Jungle Island facts for kids
Jungle Island along the MacArthur Causeway
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| Date opened | December 20, 1936 (as Parrot Jungle) June 28, 2003 (at current location) |
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| Location | Miami, Florida |
| Coordinates | 25°47′10″N 80°10′27″W / 25.78611°N 80.17417°W |
Jungle Island is an exciting eco-adventure park located on Watson Island in Miami, Florida, United States. It was once known as Parrot Jungle. The park has recently reopened after big renovations. These changes were needed because Hurricane Irma caused some damage.
Today, Jungle Island offers many fun new attractions. You can enjoy pop-up waterslides and an outdoor wind tunnel that lets you feel like you're flying. There are also zip lines, challenging escape rooms, and a Nerf battle stadium.
The park first opened as Parrot Jungle in a different part of Florida. It moved to its current spot near downtown Miami in 2003. At that time, it was called Parrot Jungle Island. In 2007, the park changed its name again to what it is today: Jungle Island.
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The History of Jungle Island
Parrot Jungle started as a special animal park south of Miami. It covered about 20 acres of land.
The park was founded in 1936 by Francis "Franz" and Louise Scherr. It is one of the oldest tourist spots in the Miami area. Franz Scherr got the idea to start his own park after visiting another animal attraction. He wanted to create a place where birds could fly freely.
Scherr rented 20 acres of natural land. He built a winding nature trail through the coral rock and plants. The park officially opened on December 20, 1936. About 100 visitors came that day. Each person paid 25 cents to see the birds, trees, and flowers.
Since it opened, millions of people have visited Parrot Jungle. Famous visitors included Sir Winston Churchill, film director Steven Spielberg, and former US President Jimmy Carter.
In 1988, Bern Levine bought Parrot Jungle from the Scherr family. The original park site was later bought by the Village of Pinecrest in 2002. This area is now a public park called Pinecrest Gardens. The original Parrot Jungle site was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
The animal park then moved to its new home on Watson Island in 2003. It opened as Parrot Jungle Island. In 2007, the park officially became Jungle Island.
Exciting Features and Animals
In 2003, Jungle Island was home to about 3,000 animals. This included 1,000 different types of parrots!
One of the park's most famous spots is the Jungle Theater. It has large sails covering the arena. Here, you can watch shows featuring big cats and other wildlife. Hercules, a huge 900-pound liger (a mix between a lion and a tiger), lives near this theater.
At the Parrot Bowl, the "Winged Wonders" show highlights amazing birds from all over the world. You might see an Andean condor, a cassowary (which is the only trained cassowary in the world!), and a king vulture.
The "Serpentarium" is another cool area. It has many different animals, from African penguins to alligator snapping turtles. You can also see boa constrictor snakes and lemurs there.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy animal feedings and talks by the park keepers. There is also a petting zoo where you can get close to friendly animals. You can even interact with red kangaroos! The park also has an "Everglades Habitat." This area looks like the real Florida Everglades and shows off the plants and animals found there.
Parrot Cove Beach and Water Fun
Jungle Island also has a water park called Parrot Cove Beach. It offers amazing views of downtown Miami. This water park has obstacle courses, fast-moving rapids, slides, and a climbing wall.
During the summer, you can buy a "Summer Savings Ticket." This ticket lets you enter both the main park and the water park. The water park usually allows up to 60 people at a time. Each visit to the water park lasts one to two hours. This part of the beach is owned by Jungle Island. It was closed for a while after Hurricane Irma.
Caring for Our Planet: Environmental Efforts
Jungle Island worked hard to design its new 18-acre site in an eco-friendly way. They started planting in 2000. The park was built to use very little fertilizer and pesticides.
In busy areas, they planted strong plants that stay healthy and green without extra chemicals. Jungle Island also uses a special system to control pests naturally. This means they don't need as many pesticides.
Jungle Island is also involved in environmental efforts in Miami. They have bought carbon credits to help balance out their environmental impact. The park also hosts events and conferences about protecting the environment. Some money from these events has even gone to help the Everglades Foundation.
Images for kids
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Photograph of Parrot Jungle (1990) by John Margolies who traveled the U.S. documenting architectural sights and roadside attractions
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The entrance from the original location, where Pinecrest Gardens is now located.
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The ticket entrance in the jungle island.
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Sir Winston Churchill with a sulphur crested cockatoo and a military macaw at Miami's Parrot Jungle in 1946.
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Front entrance to the park
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Jungle Island's southern cassowary, Mama Cass, jumps in the air for an apple, which she swallows whole, in front of an audience.
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Pink Flamingos
