Zoo Tours: Zoo Miami's Amazon & Beyond | PART ONE

[@ZooTours]

*Comment request of the Episode:* Name a zoo exhibit (you believe I've seen), and I will give you my unfiltered thoughts about it! About that coffee and chocolate segment... After speaking with the owners, I wanted to give a deserved shoutout to *Cold Blooded Caffeine* - according to their site: *5% of the proceeds from every bag sold is donated to wildlife conservation efforts in coffee producing countries. Buy now and help make a difference in these fragile but essential ecosystems!* *Main site:* coldbloodedcaffeine.com/ *Shop:* coldbloodedcaffeine.com/collections/coffee *FULL SPECIES LIST AS OF NOVEMBER 2023:* 1. Green Basilisk 2. Jamaican Boa 3. Cuban Anole (just simply signed as an Anole) 4. Sinaloan Milksnake 5. Orinoco Crocodile 6. Texas Horned Lizard 7. Black Howler Monkey, Golden Lion Tamarin 10. Blue Grey Tanager, Blue Ground Dove, Common Cuban Slider, Gambel's Quail, Hilaire's Side-necked Turtle, Mourning Dove, Silver Beaked Tanager, Troupial, Turquoise Tanager 11. Central American Tree Boa 12. Uracoan Rattlesnake 13. Mexican Cantil 14. Eyelash Viper 15. Brazilian Lancehead 16. Jumping Viper 17. Tiger Ratsnake 18. Collared Tree Lizard 19. Brazilian Bird Eater 20. Anthony's Poison Dart Frog 21. Central American Forest Cockroach 22. Yellow Anaconda 23. Emerald Swift 24. Alligator Lizard 25. Red-eyed Tree Frog 26. Panamanian Golden Frog 27. Jaguar 28. Black-necked Aracari, Spot-breasted Oriole, Green Jay, Sunbittern 29. Giant Horned Lizard, Baja Blue Rock Lizard 30. Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boa 31. Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog 32. Hilaire's Side-necked Turtle, Northern Caiman Lizard, Ocellate River Stingray 33. Rainbow Boa Houston Zoo Pantanal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKvIYYODZbukd5o Zoo Miami Map: www.zoomiami.org/zoo-map *Zoo Miami Episodes on the Channel:* 1. Know Before You Go to Zoo Miami: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZfZpGRsi76ZrJI 2. Australia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKWUloRjZ9OShcU 3. Mission Everglades: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGKqaYdudpJ5hc0

[@Primate_Fellow]

I don’t think you done an episode on the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama but I would love to see a tour or see your unfiltered thoughts on the primate/South America house 🐵🦍🦧. Also I love your videos, I watch them with my parent every night 😂.

[@blueistygi9139]

if you ever go to Europe you need to visit Orientarium in Łódź and Afrykarium in Wrocław both in Poland. One of the best thematical exhibits on the continet (first one based on southeast Asia and the second one on the water-world of Africa). Besides them both zoo's are great and you can have fun in it for whole day

[@stonefish1318]

8:37 the place were the destroyer of the neodinosaurs is born 😂

[@Surge92]

I was wondering when you were going to do an episode on Zoo Miami. I remember when Amazon and Beyond didn't even exist. The zoo has gradually become one of the best in the nation. Now, it just needs a proper reptile house.

[@heylookitsakook166]

About the Texas horned lizards, the zoo just sent 50 of them to Texas to be released in their native habitat!

[@job1ensis282]

Real conservation starts here! 🙏🏽Anything else just marketing

[@ThawZin-t1v]

Thank you for sharing dear friend and I watch from Myanmar 😊❤❤

[@Sonicfan323]

Excellent part 1. I’ve been a Miami native for all my life and been volunteering at the zoo since late 2022. I’ve seen changes to Amazon and Beyond but it’s still will leave you awe once you finish. Few notes I want to leave: I sometimes hang out in the plaza trying to show guests where the snake’s and lizards are. And had some staring contests with the horned lizards (guess who keeps beating me?) they are still intimidating yet still endangered in Texas. Fortunately we had some hatchlings and those guys have been sent back to Texas to be released to their native home. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to record the male Howler Monkey making noise while I was on a shift, and I thought the Siaming had the deepest but the howler sounded like a heavy metal frontman’s worst vocal rehearsal. Guess more people are more luckier than others. The cloud forest building did get some renovations and added an Eyelash Viper Statue somewhere in there. Glad you didn’t show all the terrariums or this video would go on a while longer. The Yellow Anaconda doesn’t get much attention due to it’s size compared to the bigger ones, and the Golden frogs are a must see. As for the Jaguar, this is the closest you might get to a big cat (until the tiger habitat expansion opens in the near future) Can’t wait for next video. Keep up the good work as always.

