Discover the Wonder of Wildlife in a Tropical Paradise
Step into Sarasota Jungle Gardens and prepare to be enchanted! One of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the State of Florida, opening to the public in December of 1940, the “Gardens” has retained its old Florida charm. With over 200 native and exotic animals, 10 acres of lush tropical vegetation, and the unique opportunity to hand-feed free-roaming flamingos, Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers an authentic glimpse into Florida’s natural heritage in the heart of Sarasota County.
What to Expect
Sarasota Jungle Gardens isn’t your typical zoo – it’s an intimate wildlife sanctuary where visitors become part of the experience. Here’s what awaits you:
Free-Roaming Flamingo Experience: Hand-feed the free-roaming flamingos—they will come right up and eat out of your hands! This is one of the only places in Florida where you can walk among and interact directly with these magnificent pink birds.
Daily Interactive Animal Shows: The Jungle Bird show features parrots, cockatiels, macaws, and more performing a variety of different tricks including roller-skating and riding a bike. The Reptile Encounter show offers kids an opportunity to learn about snakes, alligators, and other reptiles. Wildlife Wonder show features red tail hawks, kookaburras, various species of owls, and other small mammals.
Hands-On Animal Encounters: Hold an alligator, pose with exotic parrots, or get up close with lemurs, crocodiles, and rescued reptiles. Private animal experiences include an educational presentation from an animal educator, 15 minutes of up-close interaction, the ability to touch or hold animal (if applicable), feeding (if applicable), and a commemorative emailed picture with animal.
Tropical Gardens & Trails: Wander through winding jungle trails surrounded by native and exotic plants, creating a truly immersive tropical experience that transports you to another world.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The “Kiddie Jungle” features a brand new playground. The Flamingo Café serves delicious sandwiches, ice cream and snacks and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Educational Conservation Mission: Many of the animals that you will see at our attraction came to us through many sources. Some were rescued from adverse or inhumane conditions and some were donated by pet owners who could no longer care for their charges.
Sarasota and Surrounding Area
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is located at 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida 34234, perfectly positioned in one of Florida’s most culturally rich areas. It’s a 10 acre tropical oasis just North of downtown Sarasota, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the region’s many attractions.
While you’re in the Sarasota area, explore these world-class nearby attractions:
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Discover world-renowned art collections and fascinating exhibitions.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Immerse yourself in the beauty of rare tropical plants and stunning horticultural displays.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Explore the wonders of the marine world and learn about ongoing research and conservation efforts.
- Ca’ d’Zan: Nestled on the picturesque Sarasota Bay, Ca’ d’Zan stands as a stunning testament to the American Dream and the lavish lifestyle of John and Mable Ringling
A Rich History Worth Discovering
Sarasota Jungle Gardens began in the early 1930s when a local newspaperman named David Breed Lindsay purchased 10 acres of land just west of U.S. 41 with grand plans to develop the virgin subtropical jungle into a botanical garden. In the 1920s, the site was a swampy banana grove listed in city records as “an impenetrable swamp.”
Beginning in 1936, admission fees were charged and in 1940, Jungle Gardens opened for business in essentially its current form. In the early 1970s, Jungle Gardens was sold to the philanthropic Allyn family, who continue to manage it. In 1971, Arthur C. Allyn purchased Sarasota Jungle Gardens. His daughter, Dorothy Allyn-Lavick, and her family operate the Gardens today.
Notable historical features include:
- During the earlier years, several owners and their families lived on the grounds, residing in what is now the Flamingo Cafe. The Koi Pond, located just outside the snack bar, served originally as a pool and was connected to the estate house
- In the early 70s, the Gardens introduced the first Exotic Bird Show featuring Macaws and Cockatoos trained by prison inmates from California and aptly dubbed: The Jail Birds. Some of these original birds still participate in the bird shows today
- The preservation of “Old Florida” charm and authentic subtropical environment that existed before development
Ready to experience Old Florida magic? Visit the official Sarasota Jungle Gardens website for current admission prices, show times, and special events.
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