Zoological Wildlife Foundation

About Zoological Wildlife Foundation

The Zoological Wildlife Foundation, often shortened to ZWF, is a zoo at 16225 SW 172 Ave in Miami, Florida. According to its website, the foundation is dedicated to educating the public about rare and endangered animal species in captivity and in the wild. The foundation describes the Miami site as a five-acre zoo offering guided wildlife tours that include hands-on encounters.

The foundation describes itself as self-funded and says that events, tours and animal adoptions help it provide for its animals. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Visits are by reservation only. There is no walk-up general admission; every visit is a guided tour or encounter booked in advance.

History

According to the foundation's About page, ZWF was founded in 2000 by Mario and Maria Tabraue, described there as a Cuban-American couple who met over a shared passion for animals. The page says Mario Tabraue has more than 20 years of experience working with animals.

Exhibits and habitats

The foundation's animals page lists the following species. Big cats include the Amur leopard, golden tabby tiger, black and spotted jaguars, liger, lion, royal white Bengal tiger, serval and white African lion. Primates include capuchin monkeys, a Celebes macaque, tufted capuchins and black-and-white lemurs. Other mammals include the African crested porcupine, Asian small-clawed otter, lesser anteater and two-toed sloth. Birds and reptiles include the American alligator, citron-crested cockatoo, Eurasian eagle owl and flamingo.

According to the facilities page, a tour walks the grounds with several stops, at which the guide discusses the conservation status of each animal. The same page says guests may feed capybaras, lemurs and toucans, among other animals.

Conservation and programs

The foundation's website groups its programs into several areas:

• Tours. The ZWF VIP Jungle Experience, General Wildlife Experience, ZWF Wildlife Presentation, Special Wildlife Experience, Primate Experience, Serval Encounter and Primate Encounter are listed as bookable tour types.
• Events. Onsite events, private parties, field trips, a ZWF To You outreach option and wildlife gardens.
• Support. Animal adoption, wildlife conservation, sponsorships, donations and a volunteer program.

The foundation says it hosts events throughout the year to raise awareness, and that it aims to educate people about the conservation and preservation of exotic wildlife.

Planning your visit

As listed on the foundation's website, tours run Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by reservation only, and the office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and require completed releases and waivers. Guests must show a valid photo ID matching the reservation name at check-in, and children under 17 must be accompanied by a paying parent or legal guardian. The website notes that the animals offered for interaction vary with each animal's health, size and temperament, and suggests calling ahead if a visit is planned around a specific encounter.

Activities are final sale; the website says cancellations receive a certificate for the amount paid. Blackout dates are listed for a number of holidays. A late fee applies to guests who arrive late for a scheduled tour. Ticket details and current policies are on the foundation's website.