Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Get Up Close With The Wild Things!
For over 70 years, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been bringing people and nature together. Through engaging wildlife encounters, guests are transported to the tropics and get to meet some of the jungle’s most impressive residents. From hand-feeding flamingos to holding baby alligators, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is sure to both excite and educate.
As one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating attractions, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is rich not only in wildlife but also in history. What began as a simple but magnificent botanical garden has morphed into a fantastic zoo—still complete with a stunning Bunya Bunya tree and the largest Norfolk Island pine in Florida! Stepping into Sarasota Jungle Gardens is stepping into a slice of Old Florida that’s just as fresh and exciting as the day it debuted.
Are you ready to get wild?
Into the Jungle
Home to over 200 native and exotic critters, Sarasota Jungle Gardens might be on the smaller side of Florida zoos (the largest Florida zoo, Zoo Miami, has 3,000 animals1), but don’t underestimate this attraction! It’s one of the most interactive zoos in Florida, making it incredibly unique and well worth a visit. You’re practically guaranteed the opportunity to pet or hold an amazing exotic creature, just with regular admission. That alone makes this Sarasota gem skyrocket toward the top of my best zoos list! Not to mention the heartwarming fact most of the animals here are rescues, meaning that in Sarasota Jungle Gardens, they have found a loving forever home.
This charming wildlife haven can be explored by following the paved pathway, which winds along for just over a mile. Lined with the lush vegetation you’d expect from a botanical garden, you’ll feel whisked away to the depths of a remote—yet magically navigable—jungle. Honestly, it’s the best way to experience a jungle…second only to a jungle cruise, of course.
Pretty, pink flamingos roam freely around the property. Extremely friendly with humans, they’ll come right up to you to say hello! Especially if you decide to hand feed them. (Flamingo snacks can be purchased by the handful via a coin-operated vending machine or in bigger bags when you arrive at the Gardens.2) Offer a flamingo some food, and you’ll have a feathered forever friend in a heartbeat!
In addition to flamingos, the zoo is also home to several colorful parrots from around the world, as well as a plethora of reptilians, from bearded dragons to giant tortoises. The best part is that many of these creatures are available for special animal interactions!
For an extra fee, you can spend time petting or holding an animal of your choice! Prices range from just $5.00 (hold a Macaw or similar bird) to $50.00 (memorable encounter with a Black and White Ruffed Lemur). You can touch an alligator, feed a tortoise, or meet a Reeve’s Muntjac Deer, all under the supervision of a knowledgeable keeper who will give you the low down on your new friend while you take some killer selfies.
If your wallet isn’t feeling up to an exclusive encounter, not to worry! What you get with the price of admission is more than enough for a spectacular day, especially with the daily shows that often include free encounters. All in all, you should plan to spend around four hours in the Gardens if you wish to see everything!
It’s Showtime!
There are several daily animal shows at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and each one is included as part of your entry ticket! Many shows end with an opportunity for folks to meet the keeper and pet the star of the show (and snap a photo), making it well worth scheduling these performances into your day!
There are three shows to choose from (or you can attend all of them, as the times are scattered throughout the day): The Jungle Bird Show at noon, Wildlife Wonder at 1:00 p.m., and Reptile Encounter at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Each show is roughly 20 minutes long.
Jungle Bird Show
Witness the finest feathered friends of Sarasota as they dazzle and delight with adorable tricks! Have you ever seen a bird ride a bicycle? Now’s your chance! After you witness the intelligence of these acrobatic avians, you’ll find that the term “bird brain” should be taken as a compliment. Most shows end with the chance to pet or hold the stars of the show!
Wildlife Wonder
Wildlife Wonder is a show that’s different from one day to the next, making it one of the best to see if you’re visiting Sarasota Jungle Gardens for the second, third, or hundredth time! No matter which animal takes to the spotlight, you’re sure to be entertained and learn some paw-some facts. Past stars have included owls, hissing cockroaches, and skunks!
Reptile Encounter
My favorite, the Reptile Encounter show, introduces audiences to earth’s most incredible critters. Often stigmatized as “creepy” or “scary,” you’ll discover that danger noodles—er, I mean, snakes—as well as alligators, lizards, and turtles are actually really cool. In fact, they can even be pretty cute! After the show, you’ll have the chance to snap a picture of the starring scaly pals.
Zoo Camp—AKA Best Summer Ever!
Sarasota Jungle Gardens Zoo Camp is a super fun opportunity for kiddos to explore what it’s really like to be a zookeeper.
There are several four-day Zoo Camp sessions throughout the summer, each with its own unique theme like “Slithery & Scaly” or “Flying Fun.” The camp sessions are updated regularly, so it’s a great summer tradition for kiddos ages 6 to 11, bringing something new to the table each year.
Zoo Camp includes a full day (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) of animal adventures with behind-the-scenes exploration and lots of hands-on experience! In addition to fun activities like animal-themed craft projects, animal feeding and animal handling are an integral part of this summer camp. Kiddos should come prepared for baby crocodilian cuddles and tarantula tickles!
Camp tends to fill up fast, so Sarasota Jungle Gardens recommends booking well in advance to ensure your spot at Zoo Camp! One week is $250.00—Zoo Camp t-shirts and snacks are provided. If your child loves wildlife, this camp is the perfect opportunity to indulge that passion and create memories—and perhaps friendships—that will last a lifetime.
Have you been to Sarasota Jungle Gardens? What was your favorite show or exclusive animal encounter? We’d love to hear about your visit in the comments below!
Stay wild, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!
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