April - June 2023
A digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami.
OUR MISSION: The Zoo Miami Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
- North American River Otter Pups
- Spring & Summer Events
- Animal Health at the Zoo
Wild is a quarterly digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation that provides information for the friends, supporters and Members of Zoo Miami.
For more information, please contact: Zoo Miami Foundation
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 255-5551 / www.zoomiami.org
Zoo Miami Foundation’s Mission
Zoo Miami Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo.
Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors:
Chair: Jose Felix Diaz
Chair-Elect: Alan Atkinson
Treasurer: Alexander Binelo
Secretary: Brittnie Bassant
Past Chair: Eric Eikenberg
Alan Atkinson
Mary Barley
Brittnie Bassant
Jason Bell
Alexander Binelo
Javi Borges
James A. Carenza
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
John V. Chibbaro
Jose Felix Diaz, Esq
Diane Dickhut
Eric Eikenberg
Will Elgar
Armando Fernandez
Ricardo Garbati
Victor H. Herrera
Philip Kushlan
George Leser
Emeriti Directors
Rodney L. Barreto
Vincent L. Berkeley
Jennifer Boin Getz
Roger M. Carlton
Harlan S. Chiron, MD
Ambassador Sue M. Cobb
Linda Coll
William J. Gallwey, III, Esq.
Robert W. Hudson
Sherrill W. Hudson
Bernard Klepach
President/CEO: José Romano
Daniel Diaz Leyva
Daniel J. Licciardi
Sharon MacIvor-DeMaria, DVM
Kathy McDonald
William W. Moore
Maria I. Nardi
Marc A. Osheroff
Samantha Pencar
Ann Pope
Martha H. Rabbitt
Jose C. Romano
Joseph R. Salzverg
Daniel V. Sanchez
Eduardo M. Soto
Merrett R. Stierheim
Peter Vandenberg, Jr.
Fred Voccola
Christopher Walters
David Konfino
James A. Kushlan, Ph.D.
John J. Lowell
Manny J. Rodriguez, PE
Edward R. Soto
Eric J. Stephens
Lawrence O. Turner, Jr.
Diana Udel
Ana VeigaMilton, Esq.
Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.
Outgoing President/CEO: Wiliam W. Moore
Zoo Director: William Elgar
Zoo Admission Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.
Editor: Rashielle Teape
Contributors:
Natalie Canelas, Cindy Castelblanco, Marie Hernandez, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Zazu Mao, Bill Moore, Alexandra Nodarse, Jose Romano, Carlos Simoes, and Ron Stayton
Layout & Design: Photography:
Parrot Fish Studio Ron Magill
Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.
It is with bittersweet pride that I write my final letter as the CEO of Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF). It is fitting that this transition should occur at the beginning of spring, a season of changes and new beginnings.
I am more than confident that the future of Zoo Miami is bright, with our mission and goals resting in the capable hands of our dedicated staff, volunteers, supporters, and of course, incoming Chief Executive Officer, José Romano. As you will read later in this issue, José now steps into the CEO role following over two decades of experience in supporting Zoo Miami, including a two-year term as ZMF Board Chair. Not only does he bring valuable experiences, skills, and perspectives, but also a true love and appreciation for the Zoo and a dedication to wildlife.
During my nine-year term as CEO of ZMF I have been truly fortunate to witness the growth of the park and its impact on both the South Florida community and key global conservation efforts. From the openings of Florida: Mission Everglades, a new Entry Plaza, and the Conservation Action Center, to surpassing our one-million visitors milestone and celebrating countless successful education programs and events, it has been a wild ride. Of course, these accomplishments did not happen without their challenges, from destructive hurricanes to a global pandemic. But, through it all, I have seen the fortitude of our community and our team, and I look forward to seeing what you all will achieve under José’s leadership.
