Parrot Jungle was a popular tourist attraction in Miami, Florida that operated from 1936 to 2003. It was known for its vast collection of parrots and other tropical birds. At its peak, Parrot Jungle was home to over 1,500 parrots representing 150 species. For decades, it welcomed over half a million visitors annually. However, Parrot Jungle permanently closed its doors in 2003 after years of declining attendance. This has left many wondering, does Parrot Jungle still exist today?
Brief History of Parrot Jungle
Parrot Jungle was founded in 1936 by an Austrian immigrant named Franz Scherr. Scherr had a passion for parrots and started the attraction with just two parrots in a backyard aviary. As interest grew, he expanded to a large property in south Miami with lush, tropical landscaping. For decades, Parrot Jungle thrived as both a tourist attraction and a breeding ground for rare parrots. By the 1960s, it had become world-renowned as one of the largest collections of parrots in the world.
In the 1980s and 90s, Parrot Jungle continued to modernize by adding new exhibits and attractions. This included the popular Parrot Bowl shows that allowed visitors to see trained parrots perform tricks in an indoor theater. Behind the scenes, they focused on successful captive breeding and conservation programs to help threatened parrot species.
The Decline of Parrot Jungle
In the late 1990s, Parrot Jungle began to face challenges that led to its eventual decline. Several factors contributed to its downfall:
– Increased competition from theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios that drew tourists away.
– Financial issues from damage after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
– Controversy and protests from animal rights groups over concerns about captive parrots.
– Shift in consumer preferences away from zoo attractions towards entertainment parks.
By the 2000s, attendance had dropped below 200,000 visitors per year. The aging facilities were in need of major renovations. After years of losing money, Parrot Jungle announced in 2002 that it would permanently close in 2003. The closure ended a 67-year legacy as one of Miami’s iconic attractions.
What Happened to Parrot Jungle’s Parrots?
After Parrot Jungle closed in 2003, its vast collection of over 1,000 parrots had to be rehomed. Most of the parrots were donated to other zoos, aviaries, and breeding facilities across the country. Here is what happened to some of the most notable Parrot Jungle parrots:
– The flock of Caribbean flamingos was moved to the San Diego Zoo.
– Over 100 Scarlet macaws were transported to Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida.
– The Jungle’s famed collection of Hyacinth macaws went to the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas.
– A number of rare parrots, including Lear’s macaws and Green-thighed parrots, were taken in by private breeders.
– Some parrots that had been bred at Parrot Jungle were returned to countries in South America and Africa to aid repopulation efforts.
– Several parrots that could not be rehomed remained at the facility under a small caretaker staff until they passed away.
Overall, effort was made to find new appropriate homes for Parrot Jungle’s expansive collection following its closure. While it was an enormous undertaking, most of the parrots adjusted well to their new environments.
Redeveloped Site Today
After Parrot Jungle shuttered, the sprawling 12-acre site sat vacant for several years as development plans stalled. Finally, in 2016, the property was purchased by a residential developer to construct new townhomes. This erased any hopes that a new owner would revive Parrot Jungle.
Today, the former location of Parrot Jungle at 7400 SW 132nd Street has been completely transformed. The lush tropical gardens and exhibits have been replaced with a gated complex of modern townhomes known as Eden . While a few original structures remain, like the iconic gatehouse, little evidence of the previous jungle attraction exists. Parrot Jungle has been erased from the landscape after over 60 years of history.
Where the Name Lives On
While the physical Parrot Jungle no longer remains, its iconic name still lives on in some capacities:
– Pinecrest Gardens, a public park and botanical garden in nearby Pinecrest, Florida, named its tropical bird exhibit “Parrot Jungle” as a small tribute. It displays a modest collection of parrots.
– Parrot Jungle Island, a breeding and research facility in Lake Worth, bought rights to the name and logo. However, it is not open to the public.
– “Parrot Jungle” is still a nickname for the Miami neighborhood surrounding the former attraction.
– Some nostalgic Miamians still refer to the area as “Parrot Jungle” when discussing the townhomes that replaced it.
So in some minor ways, the Parrot Jungle name still exists in South Florida. But it is a far cry from the major tourist destination it once was.
Conclusion
Parrot Jungle was a beloved fixture in Miami for over 60 years, dazzling generations of visitors with its immense collection of tropical birds. However, after falling on hard times in the late 1990s, the struggling attraction permanently closed its doors in 2003. The vast array of parrots were rehomed, the site was redeveloped, and Parrot Jungle was erased from the landscape.
While the physical Parrot Jungle no longer remains today except for a few remnants, traces of its memory persist through commemorative exhibits and its lingering name. For many nostalgic Miamians, Parrot Jungle will always hold a special place in local history, even if the tropical bird haven is gone forever. The closure marked the end of an era for a classic South Florida attraction.
