Home2024-03-29T11:08:02-04:00

HOURS

SUNDAY

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

MONDAY

CLOSED

TUESDAY – SATURDAY

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

HOLIDAYS

closed: thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter

ADMISSION

DAILY ADMISSION
CHILD (2-12 yrs) $9.95
ADULT (13 + yrs) $14.95
MILITARY DISCOUNT $1 OFF
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RATES
INDIVIDUAL $74.95
FAMILY $179.95

One or two adults and children 18 and under, all living in the same household

GRANDPARENT $179.95

One or two adults living in the same household, and grandchildren 18 and under

Visit God’s Creatures

UP-CLOSE & PERSONAL Animal Encounters

FEED

A

GIRAFFE

Don’t miss the chance to get up close with the world’s tallest animal at the zoo.

Feeding leaves to the giraffes is a must-do activity, or you can have a personal encounter and interact with them.

Per Person

$25

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

PET

A

SLOTH

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to hang around with a sloth? Slow down your day by feeding and petting our sloths. Don’t forget your camera.

First Person

$50

Second Person

$35

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

FEED

THE

BIRDS

Immerse yourself in a fantastic photo opportunity with our friendly, whimsical, and colorful birds.

For a more personal experience, purchase seed sticks to feed them. Interact with the birds and capture amazing pictures that will make for lasting memories.

TREAT

A

BEAR

Show the black bear some love by him giving some honey while learning about a bear’s life and habitat.

First Person

$65

Second Person

$50

Ages 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

HOP

WITH

A ROO

Enter the kangaroo enclosure and bounce around with the wallabies and kangaroos. A great experience for the whole family.

Per Person

$25

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

CHILL

WITH

PENGUINS

Get ready to have the excitement of being up close with penguins as they swim and fish. With the assistance of a zookeeper, you can lend a hand in feeding them.

Per Person

$50

Ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

LOVE A

GIANT

TORTOISE

Hang out with one of the biggest tortoises in the world. Feed and take pictures with an Aldabra tortoise born over a century ago.

Per Person

$25

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

HUG

A BOA

CONSTRICTOR

Experience this incredible snake’s mesmerizing beauty and strength while discovering fascinating facts about its species as its scales glide around you.

Per Person

$25

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

HOLD A

FLORIDA

ALLIGATOR

Here’s an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to hold an American Alligator and take a memorable photo. It’s an experience you definitely shouldn’t miss when you’re in Florida!

Per Person

$25

Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Featured events

2024-03-26T08:22:13-04:00

Zoo Camp

Are you up for a wild adventure?

Join us to discover the daily responsibilities of caring for the zoo’s animals. Campers will interact with Zookeepers and resident animals to learn about animal diets, enrichment, and more.

There are summer sessions available for kids aged 7-11 in June and July. The first two sessions are from June 18-21 and June 25-28. The third session is from July 9-12. Older kids can join a session from July 16-19. All sessions start at 9:30 am and end at 1:00 pm.

The cost of registration for each camper is $225. This fee covers all activities, necessary supplies, one daily snack, a reusable water bottle, a backpack, a notebook, and a Zoo Camp t-shirt.

Camp Dates

  • June 18–21 (ages 7-11)

  • June 25–28 (ages 7-11)
  • July 9-12 (ages 7-11)
  • July 16-19 (ages 7-15)

Registration Cost: $225

(Each Camper)

Camp Details

  • A positive attitude and a sense of curiosity!
  • Clothes that can get a little dirty.
  • A nutritious lunch in a labeled lunch box.
  • Electronics, game cards, money, collectibles, and jewelry.
  • Fireworks, lighters, or other dangerous or inappropriate items.
  • Teen and adult volunteers assist our Camp Staff throughout the day.
  • Class sizes are kept small, averaging ten students per teacher and volunteer.
  • Zoo Camp is a safe, respectful, accepting, and courteous place for all.
  • Corrective action will be taken for behavior that does not meet these expectations.
  • Zoo Camp occurs rain or shine.
  • Campers will spend a lot of time having fun outdoors, so come with sun protection.
  • Please disclose all food and environmental allergies to Camp Staff.
  • Traces of nuts may be found where animal feedings and demonstrations occur.
  • First Aid will be administered for minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, and insect bites by First Aid Staff.
  • Campers must be free of all symptoms of illness for 24 hours before attending Zoo Camp.
  • Parents will be notified immediately if signs of illness appear.
  • For the safety of all, direct contact with Zoo exhibit animals is rarely possible.
  • The Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Please be prompt in drop-off and pick-up

Plan your next event with us

Birthday Parties

Looking to make your child’s special day unforgettable?

