We wanted to take our daughter to a zoo for her 5th birthday and someone suggested we try the Brevard Zoo. We were disappointed that we did. It looks like it could be a nice zoo, but it was severely lacking in zoo animals. I'm told that they have giraffes that you can feed from the tall walkway, but it was overcast the day we went and they were nowhere to be found. A passerby said the giraffes go into a building when lightning is a threat, which is understandable. But since FL is called the lightning capital of the world, I believe there should be a viewing area where visitors can still see them inside the building. The only large animals we got to see were 2 rhinos and some kangaroos. No lions, tigers, bears, elephants or even zebra here. Oh and the $3.00 train ride that goes around the bend and returns was not worth it, but we did see 3 bunny rabbits.

My husband and I just visited the Brevard Zoo and we absolutely loved it! Generally, we don't go to zoos, because we don't like to see the animals in concrete and steel. However, Brevard Zoo is a quiet, natural habitat-type of zoo that is calming for visitors and the animals. We we able to feed parrots and deer and kayak only a few feet from giraffes and lemurs. It is an inexpensive, unique way to spend a day or an afternoon. If you go and are able, definitely go on the kayaks. Our tour guide, Mary, was very knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time!

The zoo here is quite small, so don't expect for a visit to take more than a couple of hours, even if you stop to eat lunch. The train ride is horribly boring, and you don't see any animals, so don't waste your money. The food is mediocre at best, so don't come too hungry. The animals are great though, and presented well, and the staff is very friendly.

Recently returned from a 1/2 business - 1/2 pleasure trip to Orlando. We had our two small children in tow, and decided on only hitting WDW one day. (Smart choice for us!) While looking for other ideas of things to do with a couple of toddlers, I recalled reading about Brevard Zoo. We took a 1 hour trip East from Orlando toward Melbourne, and before we knew it, we had arrived.

NOTE: The zoo is fairly easy to find, and well signed from the highway - with the exception of the OFF RAMP! No sign at all! If heading South on I-95, turn left (East) to get to the zoo.

The zoo is small, don't expect it to take all day, however, the place is laid out very nicely in a "wheel & spoke" format. The giraffe area is fantastic, and you can feed them for a few dollars. The petting / play area is also very good for small kids. I was so impressed with the maintained - yet wild look to the landscaping, it really set the tone to the "safari" like theme of the park.

We purchased a family membership for $65.00, as opposed to seperate one day admissions which would have run our family about $30.00. This allows us to visit out two local zoos free all year long as well as 175 other zoos in the country!

If your looking for a laid-back day in Eastern Florida, I highly recommend Brevard zoo.