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Jeremy Hauwelaert is the President and CEO of Jungle Island. With a unique background that spans business development in Belgium to sales and operations leadership in South Florida attractions, Jeremy brings a global perspective and a deep passion for the guest experience. Jungle Island, located on Watson Island in Miami, blends zoological elements with immersive, eco-friendly experiences and event-based attractions. In this interview, Jeremy talks about the Jungle Island experience, everything is marketing, and taking chances on employees.

“Jungle Island really feels like an emerald heart in a concrete jungle in Miami.”

Jeremy describes Jungle Island as an 18-acre eco-adventure park located between downtown Miami and South Beach. Known for its lush landscaping and immersive natural environment, the park blends animal encounters, a botanical setting, and a vibrant event scene. The attraction’s history traces back to 1935, originally known as Parrot Jungle in Pinecrest Gardens. When it moved to Watson Island in 2003, the transition came with both opportunity and challenges. While the central location has made it a prime venue for private events and late-night programming, the daily traffic congestion has impacted visitation from local families—Jungle Island's core demographic. Still, Jeremy and his team have leveraged these dynamics to deliver an evolving and diverse guest experience.

“Marketing is responsible from the first contact you have with your guest... until they've actually left the building and they filled out a survey.”

With a strong foundation in marketing, Jeremy brings a guest-centric perspective to Jungle Island’s operations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding guest behavior and designing experiences that align with their expectations. When reopening after COVID, Jeremy launched a bold initiative: free garden admission for locals. This not only reintroduced guests to the park but also proved more effective than a million-dollar ad campaign. Events like the Lantern Festival and strategic night programming help extend the park’s reach, especially in a market like Miami, where guests tend to make last-minute plans and seek evening entertainment. For Jeremy, marketing extends far beyond promotions—it's about shaping every touchpoint of the guest journey.

“Giving young people chances and letting them fly and letting them figure out where life takes them is important.”

Jeremy’s leadership philosophy places a strong emphasis on employee experience. From free meals and snacks to an extra vacation day for visiting other attractions, Jungle Island invests in its team in meaningful ways. Inspired by ideas from industry peers, Jeremy implemented a program where employees explore other attractions using FAA (Florida Attractions Association) white letters and report back with feedback. These insights are reviewed during operational meetings, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Jeremy also shared his observations about working with younger generations, recognizing the shift in mindset and the importance of mental health support. While not every chance taken leads to long-term retention, he values the growth that comes from giving employees the opportunity to develop and contribute.

For more information about Jungle Island, visit jungleisland.com. To connect with Jeremy directly, reach out via LinkedIn.

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