MIAMI — ESJ Capital Partners has purchased Jungle Island, an 18-acre zoological park located on Watson Island along the MacArthur Causeway in Miami. The $60 million transaction includes transfer of the existing lease on the City of Miami-owned Watson Island to ESJ Capital, along with assuming existing park debt to the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ESJ Capital will renovate and expand the park in three phases and add a private beach club. The initial phase of the two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation will debut this summer and feature zip lines, children adventure areas, water slides and a crystal lagoon. Enhancements will also be made to the park’s banquet facilities. Jungle Island will continue to be managed by John Dunlap of Iconic Attractions Group, the San Diego-based company currently responsible for the park’s operations and day-to-day administrations.
ESJ Capital Partners will renovate and expand Jungle Island in three phases and add a private beach club.
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