OUR MISSION – Brevard Zoo
“We Share Our Joy of Nature to Help Wildlife and People Thrive.”
To support that mission, The Brevard Zoo focuses on:

Caring responsibly, professionally and passionately for our animals
Connecting visitors to the natural world through a relevant, unique and enjoyable Zoo experiences
Educating diverse audiences through authentic learning activities and through our on-going partnership with Brevard Public Schools and other educational providers
Inspiring and engaging our community in conservation action through participation
Achieving conservation results by working directly with Florida species, supporting international programs and developing training programs and workshops
Contributing to the financial health of the region through prudent, accountable and entrepreneurial management

We are a small zoothat doesBIG THINGS.

OUR HISTORY
The East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was formed by a small group of people with a big dream: building a zoo. A world-class zoo that would serve as a conservation hub where people could gather to learn about animals and nature. A place to escape from the manmade world and reconnect with the diversity of the life with which we share this planet.

They had the vision, but they needed the resources. Former Florida Today publisher Frank Vega recruited several community leaders and the dream began to take shape. Executives from the major aerospace companies collaborated to craft architectural designs and provide labor for this ambitious project. A. Duda and Sons graciously donated a large tract of land just east of Interstate 95—a prime location for the Zoo.

The next major show of support came from the county commissioners. Through the Tourism Development Council, they committed a $2.5 million loan to be paid back with 15% of the one-third penny hotel tax.

In March 1994, the Zoo opened its gates to the public. Visitors delightedly meandered the newly built boardwalks, exploring a thick native Florida forest as the animals settled into their new homes. A jaguar, tapirs, anteaters and a myriad of monkeys and birds inspired fascination and a passion for conservation.

As the Zoo itself grew, so did its commitment to conservation and education. The Zoo is involved in efforts to restore native oysters and mangroves in the Indian River Lagoon to ensure cleaner water and stable shorelines. The Sea Turtle Healing Center opened in early 2014, and it is the only sea turtle rehabilitation center in Brevard County.

Through daily presentations, summer camps, field trips and an onsite “Zoo School,” the Zoo’s education department impacts tens of thousands of children each year. As part of the “Lagoon Quest” program, every fourth grader in Brevard Public Schools is brought to the Lagoon for two full days of hands-on exploration and learning.