Wildlife Photography at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze
Wildlife Photography at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze
The Gulf Breeze Zoo offers a range of opportunities for wildlife photography, making it an ideal destination for photographers of all skill levels. With over 800 animals, including exotic species such as giraffes, rhinos, and orangutans, this zoo presents diverse subjects for capturing compelling images. The combination of open habitats, walk-through enclosures, and elevated boardwalks allows for clear, up-close shots of animals in well-designed environments that mimic their natural habitats.
Adventure Guide to Wildlife Photography at the Gulf Breeze Zoo
Giraffe Feeding Platform – Ideal for Close-Ups
- Location: Near the main entrance
- Why It’s Special: Visitors can stand on an elevated platform to hand-feed giraffes, offering unmatched opportunities for close-up shots of their expressive faces and long tongues reaching for food.
- Tips: Use a telephoto lens (200mm+) to capture detailed facial expressions and a wider aperture (f/2.8 - f/5.6) for a softly blurred background.
Boardwalk Overlooking Free-Roaming Animals
- Location: Along the zoo’s elevated wooden pathway
- Why It’s Special: This 1,200-foot boardwalk provides unobstructed views of animals such as rhinos, zebras, and gorillas in expansive enclosures.
- Tips: Morning and late afternoon light provide the best natural illumination. Use fast shutter speeds (1/500s or higher) to capture moving animals in crisp detail.
Australian Walkabout – Capturing Kangaroos in Motion
- Location: Walk-through habitat in the zoo
- Why It’s Special: Visitors enter the enclosure, allowing for ground-level photos of kangaroos as they hop, rest, or interact.
- Tips: Use a burst mode setting to capture action shots, and a lower angle perspective for a more engaging composition.
Local Insights
- The Gulf Breeze Zoo participates in global conservation efforts, housing endangered species as part of breeding and preservation programs.
- Many animals are most active during feeding times—scheduling visits around these moments ensures more dynamic shots.
- The zoo’s seasonal events, such as Halloween’s "Boo at the Zoo," provide chances for photographing unique animal behaviors and festive settings.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds.
- What to Bring: A DSLR or mirrorless camera, extra memory cards, and a polarizing filter to reduce glare in bright sun.
- Directions: From Navarre Beach, take US-98 W for 20 minutes to reach the zoo.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Larissa3 months ago
It was very Fun! Highly recommend visiting this Zoo. Wonderful Train Safari experience.
I was impressed with the quality of Zoo layout and the variety of animals living in comfortable enclosures. Loved the Boardwalk and the Train is super cool! Perfect for time with friend and family.
Exotic animals such as lions, cheetah, rhinos, hippos, orangutans, gorillas, kangaroos, sloths, variety of birds and monkeys, etc. All right here close to the beach! My favorite display is walk-in parakeet aviary, absolutely lovely. Animals look very healthy and well cared for 💕
Another positive aspect is the Zoo did not smell bad, enclosures look well maintained and clean. Current management seems to care well for the animals welfare.
Rachel Connersa month ago
Amazing zoo that has great animal attractions. Took our 1 year old, and he had a blast checking out all the animals. Amazing that feeding animals like giraffes and highland cows is so accessible. Clean facility, friendly and helpful staff. The train was a highlight! You get to see so many animals on the train and it feels like you’re on a safari. We will definitely be back.
Maddie Ketchem2 weeks ago
This was a great local zoo! The habitats are suitable, though some could use slight updates, but you can tell that they are working to give the animals great lives. All of the animals seemed very happy, happier than other big zoos, and were very interactive with the public. You can feed the goats, cows, giraffes, budgies, and tortoises for a small fee. The train also takes you through a Savannah-like habitat where rhinos, orangutans, gorillas, gazelle, and more are able to roam like they would in the wild. We spent 4 hours here and enjoyed every minute of it.
Valentina Ichim2 months ago
We have come to love this little slice of nature! It's a family tradition when traveling to Navarre. The best part for me are the shaded walkways that I can get my steps in while the little and not so little experience all this zoo has to offer. The bird enclosure is the best therapy, also feeding the goats and sheep, feeding the Giraffe 🦒 is incredible and the bison was the cutest! Love the train ride every hour!
Don MacDonalda week ago
Very clean, the animals are kept in clean enclosures with many things to keep them occupied. The staff were very knowledgeable and very friendly. All the staff I interacted with went out of their way to answer any questions I had about any animal. The price of admission is very reasonable but some items on their menu in the cafe were pricey along with just about everything in the gift shop. With the cleanliness of the zoo, the excellent care of the animals, the knowledge and friendly staff, and the reasonable price of admission, I highly recommend visiting this zoo. Very positive experience.