ZMF may look very different than it did when I joined in 2014 – in fact, at the time, the organization was known as the Zoological Society of Florida! – but the work and mission remain the same and our impact is stronger than ever. I’d like to thank the Zoo Miami and ZMF staff for their tremendous and inspiring work over the years, and express gratitude on their behalf to all of our loyal and generous supporters. It has been a true honor to work with you all.
Wild Gifts for Mom & Dad
Spring Puzzle Page
West Kendall Baptist Hospital Recipe
Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors
Feast with the Beasts 2023 Recap
Join us for Party for the Planet at Zoo Miami for a mobile in-park scavenger hunt that’ll take you through three educational missions to save our planet from environmental threats.
Watch our animals enjoy enrichment made from recyclable materials.
APRIL 22-23
10 AM -3 PM
Free admission* when you turn in an old cellphone as part of the ECO-CELL phone recycling program.
Event included with Zoo admission
On January 11, “Maxi,” a 10-year-old spotted hyena, underwent surgery to remove foreign objects from her stomach. Prior to surgery, the Animal Health Team had immobilized her on two occasions to remove the foreign objects endoscopically in hopes of avoiding surgery. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in removing all of the objects and Maxi was not able to pass them naturally. This left the team with the only choice of having to remove them surgically.
The surgery was successful in removing the remaining foreign objects from her stomach. In addition, the team took the opportunity to also collect biopsies of Maxi’s stomach and intestines to evaluate if there are any other issues within her GI tract.
Undergoes Surgery to Remove Foreign Objects
On January 24, Zoo Miami’s pair of highly endangered Cuban crocodiles were brought to the zoo’s Animal Hospital so that they could receive radiographs to determine if there were foreign items in their stomachs. These exams were deemed necessary following reports that a plastic bottle had fallen into the habitat. When staff members could not find it, it was assumed to have been consumed by one of the crocodiles. If it could not be naturally passed, it could potentially cause digestive obstructions which could lead to serious complications and even death.
Radiographs determined that there were some small unidentifiable items in the stomachs of both crocodiles, with the female having what appeared to be a large bottle cap. An endoscope was used to look into the stomach of the male named, “Leroy,” but nothing of any significance could be seen. After several attempts to use the endoscope on the female, “Princess,” were unsuccessful, it was decided that since the foreign item was of a smaller size, she would be carefully observed in hopes that she would be successful in passing it naturally.
Sadly, this is not the first time these crocodiles have had to receive medical treatment for foreign items they have ingested.
Whether by accident or on purpose, when foreign items end up in the zoo’s habitats, they often present a real threat to the health and well-being of the animals that live there. We ask that when visiting the zoo, please ensure that all personal items are secure to prevent them from ending up in habitats where they can be extremely harmful to the animals!
On January 26, Zoo Miami’s flock of Caribbean flamingos were rounded up on their habitat to receive their annual wellness exams. The Animal Health team set up a mobile clinic alongside a specially constructed corral area and each flamingo was brought in to be checked. Exams included getting individual weights, collecting blood samples, providing West Nile Virus vaccinations, and checking the overall body condition with special attention to the feet, which can be susceptible to certain issues. Though the majority of the flock appeared to be in good health, there were four individuals that were initially separated to be treated for several issues.
This past February, “Hank” the sloth bear demonstrated voluntary blood draw behavior, essentially participating in his own health care! The keepers at Zoo Miami engage in behind-the-scenes medical training with many animals. These sessions get the animals into the habit of participating in their own veterinary care such as body checks and blood draws. This helps to reduce their stress, and keep them happy and healthy!
On March 21, Zoo Miami’s Sumatran tigress, “N’dari,” underwent a thorough health exam including radiographs, a dental cleaning, blood collection, an abdominal ultrasound, and an eye exam. This exam was in preparation for N’dari’s transfer to the Ft. Worth Zoo later this spring as part of a Special Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation. Managed through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the SSP guides and recommends the best pairing of animals within the program to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population of various species.
