Latest news with #BrevardZoo
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Doc the giraffe, a Brevard Zoo favorite, has died
The Brevard Zoo is mourning the death of its oldest male giraffe. Doc, who was 22 years old, died after being treated for ongoing mobility issues, zoo officials said. He was a Rothschild giraffe, unique among several Masai giraffes featured at the zoo's exhibit. Doc was born at Zoo Knoxville in 2002 and joined Brevard Zoo is 2003 when its 'Expedition Africa' opened. He was also known for his gentle nature and close bond with his companion, Kumi. The zoo said Doc was a favorite among both staff and guests, who often spotted him greeting visitors. 'You could always count on him to be at the platform eating lettuce from guests and when he wasn't there, he was usually spending time with his 'girlfriend' Kumi,' keeper Morgan Thums said. The average lifespan for a male giraffe is 16.5 years, according to Association of Zoos and Aquariums. So most would agree that Doc lived a fairly long life. That, of course, won't make the gentle giant's passing any easier for those who loved him. 'Doc is one of the sweetest giraffes I have ever cared for, and I am going to miss him greatly,' Thurms said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
Best zoos in the country ranked by USA Today 10Best. Did Brevard Zoo make the list?
For the sixth year in a row, Brevard Zoo has ranked among the top zoos in the county. USA Today 10Best recently released its annual list of 10 best zoos. Brevard Zoo came in at No. 6, which is the same spot it got last year. The top spot went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. A panel of travel experts and the 10Best editorial team nominated 20 zoos. Readers then voted for the top 10. 'Brevard Zoo was opened in 1994 thanks to the help of our community, and we appreciate that support in the years since, including in this nationwide contest,' Brevard Zoo officials said in a press release. 'Our members' support enables us to continue to serve our community with vital animal, conservation and education programs.' Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens also made the USA Today 10Best list coming in at No. 4. Located about 170 miles north of Melbourne, the Jacksonville Zoo is located along the Trout River and features giant anteaters, vampire bats and a Brazilian rainbow boa. The 117-acre zoo also has a walking safari and botanical gardens. No. 10: Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri No. 9: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, South Carolina No. 8: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans No. 7: North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, North Carolina No. 6: Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, Florida No. 5: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio No. 4: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville, Florida No. 3: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio No. 2: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado No. 1: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska Spitzer is a trending reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@ This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard Zoo typically ranks among the best zoos in the country
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brevard Zoo nominated as ‘Best Zoo' in the United States
For the sixth year in a row, Brevard Zoo has been nominated as one of the best zoos in the United States by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice awards. Last year, Brevard Zoo was named the No. 6 zoo in the country. In addition, 10 Best nominated the Zoo's membership program as one of the best Zoo memberships. Read: FBI: Orange County middle school music teacher accused of enticing minors online A panel of experts worked with 10Best's editorial team to choose the nominees for each category, and the top 10 winners will be determined by popular vote. Zoo fans can vote for Brevard Zoo in both of these categories through Monday, March 10 Read: Disney parks reveal new 'Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga' show To vote in the Best Zoo category, visit To vote in the Best Zoo Membership category, visit The winners will be announced on 10Best on Wednesday, March here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
