Jungle Island

Jungle Island, Miami’s premier entertainment destination, combines the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of extraordinary animals from around the globe. Building upon its rich 75-year history, today’s Jungle Island is a contemporary theme park, featuring extremely rare twin orangutans, the world’s largest cat, the liger, and over 300 vibrant birds, including the world’s only trained Cassowary .

Jungle Island began its history in 1936 as Parrot Jungle. Created by Franz Scherr with the idea of an attraction where birds could “fly free,” Parrot Jungle was originally located in south Miami and was known primarily its wide array of exotic birds including Pinky, the high-wire bicycle riding cockatoo, and our world-famous pink flamingos who have been prominently featured in the opening credits of television’s Miami Vice.

The park has evolved over the years under the direction of its current owners who purchased the park in 1988. After Hurricane Andrew, the owners set their sights on continuing to develop the park on Watson Island. After construction was completed in 2003, the Watson Island location opened for business as Parrot Jungle Island.

The evolution of the Jungle has led to the renaming of the park as Jungle Island to better encompass the wide variety of animals, plants and activities available.

Jungle Island lives up to its name with unusual flora, from the extraordinary African sausage tree to a collection of rare cycads. Visitors to Jungle Island can stroll along the 1.35 miles of winding, covered trails while enjoying the many special exhibits, attractions and tours that are available. As Miami’s brightest and most unique destination, Jungle Island continues to delight the thousands of people who visit Miami each year.