[@ryanosullivan7834]

Awesome tour 👍🏻😎 I actually saw you guys at animal con this weekend😂😂

[@wildandmagicalworldofflori8032]

This is a great start to a big time adventure to one of the best, if not THE BEST, South America themed exhibits in America's zoos. Compared to the other Florida zoos with South America themed exhibits, this is probably the most imersive, both with the tropical climate of Miami and the foliage. And I would definitely recommend this exhibit to any fans of reptiles, especially the venomous ones. Can't wait for part 2.

[@RaulHerrera-f2q]

This caught me by surprise. I was just there yesterday and the jaguar was right on the glass. It was so awesome! Keep it up!

[@tylerritchie7049]

The looks amazing I love the Amazon rainforest and would love to visit that place

[@dororexgaming4205]

one of my favorite things about this exhibit was a really unique species mix of Curlyhair Tarantula and Cuban Racer, never thought I'd see a tarantula and snake cohabitated.

[@noahm398]

This looks amazing! I’m definitely going to need to make a visit to Miami someday. I’d love to hear your unfiltered thoughts on the American Trail at the National Zoo.

[@ZooTours]

For the moment, the American Trail is my second favorite area at the DC Zoo behind Asia Trail. A lot of "local American focused" exhibits stick to grasslands / woodlands but DC's is a little more diverse. I love that it takes you through the wetlands, to the woods, and ends in the rocky coastal shores. It would have been featured on the channel by now but unfortunately some of the animals just didn't cooperate.

[@marioponce8482]

Got any thoughts about Brookfield Zoo’s Fragile Kingdom?

[@prehistoricvids2006]

Thank you for the review of Zoo Miami. As a current volunteer, I couldst assist you regarding any inquiries on our habitats & exhibitions.

[@PhillipNeumeier]

Lion Camp at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park On another note, I’m so glad you’re covering this area of Zoo Miami. I only had time to see the crocodiles, bats, and jaguars because the rest of my family were so hot when we visited.

[@ZooTours]

The second best lion habitat I've ever seen behind Omaha's. The size, the varied terrain, and the view... it's purrfect. I know not every zoo has the budget to make something like it, but SDZSP's Lion Camp is undoubtedly the standard.

[@ransonhorse534]

I love that Zoo! I’ve been there like several times.

[@philipcheung63]

How about… The Wildlife Explorers Base Camp, which is always one of my first stops?

[@ZooTours]

There will never be a Children's Zoo better than the Base Camp. I wouldn't even be mad if they charged extra admission it's just that good.

[@ArtistSince05]

Love this tour of Amazon and Beyond at Zoo Miami, Zach! As for my question: What is your thoughts of the World of Birds at the Bronx Zoo? (I know that the second floor is now open as of summer of this year since it was closed for two years for revamps to the ramps, but I would like to hear about your opinion about it since it’s one of my favorite bird exhibits of all time!)

[@ZooTours]

Even with an entire floor closed it's the undisputed champion of Bird Houses - at least in the states. As I mentioned in my Bronx Madagascar episode - the zoo is just so darn good as making even the smallest of spaces look like a true slice of nature. Congo wins at this on a larger scale, but collectively World of Birds is the best example of the zoo's design skills. I was impressed from the get go, but what really won me over was the last display. It was the first time I ever saw the barrier-less / contrast method used to display birds.

[@ArtistSince05]

@@ZooTours That’s awesome, Zach!

[@MrMarriageVid]

Honest thoughts on wonders of wildlife aquarium in Springfield MO

[@andrewedmonson8506]

I went 2 summers ago, had a blast. Some of the best themed exhibits

[@ZooTours]

I'm absolutely amazed just from a few photos alone. I really would like to make it out there but unfortunately based on where I'm located, it's in a "no mans land" of being too far to drive and not worth the connecting flights. Someday though.

