Zoo Miami Conservation Action Center

This new permanent exhibition is all about action! The displays interpret how Zoo Miami champions wildlife conservation projects around the world.

The interpretive approach focused on empathy: how best to help visitors–especially younger ones–understand the complex topic of conservation. We juxtaposed human and animal habitats and issues in humorous, offbeat, and positive ways.

The exhibits offer numerous opportunities for hands-on interactivity. Visitors can crawl through the mouth of a Burmese python as they enter a display about invasive species in South Florida. They can play the role of a wildlife species in a board come come to life. Families can walk through an illustrated house to learn about conservation actions at home.

The exhibit is fun and colorful–reflecting the personality of Zoo Miami itself!

Opened 2021

Designer/fabricator: Split Rock Studios

Winner, NAI Best Interior Exhibit, 3rd place

The entry of the Conservation Action Center welcomes visitors, and asks them to think about what they have in common with wildlife species. Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

A display on native South Florida habitats explores the richness and diversity of plants and wildlife on Zoo Miami's grounds and beyond. Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

Crawl through the mouth of a massive sculpted Burmese python to discover how these invasive snakes are eating the Everglades! Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

Visitors can sit in a golf cart--like the ones that Zoo Miami staff use to get around--to learn about the many people who keep the zoo running! Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

It's good clean fun at Zoo Miami! The zoo composts huge amounts of herbivore dung each year. In this display, visitors can learn about healthy zoo enclosures--all while "scooping the poop" in a fun interactive. Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

This tongue-in-cheek "Mating Game" explores a serious topic: how Zoo Miami and its partners around the world ensure the genetic diversity of the species in their care. Visitors can play the game to match up prospective mates. Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

The work of Zoo Miami happens far beyond the zoo's walls: staff and scientists work with global communities to restore natural habitats with the hope of one day returning endangered species to the wild. In this modified "whack-a-mole" game, visitors can learn about the challenges threatening four different habitats. It's serious play at the zoo! Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami

An illustrated house comes to life! Visitors can open doors and drawers, slide back photos, and manipulate the display in other ways to see how they can impact conservation at home. Photo by Ron Magill/Zoo Miami