Its a great place to take a break from the beach and create lasting family memories! ZooWorld Zoological Park, located in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida is home to exotic animals from all over the world and you won’t need binoculars to see them! Pet a sloth, kiss a kangaroo, feed a giraffe, meet a lemur…or even pet a porcupine!
Discover ZooWorld Zoological Park in Panama City Beach, FL
Looking to take a break from the beach and add a wild twist to your Panama City Beach vacation? ZooWorld Zoological Park offers a refreshing change of pace, combining adventure, education, and close-up encounters with exotic animals in one unforgettable destination. Conveniently located at 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL, this family-friendly attraction invites guests to experience wildlife in a truly personal way.
An Interactive Zoo Experience Like No Other
ZooWorld is not your traditional zoo. Instead of watching animals from afar, visitors are encouraged to step into the action with hands-on encounters that allow for a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether you’re petting a sloth, feeding a giraffe, or sharing a moment with a playful lemur, every experience here is crafted to be both memorable and educational.
This immersive approach sets ZooWorld apart, making it a must-visit spot for families, animal lovers, and curious travelers alike.
Top Animal Encounters and Attractions
🦥 Sloth Encounters
Feel the soft fur and gentle nature of one of the world’s slowest mammals during an up-close sloth interaction — a favorite among guests.
🦘 Kangaroo Kisses & Cuddles
Meet the park’s adorable kangaroos, with opportunities to pet, cuddle, or snap the perfect photo with one of these iconic marsupials.
🦒 Giraffe Feeding
Stand eye-to-eye with a giraffe as you offer it a snack — a rare and awe-inspiring experience.
🐒 Lemur Interactions
Get acquainted with some of the most energetic and curious residents of the zoo in a lemur encounter that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
🐊 Allapattah Swamp
Explore a habitat home to over 80 American alligators. This renovated zone brings you closer than ever (safely) to these powerful reptiles.
🦜 Budgie Bush Aviary
Walk through a tropical, free-flight aviary where colorful budgies soar freely — many will land on your hand or shoulder if you’re patient!
🦡 Capybara Cuddles
Meet “Coconut,” the capybara, and learn about this charming giant rodent while enjoying a gentle interaction.
🐐 Petting Zoo Area
Ideal for young visitors, this classic zoo favorite allows hands-on time with ponies, deer, goats, pigs, and even camels.
🦁 Wanyama Pori Africa Exhibit
Step into this award-winning African-themed habitat featuring majestic lions and curious hyenas in beautifully landscaped enclosures.
🐻 Black Bear Habitat
Observe North America’s native black bears as they roam and relax in a naturalistic exhibit designed to reflect their wild environment.
🐾 Other Notable Residents
ZooWorld is also home to monkeys, otters, meerkats, guinea pigs, tortoises, rheas, and rare Asian wild dogs—each living in habitats tailored for their comfort and care.
Why Visit ZooWorld?
ZooWorld combines entertainment, education, and conservation, offering more than just a zoo visit. It’s a place where kids and adults alike can gain a new appreciation for animals from around the globe — all while supporting ethical animal care practices and community education.
Whether you’re feeding a giraffe, laughing with lemurs, or learning about wildlife conservation, every moment at ZooWorld is designed to be unforgettable. It’s a top-tier destination for those seeking something different during their Panama City Beach adventure.
FAQs
Q1: What makes ZooWorld unique compared to other zoos?
A: ZooWorld focuses heavily on interactive animal encounters, allowing visitors to get much closer to the animals. You can participate in unique experiences like petting a sloth, kissing a kangaroo, feeding a giraffe, or meeting a lemur, ensuring you won’t need binoculars to see them!
Q2: What types of animals and interactive experiences are available?
A: ZooWorld is home to over 260 exotic animals, including lions, hyenas, black bears, monkeys, alligators, various birds, and more. Unique interactive experiences (often at an additional cost) include petting a sloth, cuddling a kangaroo, holding an alligator, feeding giraffes, and interacting with lemurs or even a porcupine.
Q3: What are ZooWorld’s operating hours and admission prices?
A: ZooWorld is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last admission at 3:00 PM. It’s closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. General admission is $19.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, and $13.95 for children aged 2-12. Children under 2 are free.
Q4: Do I need to book animal encounters in advance?
A: Yes, due to their popularity and limited availability, it’s highly recommended to book any desired animal adventures or encounters ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss out on these unique experiences.
Q5: Where is ZooWorld located?
A: ZooWorld Zoological Park is conveniently located at 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.