Zoo Fun in Naples, Florida
More Than Just Animal Gazing Happens at this Florida Zoo
Look, listen and learn at this small powerhouse of a zoo and gardens, located just north of the stunning SW Florida Gulf Coast community in Collier County.
Bearded dragons, dingoes, porcupine and zebras are just some of the animals calling the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens home.
When you visit you will understand these are some lucky animals.
The grounds are a horticultural delight owing to their origins dating back close to 90 years. Then a naturalist, Dr. Henry Nehrling, purchased the land, in the sleepy community of Naples, and over the next few years transformed it. By 1925 he had over 3,000 tropical plant species. He also, subsequently went on to introduce many plants, like the caladium still a colorful favorite, to modern gardeners
A member of the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums allows the Zoo to be in the same league as more renowned facilities like the San Diego, Bronx and Columbus Zoos. It also ensures their participation in the breeding programs for endangered species.
Visitors are granted a rare look at the smaller Malayan tigers, which were born in San Diego in 2000. Smaller than their Bengal cousins, the tigers additionally possess more distinctive stripes. The preservation, of such noble animals, is crucial. Many similar Asian beasts, like the Javan tiger have long become extinct. Catch the tigers as they lounge by their pool, slumber under a canopy of bamboo or get fed daily.
A favorite with zoo visitors is the Primate Expedition Cruise. No worries about taking shots or packing in supplies. This journey is easy and fun!
Come aboard a catamaran and sit back as you cruise around several islands. Each island is a habitat for a different set of primates.
Black-handed spider monkeys perform highflying aerobatics mostly by swinging by their tails. Neighbors like the nearby patas monkey are known for the being the swiftest primates in the world – although mostly they lounge in Naples. With golden red hair, trying to find one hidden deep in the lush vegetation can be an adventure.
With their cartoon like faces and a diversity of types from red ruffed to ring stripe tailed lemurs, and their antics, prove a crowd favorite. White handed gibbons sometimes hang from the trees and often gaze with equal interest at the passing humans.
Lions, hyenas and African wild dogs show the carnivores of the African plains.
For a slighter calmer viewing of the savannah see the inhabitants of the African Oasis.
Here impalas and dorcas gazelle placidly reside while short and compact red river hogs grunt happily in a nearby mud pit. Porcupines and kudos make the scene sublime.
The Zoo’s latest attraction is Leopard Rock, where both black and spotted leopards live on soaring rock formations known as a “kopje”. Aiding the interaction between the wild and mankind is the placement of glass – not cages – between the species.
Glass also provides clear understanding to some of Florida’s own native animals like the panther. With increased development the notoriously shy cats can be observed in their natural environment. Also in Panther Glade are numerous learning activities for every age.
When in Florida – one sometimes thinks of Alligator mississippiensis and the Naples Zoo provides a safe viewing of the Sunshine State’s most ferocious killer at Alligator Bay. While spied usually basking in the sun, an alligator’s sudden swiftness in snapping at prey surprises many. Have any doubts? Make plans to be at the scheduled 1:00PM feeding…and stand back.
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