Emerald Coast Zoo

Emerald Coast Zoo is a small, family-operated wildlife destination in Crestview built around animal care, education, and direct visitor interaction. The zoo was purchased by the de Ridder family in 2017, and its collection has continued to grow as the family develops new exhibits and cares for additional animals. Its mission emphasizes compassionate animal care and responsible stewardship, giving the destination a personal character distinct from a large municipal zoo.

Close encounters are central to the visit, with opportunities to feed giraffes, interact with sloths, enter an enclosure with wallabies and kangaroos, feed birds, and learn about black bears, hyenas, penguins, tortoises, reptiles, and other animals. The zoo also provides an outdoor classroom for field trips and educational programs that introduce visitors to animal diets, enrichment, and care. Emerald Coast Zoo suits travelers looking for a smaller wildlife attraction where hands-on experiences and learning about individual animals are more prominent than extensive habitat complexes or a large international collection.