What do a first responder and a 4,000-pound rhino have in common? More than you’d think.
Over the next few weeks, Local Pulse Pensacola is teaming up with Gulf Breeze Zoo to spotlight some of our bravest community heroes—alongside a few of the Zoo’s most extraordinary residents.
First up: the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Chip Simmons, Chief Deputy Tommi Lyter, and Chief of Staff Whitney Lucas met Soman, the Greater One-horned Rhino, for a one-of-a-kind experience.
From feeding him his favorite snacks to learning about his care and conservation, the Sheriff and his team discovered how strength, calm under pressure, and a protective nature aren’t just found in humans.
Stay tuned as more departments step into the wild to connect with the courageous animals who are brave by nature.
The Gulf Breeze Zoo has several opportunities for you to connect with their animals. Stop by the petting area and visit with your farmyard favorites, including their inquisitive goats. Feed the alligators, giraffes or budgies with your admission and the purchase of feeding cups. You can also book a hippo, sloth, or giraffe encounter and go behind the scenes with one of their animal care specialists for an additional cost.
2025 Zoo Hours
Open 7 days a week
January 1 – February 28:
Open Daily 9a – 4p (Last guest admitted at 3p)
March 1 – November 2:
Open Daily 9a – 5p (Last admitted at 4p)
November 3 – December 31:*Open Daily 9a – 4p (Last guest admitted at 3p)
*The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
