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|size=30+ acres
|facilities=
|operator=Gulf Coast Zoological Society<br/>[[Doug Kemper]], ''directpr''
|visitors=
|opened=[[1984]]
</googlemap>
}}'''The ZOO Northwest Florida''' (also called '''The Gulf Breeze Zoo''' or simply '''The Zoo''') hosts over 900 animals on more than 30 acres of preservation land. The Zoo is located at 5701 [[Gulf Breeze Parkway]], 10 miles east of [[Gulf Breeze]] and 19 miles west of [[Fort Walton]]. In addition to the animals themselves, the Zoo features amenities such as the Safari Line Train, Jungle Café, Whistlestop Snack Bar, and a gift shop in the main building.
The Zoo was founded in [[1984]] by [[Pat Quinn]]. On [[September 1]], [[2004]], weeks after being damaged by [[Hurricane Ivan]], control was transferred to the non-profit '''Gulf Coast Zoological Society''', the current executive director of which is [[Doug Kemper]]. In addition to the Ivan damages, the Zoo has faced a number of problems in recent years, including dying animals and dwindling attendance.
==Exhibits & animals==
*Jafar, a male greater one-horned rhino ($2,000)
==Financial woes and other problemsProblems=====Finances===The Zoo has operated in the red since its opening in [[1984]]. Formerly owned and operated by [[Pat Quinn]], control was transferred to the non-profit Gulf Coast Zoological Society on [[September 1]], [[2004]] — weeks after It sustained massive damages in [[Hurricane Ivan]] destroyed , including a number of completely destroyed exhibits. Despite a $2.7 million policy, the Zoo's insurance company only paid $59,000 of more than $600,000 in damages.<ref name="closing">"The Zoo could be closing." ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 7, 2007.</ref> The ''[[Pensacola News Journal]]'' reported in July 2007 that the Zoo is in danger of closing unless $1 million is raised by the end of [[2007]].<ref name="closing"/> ===Loss of accreditation===Though it remains a licensed zoo, its American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation, granted in [[1988]], was revoked on [[March 29]], [[2006]] after AZA inspectors deemed 38 Zoo practices "questionable" and 24 more "unacceptable."<ref>[http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/1954 Trouble in the animal kingdom] - [[Northwest Florida Daily News]], August 13, 2006</ref> ===Animal deaths===In January [[2007]], four kangroos died of bacteria-related illness within a three-day period.<ref>[http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/1956 String of kangaroo deaths plagues zoo] - [[Northwest Florida Daily News]], January 17, 2007</ref>
==References==