The former site of the Miami Zoo has been reinvented as a novelty garden and menagerie. The doors to the retro animal cages—so much smaller and less humane compared to today’s standards—have been removed to create walk-in flora vignettes with hand-painted murals.

A central pond attracting dozens of bird species, iguanas and the occasional crocodile makes for good picnicking, while cyclists and Rollerbladers stick to surrounding spirals of smooth trails.

The birdwatcher’s paradise is home to natives like Sandhill cranes, exotics such as Hawaiian geese, Guinea hens, peacocks, black and white swans and a variety of ducks.