Zoo Miami Foundation is pleased to announce that it has appointed José C. Romano as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 3, 2023, following an extensive national search led by Canopy Strategic Partners. José joins Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation at a time of great success with more than one million annual visitors and future growth with the incoming construction of the new Animal Hospital, a new Sumatran tiger exhibit, a new giraffe-feeding platform, and much more.
“We’re excited to officially welcome José as the President & CEO of Zoo Miami Foundation. He has been a dedicated and active member of our board since 2013,” said Bill Moore, outgoing ZMF President & CEO. “José is deeply connected to our community and has shown it through his service to local nonprofit organizations over the last 20 years. Through his passion for wildlife and conservation and strong local and statewide connections, he will help us reach new audiences.”
José Romano served most recently as Assistant Vice President (AVP), Professional Services at Doctor’s Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida, where he provided leadership in all professional functions of the hospital focusing
primarily on Community Relations, Patient Experience, and Concierge Services. In addition, José developed strong marketing partnerships with local major sports franchises including the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers and Inter Miami CF, among others. Prior to his role at Doctor’s Hospital, José held the AVP position in Government & Community Relations at Baptist Health. José is a past Chairman and currently serves on the boards of the Orange Bowl Committee and the American Heart Association for MiamiDade and Broward counties. He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas and an International Finance degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
José is entering at the retirement of William “Bill” Moore, Zoo Miami Foundation President & CEO, 2014 - 2023. For nine years, Bill provided outstanding leadership to his Foundation team of nearly 60 full time and part time employees. He was a great partner to Zoo Miami and Miami-Dade County assisting with major capital projects including the construction of a new Entry Plaza, the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit, the Conservation Action Center, and the Sea Turtle Hospital.
“José is deeply connected to our community and has shown it through his service to local non-profit organizations over the last 20 years.”
Q: What project are you most excited to see come to fruition at Zoo Miami?
A: I’m most excited about the design and construction of the new Animal Hospital. This project is special to me as it was chosen during a board retreat as a key project that Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) would support. As we strive to be the best zoo in the country, we need the proper facilities to care for and treat our resident animals. The new hospital will be a state-of-the-art animal care center that will be guest-facing so that the public can see the amazing work that is done by our professional team of veterinarians, led by Dr. Gwen Myers.
Q: What goals or ideas do you hope to bring to the table to shape the future of Zoo Miami?
A: In the next five years, my goals are to support Zoo Miami’s mission by raising additional dollars annually, elevating the endowment and improving our TripAdvisor ranking as a top zoo in the US. Some of my ideas are rooted in improving the member experience, plus some innovative ideas like creating local pop-up zoos, all intended to engage all parts of our community including private, public, and corporate stakeholders.
Q: What is your favorite memory at Zoo Miami?
A: I have many great memories at the zoo, starting from my first visits as a kid when it was located in Crandon Park. My own kids have grown up at the Zoo through many weekends spent here. My favorite event at the Zoo is Feast with the Beasts. It is an opportunity for local restaurants and spirits companies to show off their best fare and for the who’s who of the South Florida crowd to mingle.
Unlike other galas or fundraisers that may be a little stuffy and program-heavy, Feast is a casual, fun and free-spirited event.
Q: What skills or traits would you say are essential to effective leadership?
A: Trustworthiness, transparency, fairness and the ability to have fun while getting things done are essential to effective leadership. Ultimately, I believe you can’t assume a style that is not innately in your character. I have found that the traits mentioned above fit the person that I am. I don’t believe in telling people where to go without telling them why we’re going there and, at the same time, walking with them. The ZMF team is amazing and I hope to learn from them as much as them from me. It’s gonna be fun!
Q: What is your favorite Zoo animal and why?
A: The Florida Panther is my favorite Zoo animal. This iconic cat is uniquely found in the southwestern tip of Florida. Their population was decimated to as low as 20-30 cats in 1970. Despite remaining on the endangered list, the population has grown to over 200 through the hard work of many, including those at Zoo Miami. My family has a close affinity to the panther at Zoo Miami. My parents generously gave their grandchildren the opportunity to name the rescued cat and from 12 submissions, they chose “Mahala,” an Indian name that means “tenderhearted, but fierce and independent woman.”
