Emerald Coast Zoo is a family-focused zoological attraction located in Crestview, Florida, founded in 2017 by Rick and Sara de Ridder. The zoo is home to an impressive and diverse collection of animals including giraffes, sloths, penguins, white tigers, jaguars, bears, hyenas, kangaroos, giant tortoises, and a variety of reptiles such as boa constrictors and alligators. A hallmark of the Emerald Coast Zoo experience is its emphasis on close animal encounters, where visitors can feed giraffes, pet sloths, hold alligators, hug boa constrictors, and interact with penguins. Additional family amenities include a splash pad, food trucks, birthday party packages, zoo camp programs for children ages 7 through 15, and field trip opportunities. Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, the Emerald Coast Zoo offers an engaging and memorable wildlife adventure in the Florida Panhandle.
