Zoo Miami / May 18, 2017

Zoo Miami

Outside the Entrance to Zoo Miami

Outside the Entrance to Zoo Miami

Outside the Entrance to Zoo Miami

[B]

Zoo Miami

[B]

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance. [B]

Zoo Miami

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) lives in North and Central America and is one of the largest of the eight true species of pelicans. It is different from other pelicans in that it does not drop from great heights to catch its prey; it simply floats along the water and scoops up fish with its enormous bill. Several pelicans may fish cooperatively, moving into a circle to concentrate fish, and then dipping their heads under simultaneously to catch fish. During mating season, the male develops a fibrous plate on the upper part of the beak. This is a unique characteristic of the White Pelican. If you are so inclined, you will find an in-depth description of the White Pelican at John James Audubon's Birds of America.

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) lives in North and Central America and is one of the largest of the eight true species of pelicans. It is different from other pelicans in that it does not drop from great heights to catch its prey; it simply floats along the water and scoops up fish with its enormous bill. Several pelicans may fish cooperatively, moving into a circle to concentrate fish, and then dipping their heads under simultaneously to catch fish. During mating season, the male develops a fibrous plate on the upper part of the beak. This is a unique characteristic of the White Pelican. If you are so inclined, you will find an in-depth description of the White Pelican at John James Audubon's Birds of America.

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) lives in North and Central America and is one of the largest of the eight true species of pelicans. It is different from other pelicans in that it does not drop from great heights to catch its prey; it simply floats along the water and scoops up fish with its enormous bill. Several pelicans may fish cooperatively, moving into a circle to concentrate fish, and then dipping their heads under simultaneously to catch fish. During mating season, the male develops a fibrous plate on the upper part of the beak. This is a unique characteristic of the White Pelican. If you are so inclined, you will find an in-depth description of the White Pelican at John James Audubon's Birds of America.

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) lives in North and Central America and is one of the largest of the eight true species of pelicans. It is different from other pelicans in that it does not drop from great heights to catch its prey; it simply floats along the water and scoops up fish with its enormous bill. Several pelicans may fish cooperatively, moving into a circle to concentrate fish, and then dipping their heads under simultaneously to catch fish. During mating season, the male develops a fibrous plate on the upper part of the beak. This is a unique characteristic of the White Pelican. If you are so inclined, you will find an in-depth description of the White Pelican at John James Audubon's Birds of America.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground. [B]

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground. [B]

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground. [B]

Bobcats - Spot and Not in Florida: Mission Everglades

For nearly two years, Spot and Not greeted visitors at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that cares for wild animals that have been injured, displaced, or orphaned. The two arrived at the animal refuge near north Scottsdale, AZ as kittens in 2014 and were already "imprinted" to people. The Bobcats were taken from their mother by people who tried to keep them as pets and their wild instincts were replaced with a reliance on human help and affection.Even with their long claws and sharp teeth, the Bobcats had become too friendly to go back into the wild. Instead, Spot and Not have found a new home at Zoo Miami, where they'll enjoy a larger habitat and more human interaction.The most common wildcat in North America, the Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is named for its short, bobbed tail. They are medium-sized cats and are slightly smaller but similar in appearance to their cousin, the Lynx. Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.

Bobcats - Spot and Not in Florida: Mission Everglades

For nearly two years, Spot and Not greeted visitors at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that cares for wild animals that have been injured, displaced, or orphaned. The two arrived at the animal refuge near north Scottsdale, AZ as kittens in 2014 and were already "imprinted" to people. The Bobcats were taken from their mother by people who tried to keep them as pets and their wild instincts were replaced with a reliance on human help and affection.Even with their long claws and sharp teeth, the Bobcats had become too friendly to go back into the wild. Instead, Spot and Not have found a new home at Zoo Miami, where they'll enjoy a larger habitat and more human interaction.The most common wildcat in North America, the Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is named for its short, bobbed tail. They are medium-sized cats and are slightly smaller but similar in appearance to their cousin, the Lynx. Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.

