From No Fish Allowed to Tiger Cuddles: One Man's Miami Wildlife Dream Comes True

Many kids grow up dreaming of having a tiger or monkey as a pet, but most have to settle for a dog or cat.For Mario Tabraue, it was even stricter: his mother wouldn’t let him have so much as a fish.“My mother wouldn’t even let me have a fish,” he said. “She thought it was weird. She thought there was something wrong with me.”

So when he finally left home as a young adult, the first thing he did was buy a couple of Great Danes.And today? He owns several types of tigers, monkeys, wolves, four camels, and a zebra.

Together with his wife Maria, Tabraue runs the Zoological Wildlife Foundation—described as “an organization dedicated to educating the public about rare and endangered animal species in captivity and in the wild.”

“I seem to relate better to animals because you always know where you stand with them unlike with people,” he said.

The couple operates the foundation out of their home on a five-acre lot in Redland, an agricultural community in southwest Miami-Dade. For a fee, the public can book guided tours of the property, pose for photos with the animals, and in some cases, even hold them.

“You go to the Metro Zoo and walk around in circles and you’re not going to touch anything,” Tabraue said. “Here, you’re going to have an experience of a lifetime.”

And he’s right.

The zoo won’t let you into a cage with baby ligers (a lion-tiger crossbreed), but they’re growing fast—so soon they’ll only be viewable from outside. Even then, you can press your hand against the fence and let the tigers and ligers rub against it (they love that).

You’ll also get to hold several monkey species, including Capuchin and Gibbon Macaque, and pet the wolves.

The Tabraues operate under strict state and federal licenses, with enclosures far exceeding minimum requirements. “My cages are six times the size the standard required by the federal government,” he said. Most animals were born in captivity and might not survive in the wild.

Pricing is straightforward:

• $100 minimum for groups of three or fewer adults
• $30 per person for groups of four or more
• Larger groups get reduced rates
• Children are always free

Tabraue never charges kids. He works with local schools for regular tours and offers discounted (or free) visits to underprivileged students. He hopes to expand those partnerships.“For the kids, it’s extra special because they are receiving an education that they don’t get in class,” he said.

For more information, visit the Zoological Wildlife Foundation website or call (786) 423-8564.

Mario Tabraue & Zoological Wildlife Foundation Today (2026 Update)

The Zoological Wildlife Foundation remains a beloved South Florida gem, still operating on the same five-acre Redland property. Mario and Maria Tabraue continue offering guided tours, hands-on animal encounters, and educational programs—now with even more emphasis on conservation, endangered species awareness, and school outreach.

The facility is USDA-licensed and AZA-affiliated in spirit (though private), with expanded enclosures and a growing collection of rare animals (tigers, ligers, primates, wolves, camels, zebra, and more). Tours remain popular—pricing has adjusted with time (typically $50–$100+ per adult depending on group size and experience; kids often free or discounted). They host birthday parties, field trips, and special events, and continue free/low-cost programs for underprivileged youth.

The foundation’s Facebook page and website (zoologicalwildlifefoundation.com) are active with updates, photos, and booking info. Mario’s passion for animals—and his belief that direct interaction builds empathy and conservation support—hasn’t faded. If you’re in Miami-Dade and want a truly unforgettable wildlife experience, it’s still one of the most unique (and hands-on) options in South Florida. Call ahead.

Editor’s Note: Originally published February 18, 2010, this article has been lightly polished for readability while preserving Carlos Miller's first-hand perspective on living in Miami.