IDEAS to Revitalize Miami’s Historic Jungle Island Park

IDEAS has been selected to redesign the historic Jungle Island animal park in Miami, Florida. The firm is guiding the overhaul of the iconic, 84-year-old destination with a dynamic new guest experience that includes adventurous family attractions, showstopping entertainment, and WILD animal encounters.

Originally opened as Parrot Jungle in 1936 in Pinecrest, Florida, the current Jungle Island park is ideally situated between Downtown Miami and South Beach on Watson Island, adjacent to PortMiami’s cruise terminals. IDEAS will help the park embrace its lush island environment and integrate visceral, intimate animal experiences to create Miami’s premiere “adventure oasis.” The new Jungle Island will provide families a welcome refuge from the ordinary, where nature’s unexpected delights and rewarding challenges lie at each bend in the trail.

Artwork Courtesy of HKS Architects

IDEAS has engaged leading zoological experts with histories crafting category-defining experiences a SeaWorld and Busch Gardens to help plan unique creature encounters that ensure natural, respectful interactions. Recently, Jungle Island hired the project’s lead animal consultant, Jay Tacey, former Curatorial Leader for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts, as VP of Zoological Operations to oversee the execution of animal attractions, entertainment, and care.

IDEAS animal consultant Jay Tacey has been hired as Jungle Island’s VP of Zoological Operations.

As the lead experience design consultant, IDEAS will collaborate with a crack team of themed entertainment veterans including HKS Architects, ProParks Attractions Group, Martin Aquatic, and EDSA. Additional plans for the property include a new water park and upscale resort that integrates into Jungle Island’s private bayside club at Joia Beach. Jungle Island is expected to unveil this initial phase of new offerings in 2023.

Bob Allen, Chief Storytelling Officer of IDEAS, remarks, “Our team is excited to bring new life to a destination that has such a cherished legacy in South Florida. Nature provides a treasure trove of wondrous adventure stories. We can’t wait to reveal those tales to guests in unexpected ways that inspire discovery and deeper appreciation of the animal kingdom.”

IDEAS is no stranger to designing thrilling animal-based experiences. The firm recently worked with a zoological team to create unique portside animal encounters for Port Oasis in Cartagena, Colombia.