Bobcats - Spot and Not in Florida: Mission Everglades

For nearly two years, Spot and Not greeted visitors at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that cares for wild animals that have been injured, displaced, or orphaned. The two arrived at the animal refuge near north Scottsdale, AZ as kittens in 2014 and were already "imprinted" to people. The Bobcats were taken from their mother by people who tried to keep them as pets and their wild instincts were replaced with a reliance on human help and affection.Even with their long claws and sharp teeth, the Bobcats had become too friendly to go back into the wild. Instead, Spot and Not have found a new home at Zoo Miami, where they'll enjoy a larger habitat and more human interaction.The most common wildcat in North America, the Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is named for its short, bobbed tail. They are medium-sized cats and are slightly smaller but similar in appearance to their cousin, the Lynx. Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.

Bobcats - Spot and Not in Florida: Mission Everglades

For nearly two years, Spot and Not greeted visitors at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that cares for wild animals that have been injured, displaced, or orphaned. The two arrived at the animal refuge near north Scottsdale, AZ as kittens in 2014 and were already "imprinted" to people. The Bobcats were taken from their mother by people who tried to keep them as pets and their wild instincts were replaced with a reliance on human help and affection.Even with their long claws and sharp teeth, the Bobcats had become too friendly to go back into the wild. Instead, Spot and Not have found a new home at Zoo Miami, where they'll enjoy a larger habitat and more human interaction.The most common wildcat in North America, the Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is named for its short, bobbed tail. They are medium-sized cats and are slightly smaller but similar in appearance to their cousin, the Lynx. Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.

Bobcats - Spot and Not in Florida: Mission Everglades

For nearly two years, Spot and Not greeted visitors at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that cares for wild animals that have been injured, displaced, or orphaned. The two arrived at the animal refuge near north Scottsdale, AZ as kittens in 2014 and were already "imprinted" to people. The Bobcats were taken from their mother by people who tried to keep them as pets and their wild instincts were replaced with a reliance on human help and affection.Even with their long claws and sharp teeth, the Bobcats had become too friendly to go back into the wild. Instead, Spot and Not have found a new home at Zoo Miami, where they'll enjoy a larger habitat and more human interaction.The most common wildcat in North America, the Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is named for its short, bobbed tail. They are medium-sized cats and are slightly smaller but similar in appearance to their cousin, the Lynx. Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.

Bobcats - Spot and Not in Florida: Mission Everglades

For nearly two years, Spot and Not greeted visitors at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary that cares for wild animals that have been injured, displaced, or orphaned. The two arrived at the animal refuge near north Scottsdale, AZ as kittens in 2014 and were already "imprinted" to people. The Bobcats were taken from their mother by people who tried to keep them as pets and their wild instincts were replaced with a reliance on human help and affection.Even with their long claws and sharp teeth, the Bobcats had become too friendly to go back into the wild. Instead, Spot and Not have found a new home at Zoo Miami, where they'll enjoy a larger habitat and more human interaction.The most common wildcat in North America, the Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is named for its short, bobbed tail. They are medium-sized cats and are slightly smaller but similar in appearance to their cousin, the Lynx. Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.

Florida: Mission Everglades in Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Bald Eagle in Florida: Mission Everglades

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with its snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. These regal birds aren’t really bald, but their white-feathered heads gleam in contrast to their chocolate-brown body and wings. It is the only eagle unique to North America. Sadly, the bird was nearly wiped out. For many decades, Bald Eagles were hunted for sport and for the "protection" of fishing grounds. Protection under the Endangered Species Act, together with reintroduction programs, brought populations up, and the species was reclassified as Threatened in 1995. By 1999, some were suggesting that Bald Eagles could be removed from the endangered species list, and they were delisted in June 2007—a true conservation success.

Bald Eagle in Florida: Mission Everglades

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with its snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. These regal birds aren’t really bald, but their white-feathered heads gleam in contrast to their chocolate-brown body and wings. It is the only eagle unique to North America. Sadly, the bird was nearly wiped out. For many decades, Bald Eagles were hunted for sport and for the "protection" of fishing grounds. Protection under the Endangered Species Act, together with reintroduction programs, brought populations up, and the species was reclassified as Threatened in 1995. By 1999, some were suggesting that Bald Eagles could be removed from the endangered species list, and they were delisted in June 2007—a true conservation success.