Q: Now, what animal do you think you are most like?
A: I like to think I’m most like the wolf, although we don’t have any on exhibit at Zoo Miami, yet! A wolf protects, is family and friendship oriented, a teamplayer, wild, free, instinctual, playful, loyal and communicative. But the better question is, in six months, what animal would ZMF staff describe me as? Stay tuned!
Let your child discover their wild side and beat the school break boredom by joining us at the zoo this summer!
June 8 – August 9, 2023
Ages 5* - 12
Please note that our camp age range has changed for all Zoo Camps. We are no longer accepting four-year-olds
Registration is available on a weekly basis; Fees vary by session. Click below to see our weekly schedule and to register!
An immersive, career exploration camp where teens will delve into various fields at Zoo Miami! Campers will get a hands-on education in conservation and research, animal behavior, nutrition, graphics, and more!
Ages 13 – 15 ONLY
Available Sessions:
June 12 – 16, 2023
June 26 – 30, 2023
July 10 – 14, 2023
July 24 – 28, 2023
Help your child find their passion at the zoo! Our one-day Mini Camps follow the Miami-Dade Public School schedule and are offered during Teacher Planning Days and select holidays.
REGISTER NOW! CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW! CLICK HERE
REGISTER NOW! CLICK HERE 10
UPCOMING DATE: May 29, 2023
Want to play a hands-on role in providing our animals with mental and physical health stimulation? Drop by the Fun Factory to learn all about animal enrichments and assist us in building something fun for our animal residents. This one-of-a-kind exhibit is included with Zoo Miami admission.
Whether you’re part of a school or community group, our educators can bring a taste of the zoo to you with educational animal and conservation presentations. We have both in-person and virtual offerings!
Topics include:
“Sensational Senses” for Grades K-1
“Astonishing Adaptations” for Grades 1-5
“Creature Feature” for Grades K-8
“Species Profile” for Grades 6-12
“Science of Life” for Grades 1-12
Fees: $250 for in-person sessions; $130 for virtual sessions; Additional fees apply for new lesson creation
Employment
Camp Counselor Implement informal education programs, located on Zoo Miami grounds, for various audiences attending camps.
Part-Time Educator Implement informal education programs, located both on and off Zoo Miami grounds, for various audiences.
Volunteer
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, Zoo Miami unveiled new plans for the Sumatran tiger habitat and honored the founding benefactors! Also honored that evening but not pictured were Norma Jean Abraham and Shelley B. Daniel Rutherford. A huge thank you to this great group of individuals. The renovation will expand the space of our existing habitat, allow for additional breeding, and build a nose-to-nose viewing pavilion for our guests to connect with these majestic cats.
Mrs. Cynthia Knight; William (Bill) Moore, Zoo Miami Foundation President and CEO; Will Elgar, Zoo Miami Director; Jose (Pepi) Felix Diaz, Zoo Miami Foundation Chairman
Ivette Atkinson; William (Bill) Moore, Zoo Miami Foundation President and CEO; Alan Atkinson, ZMF Board Director; Will Elgar, Zoo Miami Director; Jose (Pepi) Felix Diaz, Zoo Miami Foundation Chairman
Esserman Family (Left to Right: Dr. James Esserman; Mrs. Charlene Esserman; Dr. Laura Esserman; Lynda Esserman; and Michael Endicott)
Esserman Family (Front Row: Lynda Esserman and Mrs. Charlene Esserman – Back Row: Michael Endicott;Rita and Ron Magill; Dr. Laura Esserman; and Dr. James Esserman)
On January 5, 2023, Zoo Miami’s Sumatran tigress, “N’dari,” turned two years old! To celebrate, her keepers created a variety of fun enrichment items for her to “sink her teeth into.” After curiously exploring her gift options, N’dari settled on a special “birthday present” box containing a yummy goat leg! With Zoo Miami guests looking on, the two-year-old tiger brought her treat to her favorite sheltered tunnel to consume and enjoy.
