Zoo World, located in Panama City Beach, Florida, has operated as a zoological and botanical conservatory since its founding in 1990 by a local businessman. Initially established with a focus on snakes and reptiles, the park expanded over the decades to house a diverse collection of over 200 to 260 animals representing more than 70 species from around the globe. While the corporate entity “Zoo World, Inc.” was voluntarily dissolved in 2015, the park continued its operations under new private ownership, functioning as a woman- and military family-owned small business committed to animal well-being and exhibit improvements.
As an interactive zoological park, Zoo World distinguishes itself by offering visitors numerous close-up animal encounters and educational programs. Attractions include the African Veldt, Primate Island, Wanyama Pori Africa Exhibit, Allapattah Swamp Experience, and the Budgie Bush-Walk Aviary, allowing guests to observe and sometimes interact with lions, giraffes, sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, alligators, and various birds. The facility emphasizes conservation and education, providing opportunities for visitors to feed giraffes, hold baby alligators, and engage with petting zoo animals, thereby serving as a dedicated recreational and educational hub for families and the wider Panama City Beach community.