Zoo Miami's Everglades Exhibit Lets You Crawl With the Crocodiles

MIAMI, FL — If your idea of fun is crawling through a see-through tunnel in a pool of live crocodiles, then you definitely want to check out Z00 Miami's brand new multi-million dollar Everglades exhibit.

The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, Dec. 10.

"Florida: Mission Everglades will encourage residents, as well as tourists, to take a deeper look at wildlife and conservation efforts in our own backyard," according to zoo officials.

Grand opening events were planned from 10 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 11.

"This exhibit will be a unique “gateway” to experiencing the Everglades. Guests will journey through habitats of iconic Florida animals like the roseate spoonbill, the Florida panther, black bear, burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, American crocodile, American alligator, Florida box turtle and more," according to zoo officials.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Giménez and other dignitaries were treated to a sneak peek of Mission Everglades during a ceremony on Friday.

The new exhibit features about 60 species of animals that highlight the importance of conservation for animals listed as endangered or threatened in the wild.

"Adding entertainment to education, the exhibit will also feature a special Lostman’s River boat ride as well as interactive exhibits designed to give visitors an up-close look at the animals, such as a crawl-through 'tunnel' at the crocodile habitat, a slide-through the North American river otter exhibit, a pop-up blind at the Florida panther/black bear exhibit, a brown and white pelican encounter, and a new children's Cypress Landing Playground," according to zoo officials.

Zoo Miami hopes that Mission Everglades will give visitors a deeper understanding of the importance of the Everglades and to engage them in helping to save it.

"This exhibit will make visitors want to go out and visit the actual Everglades," zoo officials promise.

Photos courtesy of Zoo Miami.