[@Not_appletree]

What are your thoughts on urban jungle in San Diego zoo?

[@ZooTours]

You'd think the great, world famous San Diego Zoo wouldn't have such a glaring blemish in an otherwise beautiful facility. I've been a total of four times and I skipped it on my latest two visits. I know it's not a new exhibit but I can't quite wrap my head around what they were going for. Urban Jungle looks like a behind the scenes area that's open to the public, and as much as I'd like cover it on the channel, I wouldn't be able to hold my tongue. Same goes for half of the Asian Passage.

[@rjb_wildlife]

@@ZooTours Both of those attractions have been around since the mid 1900s, the bear canyon portion of Asian Passage have been around since the 1920s. From what I’m hearing both areas are going to be merged for a new expansion after Elephant Valley at the Safari Park.

[@mr.tonym.3968]

Toledo Zoo museum of science exhibits

[@ZooTours]

The most positively outside the box exhibit from personal experience. There are none or are only a handful of zones that do a better job at keeping the crowd engaged in every single room. I went back last weekend and was still just amazed. There are 5 times more poison dart frogs than there were a few years ago in the atrium and you really have to watch your step now.

[@mixelmusprime5275]

Technically, the only other zoo that I can think of that has a section dedicated to wild pigs is the casson pavilion at ZSL London zoo. It started out as an elephant and rhino house but once they got moved to ZSL Whipsnade zoo, it ended up housing multiple different animals which included domestic Bactrian camels, crested porcupines, pygmy hippos, Malayan tapirs, Reeve's muntjacs and even bearded pigs. Nowadays, it houses a family of red river hogs and Buru babirusas.

[@Shrock568]

I would like to hear your unfiltered thoughts on the Tennessee aquarium's Secrete reef and Undersea cavern.

[@Nissanghmohanbabu]

Carter Giraffe Building at Bronx Zoo along with African Savanna at the Oakland Zoo.

[@ZooTours]

The Giraffe building is on my list of "I could be in here for hours". It just seems so peaceful and reminds me of the days of getting solo time with giants (elephants, okapi and giraffes in Cincinnati's Elephant House). As for Oakland's African area, I can't really criticize it as all of the enclosures seemed to be decent sized... The lack of immersion just was a big reason why it didn't really catch my interest. Everything looked randomly placed, it wasn't well thought out and it's like the zoo was trying to fill in as much space as possible by putting a simple fence around an area and calling it a day. Filming the California Trail prevented me from filming anything else in the zoo to completion, but in all honesty, even in hindsight I still don't have any desire to.

[@Nissanghmohanbabu]

@@ZooTours What about Los Angeles Zoo’s Elephants of Asia?

[@curtisskinner3579]

A very cool place.

[@AllHailThrall]

I know you've done a video on it, and it's currently closed for renovation right now, but I want to know your unfiltered thoughts on the RainForest from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

[@KyzaRipper]

I would like to hear your thoughts on Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Wild Encounters. I currently work in that department, so I would love to hear all of your feedback.

[@StarGiraffinum]

What are your thoughts on the Virginia Zoo's World of Reptiles and Friends? Assuming you've seen it since you did go to the Virginia Zoo at least once on this channel.

[@briandrzewiecki5861]

Have you been to the Buffalo Zoo? I like their California Sea Lion exhibit.

[@AdamBashianBass]

Have you been to Dallas World aquarium? Excellent collection of animals

[@triciaizzo4825]

Your thought on gorilla falls trail at disneys animal kingdom

[@conorgreen9233]

Omaha’s Asian Highlands is one of my favorite exhibits I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I’d love to hear what you thought of it if you have been.

[@NightmareSkellington1993]

Ocean voyager at Georgia aquarium

[@ZooTours]

Even if the whale sharks weren't part of it, I think I would personally still consider Ocean Voyager the most awe-inspiring exhibit I've ever seen and most likely will ever see.

[@mariedufore8795]

Have you seen the Himalayan Trek at the Roger Williams Park Zoo?

