Gulf Breeze Zoo Opens

The sounds of children laughing can be heard once again along Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze. The Zoo of Northwest Florida, now called the Gulf Breeze Zoo, re-opened Thursday...the first time guests have been allowed in the park since last August.

Financial problems forced the previous owner to close the zoo. Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis damaged the 50 acre park nearly beyond repair. But new owners purchased the property and are dedicated to making the zoo a top attraction in the Florida panhandle.

"We love it, we love it! We're glad it's re-opened. We used to have season tickets and would visit a few times a week so we're thrilled it's open again," says Gulf Breeze resident Doug Sprague.

The zoo will jump-start the local economy...bringing new jobs and much-needed revenue to Gulf Breeze.

"It's a win-win for the whole community because a good zoo is an economic driver, a good attraction and an educational facility," says Pat Quinn with the zoo.