ATTRACTION: Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
WHERE: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234.
AGE RESTRICTIONS: None.
PRICE: $15 for adults, $14 ages 62 and up, $10 children ages 3—11. Under 3 year olds are admitted free. Prices are plus tax.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Open 9am until 5pm seven days a week. Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving Day. Phone: 941-355-5305
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the State of Florida. Open to the public in December of 1940, the “Gardens” has retained its old Florida charm and very little has changed over the past sixty-eight years. A visit to the Gardens will bring back the memories of Florida days gone by.
Many of the animals that you will see at Sarasota Jungle Gardens were rescued from adverse or inhumane conditions and some were donated by pet owners who could no longer care for their charges. Many of the rare and endangered exotic birds were given by various rescue organizations nationwide
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has designed all of their exhibits, shows and off-site presentations in order to educate the public on “exotic pet ownership”. In Florida, exotic pet ownership has become rampant due to sub-tropical weather and leniency toward the importation of various species of reptiles, insects, birds and mammals. In the northern parts of the United States, exotic pet owners cannot “release” their unwanted pets into the wild because most would not survive. However, in Florida, many irresponsible pet owners release these “exotics” in the Everglades, country sides, lakes and even populated neighbourhoods to survive on their own. And, they do survive! Many animals have not only survived but have reproduced in numbers that are literally taking over some areas of the State. In Florida, it is illegal to release into the wild, any species of mammal, reptile, insect or water plant that is not indigenous to the State.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens features 10 acres of lush tropical vegetation, winding jungle trails and entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows twice daily. The “Kiddie Jungle” features a tree house, haunted tree, tiger swings, slide and a custom wooden train for the children to play on.
The Flamingo Café serves delicious sandwiches, ice cream and snacks and is open daily from 9am to 4:30 pm each day. You can bring your own picnic lunch and dine alfresco on one of the many picnic tables that are available!
Your visit isn’t complete without feeding the “free roaming” American flamingos! When was the last time you had a Flamingo eating out of the palm of your hand?
SHOWS:
Birds of Prey Exhibition: The Birds of Prey show will feature Sarasota Jungle Garden’s rescued avian predators, Red Tail Hawks and various species of Owls. The maligned ‘Black Vulture’ will be discussed and hopefully dispel the myths that surround this beneficial creature! This show is held in the Birds of the Rainforest Pavilion. 10am and 2pm
Critters and Things: Just what it sounds like! Featuring the fuzzy, furry, creepy, crawly and everything in between, “Critters and Things” is sure to amaze, amuse and educate every member of the family! This show will immediately follow the “Birds of Prey” exhibition.
Reptile Encounter: This audience interactive show is designed to thrill and amaze guests. Fact or fiction? You tell us! When was the last time you held an alligator? Or, do you want to? 11am and 3pm
Birds of the Rainforest: Performing exotic bird show with a twist. These birds are pretty and very smart! But, do they make good pets? Learn more about these exotic animals, their habits and habitats, while they test theirs and your IQ! 12 noon and 4pm
Meet the Keeper: Gives visitors the opportunity to meet the animal handlers at individual habitats throughout the gardens. Each informative 5 to 10 minute talk will consist of facts on each animal species, natural habitat and how the animal came to Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Each talk will allow for a question and answer period. 1pm daily.
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