Nestled on Watson Island in the heart of Miami, Jungle Island is a tropical oasis where wildlife, adventure, and family fun converge. One of its most captivating residents is Vulcan, a 900-pound liger – a majestic hybrid of lion and tiger. This rare creature, along with other exotic animals, makes Jungle Island a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Jungle Island, Miami photo

🦁 Disclaimer

At the time of our visit, Jungle Island in Miami was home to Vulcan, a 900-pound liger – a rare hybrid of a lion and tiger. However, since then, Jungle Island has undergone significant rebranding and no longer houses any ligers.

The park has transitioned to a more interactive eco-adventure experience, including attractions like Treetop Trekking, an aerial adventure course; the Treewalk Village with giant interconnected tree houses; and awesome interactive and educational animal encounters featuring sloths, lemurs, flamingos, giant Aldabra tortoises, wallabies, and more.

For those interested in seeing ligers, the Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina is renowned for its conservation efforts and is home to several ligers, including Hercules, the world’s largest liger. This sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and interact with these majestic creatures.

What to Expect at Jungle Island

It’s not what you expect in a city famous for it’s tourist beaches. But on Watson Island in the heart of Miami is Jungle Island. Opened in 1936, Jungle Island spans over 1.35 miles of lush tropical landscaping, offering visitors a chance to explore diverse habitats and encounter animals from around the globe. The park features:

• Wildlife Exhibits: Home to over 450 animals, including parrots, flamingos, lemurs, and the impressive liger Vulcan.

• Treewalk Village: An elevated network of treehouses providing a unique perspective of the jungle canopy.

• Everglades Habitat: A true replica of Florida’s Everglades ecosystem, showcasing native wildlife.

• Playgrounds: Shaded areas and trails perfect for children to explore and play.

• Jungle Splash: A heated water park offering refreshing fun for all ages.

• Animal Encounters: Opportunities to get up close with various animals through scheduled interactions.

Admission Prices (2025)

As of 2025, general admission to Jungle Island is:

• Adults (10+ years): $29.95

• Children (3–9 years): $19.95

Children under 2 years old receive free entry. These tickets include access to the park, playgrounds, Treewalk Village, and the Guardians of the Jungle show.

Meet Vulcan the Liger

Vulcan is one of the four liger brothers born at Jungle Island, each a cross between a lion and a tiger. Weighing approximately 900 pounds, Vulcan is known for his playful and curious nature. Visitors can observe him in his spacious and clean enclosure, where he enjoys lounging and interacting with his environment.

Live Shows and Attractions

Jungle Island offers a variety of live shows and attractions throughout the day, including:

• Guardians of the Jungle: An educational and entertaining show featuring exotic animals.

• Nalu Acrobatic Show: A thrilling performance combining acrobatics and animal interactions.

• Animal Encounters: Scheduled sessions allowing guests to interact with various animals.

Plan Your Visit

Jungle Island is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132. The park is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.

We arrived about 11am and stayed until 3pm. The park is full of amazing animals including a whole exhibit of tigers and lions, cages of bright coloured birds, swinging monkeys, snapping alligators and much more.

After the show we stumbled upon a playground that the kids were elated to spend some time on and make some new friends.