We’ve got you covered with our party package – an animal encounter for the birthday child, petting zoo food for all guests, and reserved tables for your party. The package costs just $50, plus admission for guests. Adult tickets are $14.95 and children’s tickets are $9.95. Make memorable moments with us!

*Please note that annual passes do not apply

Field Trips

Welcome to our outdoor classroom! You can book a field trip with us any time of the year.

  • Minimum of 20 Students – $8.95 each (includes a feed bag for the petting zoo)
  • Teachers and bus drivers – Free of charge
  • Chaperones and siblings – Regular price
  • Enjoy your lunch in our picnic area

Home School rates are $9.95 per person, with a group minimum of 20.

Reserve the zoo

Looking for a unique venue to host your special event? Consider Emerald Coast Zoo!

We offer private event rentals after regular open hours, perfect for company picnics, troop events, private parties, and more. You can bring your food or have it catered to your liking. Pricing starts at $500, and for those interested in overnight camping events, prices start at $800.

PLEASE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS (850) 682-3949

Please email for more information: info@emeraldcoastzoo.com

About Us

It’s a WILD World

Star of the A&E show Wild Transport, Rick the Reptile Guy, has entertained millions on TV and performed shows all over the US. Now, he and his wife Sara and three kids have brought their skills, talents, and passion to the Emerald Coast. In late 2017, Rick and his family packed their belongings in a camper and moved from Cocoa Beach to Crestview, Florida, to fulfill a life-long dream.

Rick, Sara, and their three kids are passionate about caring for the animals of God’s creation, as well as educating others on their unique characteristics. After living all over the United States, they are thrilled to be able to share that passion with the zoo’s visitors and to make their home in Crestview.

Learn more about our story…2023-10-17T16:59:05-04:00

1989

Debbie Mattox established the Sasquatch Zoo. It all began with a canoe ride on the Shoal River, where Debbie was accompanied by a spider monkey. However, due to the river flooding, Debbie had to relocate her animals to higher ground near Highway 90, the zoo’s present-day location.

2017

We bought a zoo!! It was time to pass the torch, and the de Ridder Family stepped up to the challenge. They moved onto the zoo property, renamed it Emerald Coast Zoo, and are now devoted to sharing their love for animal care with the community.

2022

Debbie still educates the community on animal conservation through her dedication and hard work at the zoo. The de Ridder family is also working tirelessly towards their lifelong dream of making the zoo an incredible place for animals and visitors.

Present

The Emerald Coast Zoo is constantly growing and drawing in visitors from across the nation. We’re building new exhibits and providing a home to even more animals. To God be the Glory!

FAQ’S

How long does it take to see the zoo?2023-09-27T13:10:33-04:00

Visitors typically spend 2 hours enjoying the zoo.

How long does my Annual Membership Last?2023-09-27T13:11:09-04:00

Annual Passes are good for one year from the purchase date.

Can I bring food to the zoo?2023-09-27T13:11:46-04:00

Yes, you may. We offer beverages, light snacks, and ice cream at our Snack Shack.

Are pets allowed in the zoo?2023-09-27T13:12:18-04:00

We allow pets on a leash under the control of their owner. Be advised that some free-range animals are roaming the grounds and should not be chased.

Is smoking or vaping permitted in the zoo?2023-09-27T13:13:15-04:00

The zoo is a smoke-free facility. Smoking and vaping are permitted in the parking lot.

Do you rent wheelchairs, wagons, or strollers?2023-09-27T13:14:17-04:00

Wagons and golf carts are available for those in need. They can be rented at the gift shop.

How much is the parking?2023-09-27T13:14:55-04:00

Parking is always free.

What happens if it rains?2023-09-27T13:15:29-04:00

The zoo is open rain or shine unless conditions are hazardous. This is an outdoor park. Refunds and rain checks are not offered for inclement weather.

Does the Zoo Close during the winter?2023-09-27T13:16:09-04:00

We do not; we are open year-round.

Contact Us

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