Emerald Coast Zoo: Family-Run Home to Over 250 Animals

The family-owned zoo in Crestview, Florida cares for a diverse array of more than 250 animals.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:29am

An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, colorful shapes and textures representing the diverse animal habitats and enclosures at the family-owned Emerald Coast Zoo.The family caretakers at the Emerald Coast Zoo ensure the needs of over 250 animals are met, even on the zoo's closed days.Crestview Today

The Emerald Coast Zoo in Crestview, Florida is a family-run business that is home to over 250 animals. The zoo is closed on Mondays, but the animals still need to be fed and cared for every day by the dedicated family owners.

Why it matters

The Emerald Coast Zoo represents a unique family-owned business model in the zoo and animal attraction industry, which is often dominated by larger corporate entities. The zoo's commitment to providing a high level of care for its diverse animal population highlights the passion and dedication of its family caretakers.

The details

The Emerald Coast Zoo features over 250 animals of various species that require daily feeding and care, even on the zoo's closed days. The family owners are responsible for ensuring the animals' needs are met through their hands-on management of the facility.

  • The Emerald Coast Zoo is closed to the public on Mondays.
  • WEAR News visited the zoo on a Monday when it was closed to the public.

The players

Emerald Coast Zoo

A family-owned zoo located in Crestview, Florida that is home to over 250 animals.

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The takeaway

The Emerald Coast Zoo's family-run model demonstrates the passion and dedication required to successfully operate a diverse animal attraction, even on the zoo's closed days when the public is not present.