Bald Eagle in Florida: Mission Everglades

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with its snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. These regal birds aren’t really bald, but their white-feathered heads gleam in contrast to their chocolate-brown body and wings. It is the only eagle unique to North America. Sadly, the bird was nearly wiped out. For many decades, Bald Eagles were hunted for sport and for the "protection" of fishing grounds. Protection under the Endangered Species Act, together with reintroduction programs, brought populations up, and the species was reclassified as Threatened in 1995. By 1999, some were suggesting that Bald Eagles could be removed from the endangered species list, and they were delisted in June 2007—a true conservation success.

Bald Eagle in Florida: Mission Everglades

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with its snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. These regal birds aren’t really bald, but their white-feathered heads gleam in contrast to their chocolate-brown body and wings. It is the only eagle unique to North America. Sadly, the bird was nearly wiped out. For many decades, Bald Eagles were hunted for sport and for the "protection" of fishing grounds. Protection under the Endangered Species Act, together with reintroduction programs, brought populations up, and the species was reclassified as Threatened in 1995. By 1999, some were suggesting that Bald Eagles could be removed from the endangered species list, and they were delisted in June 2007—a true conservation success.

Bald Eagle in Florida: Mission Everglades

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with its snowy-feathered (not bald) head and white tail, has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that. These regal birds aren’t really bald, but their white-feathered heads gleam in contrast to their chocolate-brown body and wings. It is the only eagle unique to North America. Sadly, the bird was nearly wiped out. For many decades, Bald Eagles were hunted for sport and for the "protection" of fishing grounds. Protection under the Endangered Species Act, together with reintroduction programs, brought populations up, and the species was reclassified as Threatened in 1995. By 1999, some were suggesting that Bald Eagles could be removed from the endangered species list, and they were delisted in June 2007—a true conservation success. [B]

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground. [B]

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

American Alligator in Florida: Mission Everglades

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) resides nearly exclusively in the freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes of the southeastern United States, primarily Florida and Louisiana.

Rope Crossover in Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Florida: Mission Everglades

Florida: Mission Everglades encourages residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard. This exhibit is a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more. About 60 species of animals are represented, and the exhibit highlights the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild. Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit also features a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through “tunnel” at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground.

Gopher Tortoise in Florida: Mission Everglades

The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a dry-land turtle that usually lives in relatively well-drained, sandy soils generally associated with longleaf pine and dry oak sandhills. It also lives in scrub, dry hammock, pine flatwoods, dry prairie, coastal grasslands and dunes, mixed hardwood-pine communities, and a variety of habitats that have been disturbed or altered by man, such as power line rights-of-way, and along roadsides.Gopher tortoises grow to be up to 15 inches long and weigh from eight to 15 pounds. With their strong elephant-like back legs and front feet specialized for digging, they are well-adapted to burrowing. The burrows provide gopher tortoises with protection from predators and from the elements by maintaining a fairly constant environment inside. They are most active in the warmer months but spend most of their lives in their burrows. Each tortoise will dig and use many burrows throughout the active season. The burrows can vary from three to 52 feet long and nine to 23 feet deep. For more information on the Gopher Tortoise, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife website.Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Burrowing Owl in Florida: Mission Everglades

A Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, sandy colored owl with bright-yellow eyes. It lives underground in burrows it has dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. These owls live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.

Burrowing Owl in Florida: Mission Everglades

A Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, sandy colored owl with bright-yellow eyes. It lives underground in burrows it has dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. These owls live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.

Burrowing Owl in Florida: Mission Everglades

A Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, sandy colored owl with bright-yellow eyes. It lives underground in burrows it has dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. These owls live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.

Burrowing Owl in Florida: Mission Everglades

A Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, sandy colored owl with bright-yellow eyes. It lives underground in burrows it has dug themselves or taken over from a prairie dog, ground squirrel, or tortoise. These owls live in grasslands, deserts, and other open habitats, where they hunt mainly insects and rodents. Their numbers have declined sharply with human alteration of their habitat and the decline of prairie dogs and ground squirrels.