

In December 2009, the zoo was purchased and rescued by a team of zoological professionals from Virginia Safari Park of Natural Bridge, Virginia. On August 20, 2009, county officials announced that the closure of the zoo would be permanent. It closed temporarily on August 17, 2009, awaiting the decisions from the governments of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to provide $125,000 each in funding. In 20, hurricanes Ivan and Dennis struck the area with devastating effect to the Zoo. In 2004, unable to make a profit, the founders handed over ownership to the nonprofit Gulf Coast Zoological Society. The zoo began with about 60 animals on 19 acres of land. Pat Quinn, one of the founders, became its first director. It was established in its current location in 1984 by four local businessmen. The zoo started on an acre of land on Burgess Road and later on a larger tract in Cantonment, Florida. The Gulf Breeze Zoo supports captive breeding, wildlife conservation, and habitat preservation programs. Activities include hand-feeding of some animals including giraffes. It has over 900 exotic animals including rhinos, hippos, Western lowland gorillas, and orangutans that visitors can view during an African preserve train ride. The Gulf Breeze Zoo (originally The Zoo Northwest Florida) is a 50-acre (20 ha) zoo located in Woodlawn Beach, Florida, neighboring Navarre and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Start dates may be flexible depending on your availability. We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2022 internships.

You will learn, hands-on, all the husbandry techniques that it takes to care for the animals at the zoo.

It also offers valuable experience to those who are planning to apply to vet school or looking to pursue a job in the animal care field. The intern program is designed to help applicants determine if a career with animals is right for them. The zoo has internship opportunities available to those interested in pursuing a career in Animal Care and Zoo Management. The Gulf Breeze Zoo is offering an opportunity for education and experience for tomorrow's workforce.