On February 6, 2023, our five-year-old North American river otter, “Zinnia,” gave birth to three healthy pups at the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit at Zoo Miami! This is Zinnia’s second litter of babies. After they were born, the pups underwent a quick neonatal exam to determine their genders and heights, as well as an overall physical exam to confirm that they are all in good health.
Following a pregnancy of approximately two months, the otter pups, one female and two males, were born in a secluded den, where they were well cared for by their mother. They remained isolated behind the scenes for some time to
ensure that Zinnia and her babies had minimal disturbances while they bonded and grew.
Zinnia arrived at Zoo Miami in April 2019 from the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island where she was born. The litter’s father is seven-year-old “Edison,” who arrived to Zoo Miami in October 2016 after being rescued as an orphan and hand-raised by a group called Wild Florida.
Mother’s Day is on May 14 and Father’s Day is on June 18!
Celebrate your parents, or any special loved ones, with these wild Zoo gift packages. Stay tuned for more info on when these packages will be available for purchase.
Engrave a special message on a commemorative brick on Zoo Miami’s Walkway of the Wild that you and your loved one can visit together for years to come.
A Custom Engraved Brick at Zoo Miami + Your Choice of a Dual or Family Membership
Starting at $225
Symbolically adopt their favorite Zoo Miami animal in their name to help our keepers care for and enrich the lives of all our animal residents.
An Adopt an Animal Keeper Package + Your Choice of a Dual or Family Membership
Starting at $125
Buy
TIckets
ACROSS
3. Whether it’s spring, summer, or a Teacher Planning Day, this Zoo activity keeps kids exploring and learning
4. April showers bring May _______
6. Remember the three R’s to help save the planet: reduce, ______, and recycle!
8. When you hear this, it’s polite to say “bless you!”
9. You might play hide and seek these these on Easter
1. Don’t get caught in the rain without one of these!
2. This yellow powdery substance is made by Xowering plants to help other plants make seeds 5. Birds make these out of twigs, grass, mud, and more
7. These buzzing insects are great and collecting and spreading the answer to 2 DOWN
We’ve hidden 14 eggs throughout the pages of this issue of Keepin’ it Wild! Can you hunt them all down? (Hint: there’s one on this page!)
• 2½ lb Flank Steak
• ¼ lb Asparagus
• 1.7oz Provolone Cheese, sliced
• 2½ tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 tsp Garlic, diced
• ¼ cup Red Onion, diced
• 1 ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• ¾ tsp Course Salt
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Take butterflied flank steak and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Clean and trim the asparagus and red onion. Slice the onion into 1/4-inch rings.
4. Par cook the asparagus and onion by grilling until al dente.
5. Spread garlic across the flank steak. Next, add a layer of asparagus across the steak, following by a layer of cheese, following by a layer of onion.
6. Roll up the flank steak from the bottom. Secure with kitchen twine so that it does not unroll.
7. Skewer the flank steak with toothpicks, 2 inches apart. Slide the flank steak into pinwheels.
8. Heat a cast iron on medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the pan and sear the pinwheels for 3 minutes per side.
9. Place skillet with flank steaks into the oven and cook for 8-10 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and tent with aluminum foil to cool. Remove twine and toothpicks.