[@ZooTours]

I think about this exhibit often, I think about the zoo often actually and would like to make it out there at least in 2026. Looks like a quality place, and obviously, I need to go there for the moon bear.

[@mariedufore8795]

It was originally called the Marco Polos adventure trek based off of the animals he might have seen during his adventures. It was the first zoo I went to

[@neilchace1858]

​@@ZooTours If the moon bear is your priority, I would prioritize going there ASAP- George (the remaining bear) turns 29 years old this year later this year, so may not still be with us in 2026, unfortunately. It's a great zoo regardless, though.​

[@chasechristophermurraydola9314]

Hi Zach what is your thoughts regarding elephant trek, siamang point which I know is not open yet and wolf woods at the Cincinnati zoo.

[@CCParabellum]

What are your thoughts on the renovated Pepper Family Wildlife Centre at Lincoln Park Zoo?

[@ZooTours]

I know some were a little upset that a few species were phased out as a result but I don't really think they could have made this any better. Feedings via zip-line, the size of two (typical) lion habitats, lions viewable from all angles including right above your head. We probably won't ever see anything like it again. It perfectly pays tribute to a historical building by retaining the old artistic aesthetics while also bringing it into the future. The only thing that needs changing (other than the other side of the building)... is the name.

[@joshuazerbel2495]

This looks like a fantastic exhibit but what’s even better it’s part of a three exhibit area can’t wait to see parts two and three of this amazing exhibit. Also for my exhibit what is your unfiltered thoughts on the African Savanna at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo?

[@ZooTours]

The best lion exhibit I've ever seen, and currently the best place to see baby elephant in the states. I love how it starts small with a kopje and only gets grander from there - and I love the use of elevation. It's not your typical flat savanna exhibit, and the zoo really took advantage of the landscape. Placing bongos in a forested hillside, and making sure the big cats have a view of the entire area. It's not as immersive as let's say Kilimanjaro or Heart of Africa but it's still a top 5 savanna exhibit in the nation.

[@joshuazerbel2495]

@@ZooTours Nice! Can’t wait to see it whenever I visit Omaha. Thank you!

[@Steveofthejungle8]

Thoughts on Urban Jungle in San Diego?

[@ceruskok4900]

You should go to Pairi Daiza! best zoo in Europe and great exhibits to review

[@lesliechu8879]

Mangasitka!! How about visiting the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona soon, Zak? And also, here are 5 zoo trivia questions for you & your girlfriend.... 1) What is the name of the last beluga whale that thrived in the Vancouver Aquarium years ago before passed away from old age? 2) How many years ago did the Sacramento Zoo originally house spotted hyenas? 3) What month & year did the Oakland Zoo's old female sun bear, Ting Ting, passed away from old age! 4) How many elephant calves does the Fresno Chaffee Zoo's African Elephant herd have this year? 5) How many years ago did the San Francisco Zoo bred King Richard the great horned owl before her death in 2012?

[@peytonedwards9387]

California trails at the Oakland zoo

[@ZooTours]

I haven't seen anything like it and I don't think I will ever see anything like it. It's practically perfect. I could see why some would be against the gondola only access (I know a few people who would refuse to get in one of those) but even the view alone of the Bay Area makes it worth it. Every zoo uses conservation as their message but the California Trail goes the extra mile and it's one of the few times a zoo exhibit truly made me feel like I need to take action... and the funny thing is, is the signage is fairly standard yet still impactful. Not to mention every animal has an immense amount of room to roam.

[@gerrysexton1503]

How about the zoo in Portland, Oregon?❤

[@austinhadfield]

ZT-what are your thoughts on the Lied Jungle at Omahas zoo? It’s my home zoo and they just remodeled their orangutan exhibit so hopefully I get to see an update video from you.

[@kibawolflve124]

Houston zoo Galapagos exhibit ? probably my favorite

[@ZooTours]

After coming across several instances of seeing zoos play off Amur leopards as African leopards - I was forever turned off by the idea of species representing another species unless it involved one that was extinct... then I saw the Galapagos. Every section just leaves you wanting more, and it's so well put together that it makes you completely forget you're not looking at animals (most of them) from the Galapagos. It also helps that the signage is upfront about this and gives at least one conservation reason as to why they made this decision for (almost) every animal. Someone commented on the episode that the video doesn't do it justice, and they are 100% correct.

