Singer Island vacationers with a love of nature may want to visit the nearby Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
The zoo, which is about 13 miles south of Singer Island, has more than 550 animals and 190 species including tigers, jaguars, komodo dragons, bears and panthers.
Special events during the year include an annual Zoo Lights illumination with more than 1 million eco-friendly lights. Zoo Lights takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night the zoo is open from the end of November to the end of December.
Animal Experiences
Palm Beach Zoo offers a series of “animal experiences” to give visitors close contact with some of the most interesting animals in nature. The animals in these experiences include koalas, Aldabra tortoises, sloths, flamingos, giant anteaters and capybaras.
For example, the koala experience takes place at noon Fridays through Tuesdays.
“Palm Beach Zoo earns bragging rights as the first place in the U.S. to offer the chance to get this close to Queensland koalas,” the zoo says. Enjoy the smell of eucalyptus, learn fun facts about Oz & Katherine, even take a selfie to share on social.”
Visitors may touch or feed some of the animals but not others. In the case of the koala, the zoologist holds the animal.
Animal experiences require a separate fee. Visitors must register for the experience in advance.
Directions, Prices and Hours
The zoo at 1301 Summit Boulevard is about a 20-mile drive south of Singer Island. The quickest route is usually Route 708 west out of Singer Island to I-95 South.
Take exit 68 at Southern Boulevard, go east to Parker Avenue and turn right. Drive on Parker until Summit and turn right again. The zoo is one block ahead.
Tickets are $24.95 for teens and adults, $22.95 for seniors, $18.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and younger. Prices are subject to change at any time.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 363 days a year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.