We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between December 20, 2022 - March 20, 2023. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*
$10,000 - 24,999
The Honorable Micky Steinberg
$5,000 - $9,999
Chad Biggs
Noelle and Brett Bivens
The Honorable Kevin
Marino Cabrera
The Forte Family
Ann and Richard Pope
Anna K. Rentz
Michael Schur
$1,000 - $4,999
Susan and Thomas Abraham
Anonymous
Diane and Ramon Bardelas
Mary L. Barley
Kim and Chad Belinsky
Tatiana Casanova
Ivette Chinigo
Julie L. Asciutto and Lanny Stephan Cohen
Cristina M. Diaz and Daniel J. Diaz Leyva
Jody and Bob Dickinson
Tonya and Eric Eikenberg
Lisa E. Esserman and Harris Goldberg
Adria and Jay Fraioli
Ricardo Garbati
Pamela J. Garrison
Claire and Eric Gleit
Elaine and Gary Gross
Eileen Higgins
Sofia and Ryan Holtzman
France-Marie and Sheldon Jordan
Carly Katz
Leila Kight
Kristina Korge
Joyce I. Kory
Yrene and Paul Lambert
Nancy A. Sposato and William A. Laudani
Suzette and Humberto Lopez
Marile Lopez
Eric J. Mausner
Cristina Maxwell
Katharine and David McDonald
Elizabeth Ann and Anthony Morgenthau
Laura P. Mosedale
Jeffrey L. Moyer
Jana and Erik Myers
Jennifer Levin and Jorge Navarro
Shari-Lynn and Ari Odzer
Ariel Penzer Milgroom and Jeremy D. Milgroom
Robert M. Perez
Monica N. Ramage Suarez
Christi and David Reis
Emilio Rodriguez
Josie Romano-Brown and Dr. Mark Brown
Sheila and Ira Shapiro
Amy L. Shields
Maria and Rasciel Socarras
Jacqueline and Eduardo Soto
Myles Tilton
Erich Wasserman
Kathryn Weston
$500 - $999
Maria Albuerne
Tatiana O. Arteaga Teo and Andrew S. Teo
Yvette H. Ayala, Esq.
Bernardo Babatz Alvarez
Michael Baker
Edward Ballweg
Robin and I. Barry Blaxberg
Alice N. Bravo
Theodore Caplow and Nathalie Manzano
Martha Castillo
Lawrence Chen
Josenrique Cueto
Cecilia Duenas
Wesley P. Ficht
Anna Figueroa
Eduardo Garcia
Lourdes E. Gomez and Marcelino Miyares, Ph.D.
Denise Hansen
Jennifer Kaminski
Larry Kaplan
Matthew Klapper
Michael Klumb
Aleida Lopez
Hugh Lumpkin
Melissa and Mark McNear
Nancy and Jorge Milian
Margaret and Dennis Moss
Thomas Overby
Aidan Pevida
Sharon Beal and Ronald A. Raymond
Sandra and Miguel Rishmague
Michael Robert
Michell Rugama Brown
Angelica P. Stanley
Barbara and Julio Torres
$100 - $499
Patricia and Abdulwahab Aldousany
Vivian Alfred
Jennifer Allen
Nick Bader
Maylin and George Balsa
Brittnie R. Bassant
Jordan and Jason Bell
Ellen and Daniel Berger
Richard Bowerman, II
Vicki Bumar
Ann S. Burch
Guarin Camilo
Clara E. Cano
Beth and Roger Carlton
Cindy Castelblanco Serrato and Juan Serrato
Michelle and Kevin Chong
Chris Cintron
Austin Collins
Ivonne Cooper
Michael Cotto
Shelley B. Daniel Rutherford and J. Larry Rutherford
Capt. Ed Davidson
Sean Delgado
Therese and Jose Diaz
Bruny and Brian Dougherty
Amanda and Chad Douglas
Kelly and Kenneth Duvall
Nancy and Bill England
Michael A. Fahmie
Phil Fairclough
John A. Falco, Jr.