[@kibawolflve124]

@@ZooToursthat was me actually lol it very true their a reason im a member

[@Antimony96]

Not a standard exhibit per se but thoughts on Philly's Zoo360? Both the original and the trend its sparked among other zoos, especially older city zoos with less room to expand.

[@stuffyclub4002]

What are your honest unfiltered thoughts on Point Defiance’s Pacific seas aquarium?

[@ScottEulenburg]

What are your thoughts on jungle trails at the cincinnati zoo

[@ZooTours]

I don't see it winning any awards if it were to open today but it's still one of Cincy's premiere areas and a personal favorite. It holds up after 31 years quality wise, the forest is denser than ever, the species list may not be what it used to be but... what is these days? At least they still have the aye-aye and got the ball rolling with a loris breeding program.

[@worldzerogaming3082]

Henry Doorly’s Kingdoms of the Night?

[@Ywabag]

Adventure bay at Columbus Zoo

[@ZooTours]

Even though I've seen far worse enclosures, Adventure Cove is undoubtedly the most disappointing exhibit I've ever seen. I expect something foolish like this to be pulled by the Indianapolis Zoo but Columbus almost has the standards of San Diego or Omaha, and yet opted to make something that looks like it was built in the 1920's. Heck, I could probably find images of habitats from the 1920's that were better than some of the ones in Adventure Cove. The zoo should be ashamed for even thinking that was a good idea, and at least 80% of it should be remodeled ASAP (and by ASAP, I mean 4 years ago).

[@LucasGoddard-fn9bb]

Chester zoo’s island exhibit

[@KrzysztofSadowy-f8l]

Thoughts on Toledo zoos polar bear enclosure?

[@ZooTours]

I'm sure at one point it was considered top of the line in some way but it's been showing its age over the last few years. I say that as someone who's seen the polar bear complexes in Columbus, North Carolina, and Detroit who not only gives their bears a good amount of space but access to more natural elements (grass, dirt, and even small forests). I don't really see the zoo expanding the habitat any time soon but it wouldn't hurt to add a little more natural substrate. I say all this... yet... Toledo seems to be one of like two institutions in America who actually knows how to breed them so obviously they are doing something right.

[@mattchu190]

Penguin encounter in sea world Orlando

[@morewi]

Brookfield zoo habitat africa. What is your opinion on it

[@ahhassan1]

The Herb and Nada Mahler Family Aviary at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

[@ZooTours]

I've avoided going back to Milwaukee until they completely bulldoze and flatten those bear grottoes. A giant chunk of the zoo is concrete, concrete, concrete and even their newer stuff doesn't live up to modern standards that I'm used to seeing across the country. However... if there was anything else that did make me want to return to MKE, it's the Aviary - the second best bird house I've personally visited (World of Birds, Bronx). I just wish the quality from the aviary carried over throughout the rest of the park.

[@thehomelesshippo]

Africa at the Detroit Zoo?

[@joshh9431]

Dallas World Aquarium?

[@ZooTours]

Even though I've never been, I think I've seen more than enough photos and videos to warrant an opinion. Just based on those alone, it appears DWA has the greatest collection of rarities in the US but... unless something has changed it also appears they are more concerned with displaying as many animals as it can and not taking quality and space into consideration. This opinion seems to be shared throughout much of the zoo community. Regardless, I do plan on making a visit next year to see it for myself.

[@otterlord5906]

Africa at Honolulu Zoo?

[@erikm8372]

08:15 Sorry to be graphic in my observation here… I just think that’s so random with those jaguars mating. If anyone didn’t know this incredible factoid (lol), cat penises are apparently shaped like hooks or something, or are studded with spikes, like a porcupine quill. This is why, if you’ve ever seen a nature documentary with lions, leopards, or any cats mating, the female will literally scream and try to attack the male when he "pulls out". 😆 Apparently it can’t be removed without pain, yet here we see the male is the one freaking out and vocalizing.. go figure.

[@davidwesley2525]

6:40 It's Too Bad that the Golden Toad from Costa Rica couldn't have been Collected & Saved from Extinction. 😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓😓

[@theimmigrant7953]

Houston Zoo’s Galápagos Islands