Miami Metrozoo houses more than 900 wild animals in a 290-acre cage-less environment. Many people who shudder at the thought of big animals trapped in small cages will be happy to find some of the world"s most endangered wildlife roaming in huge open spaces at the metrozoo.

This is the only zoo in the continental U.S. located in a subtropical climate. Here you"ll find more than 260 species of fauna, including flamingos, chinchillas, giraffes, koalas, kangaroos, Komodo dragons, wart hogs, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, Himalayan black bears, unusual white tigers, and other exotic creatures.

Attractions include:

• PAWS - Children's petting zoo allows kids to touch pot-bellied pigs, deer, and other tame creatures. Also includes an ecology theater.
• Education Programs - camps for kids, family sleep-overs, and after-school programs.
• Asian River Life - jungle exhibit includes aviary with over 50 species of Asian birds.
• African Plains - giraffes, zebras and ostriches coexist in a natural habitat.
• Monorail Tours - climate controlled vehicle traverses the 290-acre park
• Live animal shows - three times daily
• The Field Research Center, located at the entrance of the exhibit, includes an actual dig pit, interpretive displays and a short film exploring the links between the feathered creatures and their scaley ancestors.
• playgrounds
• gorilla family exhibit
• rare white Bengal tigers
• Komodo Dragon
• Koala Bears
• Monorail Safari
• Elephant Rides

Miami Metrozoo
12400 SW - 152nd St, Miami; , 305-251-0400;
Open Dialy: Hours 9:30AM-5:30PM.
Location: Exit 16 of Florida's Turnpike (SW 152nd Street/Coral Reef Drive). Take two right turns, and go about 3/4 mile to SW 124th Avenue. Zoo will be on the left.

Zoological Society of Florida

New in May 2003, new 50,000-square-foot aviary Wings of Asia, the Western Hemisphere's largest open-air Asian aviary, replaces the zoo's original aviary, which was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

The exhibit resembles ancient ruins, complete with decaying walls, babbling streams and an Asian temple, and should withstand winds of a category 5 hurricane. A tent-like, iron-mesh netting covers the free-flight area. The designers focused on replicating natural systems, and visitors can now enjoy waterfalls; an underwater viewing area complete with ducks, fish and turtles; three observation levels; and the exhibition of many birds in their natural flocks.