Nathalie Feria
Analia and Armando Fernandez
Jeanette A. Fousek
Tina and Robert Furniss-Roe
Joseph P. George
Moarima Gomez
Sylvia N. Habben
David Hadersbeck
Angela Hatfield and Charles Kaiser
Marie D. Hernandez
Tracey and Michael Homm
Thomas Houlihan
Virginia Hunter
Judy and Cal Jameson
Margarita Gutierrez and Farrokh Jhabvala
Linda W. Johnson
Monica Kowalski
Mike Loudder
Rita and Ron Magill
Lisa and Glenn Mallard
Suzelle and Philip Martin
Ivo Matijevic
Jeanne McFadden
Victorien Meray
Adrienne Miller
Emily Mitchell
Virginia Mojica
Michelle R. Montalvo
Linda Soden and Richard H. Moran
Natalie Muniz
Roshan Nelson
Nicole and Michael Neminski
Manuel Orbis
Daniela Posada Carmona
Richard Puente
Brittany Quintana
Jonathan Ramirez
Chris Rawls
Ileana Rego
Matt Reitz
Aleida and Eduardo Rodriguez
Judy Rogers
Joanna and Jose Romano
Mary and John Rose
Susan G. Rutrough
Howard L. Silverstein
Sandra and Paul Steinberg
Ryon H. Suiter
Betty and Mike Sweeney
Kim and Theodore Tate
Rosemary W. Twinam
H. James Vickers, Jr.
Maria and Gabriel Vidal
Tony Vieira
Carmen and Bradley
Steven Whitfield, Ph.D.
Ward B. Whitten
Shep Willis
Charlene Zatroch
$25,000 +
Florida Power & Light
Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, LLC.
$10,000 - $24,999
Casino Miami Jai-Alai
Ernst & Young, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
United Property Management, Inc.
$5,000 - $9,999
Bacardí U.S.A., Inc.
Bean Automotive Group
Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, LLC
MC Flooring Corporation
Newslink Group
Shutts & Bowen, LLP
TruckMax, Inc.
$1,000 - $4,999
Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, LLC
Meadowlark Media
Morris & Reynolds Insurance, Inc.
Ocaquatics Management, Inc.
Parrot Fish Studio
Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
U.S. Century Bank
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo, LLP
$500 - $999
Bean Automotive Group
NSF Leasing, Inc.
$100 - $499
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Grove Gallery & Interiors
Lucid Motors
MC Flooring Corporation
$25,000 +
Anthony R. Abraham Foundation
Al & Janie Nahmad Family Foundation
NextEra Energy Foundation, Inc.
The Kirk Foundation, Inc.
The Miami Foundation.
$10,000 - $24,999
The Clinton Family Fund
D. Richard Mead Charitable Foundation
Jacob and Anita Penzer Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks
The Tonkinson Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999
The Brunetti Foundation, Inc.
Charities Aid Foundation of America
Maurice Gusman Foundation, Inc.
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Fanny & Stephen Rosenak Foundation
Slaggie Family Foundation
$500 - $999
Maurice Gusman Foundation, Inc.
Sofia’s Hope, Inc. Foundation
$100 - $499
AmazonSmile Foundation
AMEN Muniz Charitable Fund
The William G. Kraft Trust
Give Lively Foundation
Johnson & Johnson Foundation
The Miami Foundation
The Tonkinson Foundation
$25,000
Florida Division of Cultural Affairs
*We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support. If your name has been accidentally omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact the Development department at 305-255-5551.
We are delighted to announce that the 25th Anniversary of Feast with the Beasts was a success.
After a three-year hiatus, the event raised more than $300,000 and had more than 1,000 guests in attendance to support Zoo Miami Foundation’s mission of supporting Zoo Miami in education and conservation!
40+ RESTAURANTS • MORE THAN 1,000 GUESTS
DRUMMERS • DANCERS • TIGER FEEDING ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AND MORE!
Thank you to our sponsors and underwriters who were such a crucial part of this year's success!
Zoo Miami is an unforgettable destination that promises to incorporate guests’ love for animals and nature into your event. We understand that flexibility and dedication are essential characteristics for our guests when choosing a venue and planning an event. Our event team will strive to make your event as stress-free and smooth as possible.
CLICK HERE Contact our Sales and Events Office at ZooEvents@miamidade.gov and we’ll check the availability of the date and location you’d like for your event.
