanted to visit for a long time. It’s just a coincidence that my first visit was this week – at the same time that TripAdvisor named it one of the nation’s best.
It’s a smaller zoo than either the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa or the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, but it’s laid out nicely and the animals seem happy. Especially the Meerkats.
Muddy Meerkat says “Cheese”
Meerkats make wonderful subjects and these were active – digging burrows and keeping watch. This one even looked like it was trying to smile for my camera. I was able to frame this photo over the glass against a nice background.
One of the things mentioned by TripAdvisor is how friendly their staff is. We saw that too. A deer kept following this zookeeper around the enclosure and bumping into her. After she bent down and hugged it, the deer left her alone and wandered off for a while. The animals do seem well cared for.
Animal Care
Like at every zoo, I was somewhat conflicted. A few of the animals act a little too “caged”. The big cats for instance seem either restless or a little melancholy. Watching them can make me feel a bit low too. This Jaguar was resting in the shade and watching the watchers.
Jaguar
By the way, I knew that Jaguars once lived from Brazil up to much of the Southwest United States. I didn’t realize that they’ve been sighted as recently as 2013 in Arizona.
Brevard Zoo is very nice. One of the best smaller zoos I’ve ever been too. They have some unique attractions too – like a guided kayak tour around their African exhibit. If you like zoos or want to practice your animal photography, it’s a great place to visit.
You can see a few more of my photos here. For some hints on zoo photography, you can look at prior blog posts here, here, and here. And the Firefall Photography Blog has a write-up about the Brevard zoo with some good info and photos – well worth a look.
The zoo is in Melbourne, Florida at 8225 N. Wickham Road (Phone: 321-254-9453). It’s not too far from Viera Wetlands, so check that out too if you get down there. Admission is $15 for adults and the hours are 9:30 to 5.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Now – go make some photos!
©2015, Ed Rosack. All rights reserved.
The meerkat image is great!
Thanks Jim. They’re fun to photograph.
I can’t make up my mind which one I like better, the Meerkat shot’s personality or the richness of the Jaguar B&W. Both great images Ed. And thanks for the plug…I still owe you that beer! Jeff
Thanks, Jeff. I think the jaguar is one of the babies born there back in February. They grow up fast.
You were right in your blog post: The Brevard Zoo is a great place.