Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Sarasota (must see)

A tourist attraction since 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers ten acres (four hectares) of botanical plantings along with bird and reptile shows. Located in Sarasota, Florida, today it is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals and more than 3,000 different varieties of trees and shrubs.

Entertainment and education are key to every show in the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy each and every exhibit, such as butterfly gardens, alligator/crocodile exhibit, koi pond, birds of prey exhibit and many more. One of the most impressive interactions with birds is the opportunity to hand feed free-roaming flamingos, in the Flamingo Feeding Area.

The collection of native species and exotic plants from all around the world is quite impressive too. You’ll see the Australian bunya-bunya tree, Malaya, Carambola of Florida Plants, Norfolk Pine and Lychee of China, to name just a few. In the so-called Biblical Garden, you’ll find strangler figs, royal palms, the bulrush, the Date Palm and many more.

Why You Should Visit:
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a family owned and operated site. Be sure, that the educated, experienced and devoted staff will impart their passion for animals and nature to you, while the up-close and personal interaction with nature, supported by unmatched customer service, will arouse some uncomparable emotions and beautiful memories.

Tip:
A quick online research will help you easily find discount coupons.
Have quarters on you for the machines as you will truly enjoy feeding the animals.
Before coming here, check online the shows and times available on the day of your visit. It would be disappointing to arrive 5-10 minutes after the beginning of the show, and they are truly worth the time. Especially if you are visiting with kids.
Note that flamingos are usually more eager to be fed in the morning. In the afternoon they might be too full to pay any more attention to the food you’d be offering them.