Enjoy a two-hour golf cart tour amongst lushly landscaped public walkways with your own personal tour guide! As a VIP, your guide will give you the inside scoop on our incredible animals! The VIP Experience includes zoo admission; Two-hour private golf-cart tour; a food voucher to redeem for a food entree valued up to $12.99 and a souvenir cup. Please be advised that these tours are based on availability.
CLICK HERE to book your next VIP Experience or contact our Sales and Events Office at zootours@miamidade.gov for more information.
www.zoomiami.org/special-tours
On February 10, 2023, four outstanding Zoo Miami employees received the prestigious American Red Cross Life-Saving Award for their actions that led to the save of a zoo guest’s life last year! Zoo Miami extends our profound appreciation and congratulations to Melissa Llerena, John Toreno, Jiovanni Puentes, and Daniela Perez Hererra for their heroic actions. Their combined efforts of administering CPR, as well as implementing the use of an AED machine soon after the guest had collapsed, led to the restoration of the guests heartbeat, which paramedics said certainly saved her life.
In 2022, Zoo Miami announced that after nearly four decades, the iconic “Zoofari” monorail system has been permanently decommissioned. But before deconstruction, we made sure to honor this piece of Zoo Miami history with a true send off, inviting guests and staff to bid the monorail farewell and take souvenir photos!
Left to right: Wingrove Ward, former Zoo Miami Director Eric Stephens, Henry Gomez, and Carol Bernier
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Enjoy a fun and memorable way to see the zoo on a Rydable, an animal themed motorized vehicle for both adults and children. Get ready for an amazing adventure! A Rydable can accommodate up to one adult and one teenager or one adult and two children. Kiwis, pygmy hippos, and black bears - oh my! Zoo Miami is excited to share these additions to our animal encounters. Get an up-close look at some of your favorite critters, and learn more from their keepers in a truly wild experience.
Kiwis, pygmy hippos, and black bears - oh my! Zoo Miami is excited to share these additions to our animal encounters. Get an up-close look at some of your favorite critters, and learn more from their keepers in a truly wild experience.
Wild Bunch Bunch is a group of like-minded young professionals dedicated to championing wildlife conservation and bringing community awareness to the mission of Zoo Miami. Join our committee of up and coming community leaders and receive special access to networkers, exclusive volunteer opportunities, unique animal encounters, priority access to Zoo Miami events, adventures and more! Help Wild Bunch make an impact!
Legacy giving techniques are called “planned gifts,” because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you and your loved ones, and Zoo Miami Foundation. A well-planned gift communicates your legacy; it tells a story of what you hold as most important and valuable in your life and community. Leaving a gift to the Zoo Miami Foundation through your will or trust is an easy and impactful way to benefit education and conservation efforts for years to come. We recognize all planned gifts through the Josephine Wolf Legacy Society. This legacy circle are champions of wildlife and recognized throughout the year.
In thanks for your support, ZMF is here to help you protect your loved ones. Thanks to our partnership with Life Legacy, you may create your legal will for FREE in under 20 minutes. CLICK HERE to access more information and resources, including our downloadable Estate Planning Guide.
Zoo Miami FoundatIon’s PrEmier Members arE elIte-LEvel DOnors who experIence
Zoo Miami from an exclusive perspectIve!
Become a member whose support enhances animal care, wildlife conservation, and learning experiences while forging an amazing connection to the more than 3,000 animal species that reside at Zoo Miami. Receive inside access to behind-the-scenes tours, private animal encounters, exclusive event invitations, programs, and more!
Your Membership Card gives you exclusive aCCess to Zoo Miami!
BECOME A MEMBER
Enjoy this educational dog show featuring rescue dogs, trick dogs, frisbee dogs and scent detection demonstrations.
Every show will be scripted, choreographed to music, and professionally presented while delivering a compelling message on how dogs assist in conservation efforts to protect wildlife.
*PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE ZOO. The trainers and trained dogs in this show have been approved by our animal care, health, and welfare teams and follow protocols that support the health of our animals and staff. Show is included with Zoo admission.
face to face with a gorilla!
