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}}'''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 landwas an animal preserve that served the Pensacola area from [[1984]] to [[2009]]. The Zoo is located Located in the [[Midway]] area at 5701 [[Gulf Breeze Parkway]], 10 miles east of [[Gulf Breeze]] and 19 miles west of [[Fort Walton]], it hosted over 900 animals on more than 30 acres of preservation land. In addition to the animals themselves, the Zoo features featured 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 four businessmen, including [[Pat Quinn]], who became its director. On [[September 1]], [[2004]], weeks after before being damaged by [[Hurricane Ivan]], control was transferred to the non-profit '''Gulf Coast Zoological Society'''. After many years under the leadership of [[Doug Kemper]], inurance executive [[Danyelle Lantz]] was named executive director in October [[2007]]. The Zoo faced a number of [[#Problems|problems]] in its later years, including extensive damage from [[Hurricane Ivan]], dying animals and dwindling attendance.

The Zoo has faced After struggling to find a number new source of funding, the Zoo closed its doors on [[#Problems|problemsAugust 16]] in recent years, including extensive damage from [[Hurricane Ivan2009]], dying animals and dwindling attendancewith the stated intent to reopen should funding be provided. Three days later, however, the for-profit group that owned the Zoo's property announced that with "no long-term commitment from the community… we are officially, now, closing the zoo."<ref>"Zoo closed for good." ''Pensacola News Journal'', August 19, 2009.</ref>

:''In Exhibits at time of closure, in order of a roughly clockwise progression through the Zoo. Please correct missing or inaccurate information.''

*'''Lion's Lair Gift Shop''' &ndash; Zoo entrance, ticket sales and gift shop, plus administrative offices and guest relations. Enclosures hold held a variety of animals including snakes (One-Eyed Willy, Lucifer and One-Way), hedgehogs (Bubba, Hedge and Snowball) and a Leopard Gecko (Pepe).*'''Karibu Restaurant''' and '''Serengeti Room''' &ndash; Currently filled Filled with terrariums holding frogs, tarantulas, etc.*'''Nairobi Snack Bar'''

*'''Boardwalk''' &ndash; Overlooks Overlooked the African Adventure wildlife preserve and terminates terminated near Chimp Island, with coin-operated telescopes for viewing the animals.

The Zoo has operated in the red since its opening in [[1984]]. It sustained massive damages in [[Hurricane Ivan]], 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"/>

In the first seven months of [[2007]], a total of 44 animals had died in the Zoo from various causes.<ref name="woes">"Zoo woes take center stage." ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 29, 2007.</ref> In January, 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> Two popular animals were found dead by zookeepers in July. Baby hippopotamus Niles died on [[July 7]] from a punctured lung caused by her father, Kiboko.<ref>"Father's bite killed baby hippo." ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 13, 2007.</ref> On [[July 17]], 10-year-old giraffe Sammy died from "acute stress and increased body temperature" resulting from a neck injury, possibly incurred by one of the posts or cables that surround the giraffes' enclosure.<ref>"Zoo loses Sammy the giraffe." ''Pensacola News Journal'', July 19, 2007.</ref>The rhino died as well. The most recent death occured to the new giraffe Colby, who was on loan from Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa, FL, on Feb. 15th, just a week after his birthday.