articles

PB Zoo's July is Packed - Wildlife, Water, Wonder & Surprise Preview

By Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society July 13, 2026

Say Hello to Bonza, the Newest Star of the Zoo

If you haven't visited lately, you are in for an extra special treat. The Zoo's beloved koala, Ellin, has been showing off her adorable joey all summer and now they have exciting news: the joey is a boy, and he finally has a name! 

Meet Bonza. 

In true Aussie fashion, his name means "awesome" or "excellent.” Now if you haven’t seen the way he moves, grooves and is growing up, then you really have to get a peek at him because he truly is awesome! Guests can now enjoy a koala experience featuring both Ellin and Bonza, making this one of the most unique wildlife moments you'll find anywhere in South Florida. If you’re thinking of a great gift for someone, this is a bonza way to do it. 

Wild Night Out: Paws & Santa Claus 🎅☀️ 

Speaking of gifts, they think it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Parents, your night out is here. On the last Saturday of July, the Wild Night Out series brings one of its most festive themes: Paws & Santa Claus. Santa himself will appear in his best summer getup on this one night and guests can match his vibe to come dressed in their own favorite holiday attire. They don’t recommend ugly sweaters in this Florida heat, but try holiday board shorts or summer shirts. The more festive, the better because you could win some serious prizes. To keep the party alive, Digital Vibez will pull out all the stops for a dance-filled night. It's the holiday spirit with a South Florida twist, enjoyed among the Zoo's incredible animals after dark. Join them on their other nights too on the last Saturdays of July, August and September. 

Cool Off & Explore 

The Zoo's Kids Free promotion is going strong and the perfect way to help families have a great time without melting in the Florida heat. You'll find plenty of shaded pathways, cold treats, and incredible animals at every turn. Stop by the café and check out the new shrimp dishes added to the menu this season, a delicious reason to refuel mid-adventure. And if someone in the group just wants to live off ice-cold treats for the day, that’s not the worst thing either! While the kids are discovering amazing wildlife, there's a deeper mission woven into every visit. The Palm Beach Zoo is dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places, and your visit helps support that work in a real, meaningful way. And they’re here to make it fun because teaching kids to love and protect wildlife starts with seeing it up close. It's the kind of learning that doesn't feel like learning at all. 

Teachers, it’s Easy as 1, 2, 3! 🍎 

Here's something special worth sharing. During their Teachers' Appreciation Week, August 3–9, teachers can visit the Zoo and receive a free annual teacher membership when they stop by in person. The year ahead is going to be a great one and before you’re off doing incredible things for our community, they want to celebrate the educators who shape our kids' futures every single day. 

The Details You Need 

  • Kids Free Summer runs now through July 31st, so don’t wait! 
    Up to 4 kids ages 3-12 are admitted free with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket. 
    Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. 
  • Wild Night Out events are on the last Saturdays of June, July, August, and September. Visit on July 25 for an exciting holiday theme with Santa paying a visit! 
  • Their one-of-a-kind Koala Experience featuring Ellin & joey, Bonza, is available now. 
  • The Zoo’s Teachers' Appreciation Week is August 3–9. Be sure to visit in person for a free annual membership. 

July is the month to visit the Palm Beach Zoo. Between a growing koala joey with the best name ever, a holiday party in the middle of summer, and four kids getting in for free, what are you waiting for? Let’s have a bonza time together! 

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society | 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 | palmbeachzoo.org