Sarasota Jungle Gardens
N 27° 22.069 W 082° 33.343
17R E 346143 N 3028135
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a mix of lush tropical gardens and animals to double your pleasure.
Waymark Code: WM2FEQ
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 10/25/2007
Views: 49
The gardens have been here since 1930, with admission costs starting in 1936, (10 cents for kids, 35 cents for adults) and has been a local favorite every since.
I have been here a few times and they have birds that they let you hold while you get your picture taken, gators so close they growl at you, big cats in cages, flamingo's that come up and pick at your feet, along with the beautiful lush grounds. They have shows where people can learn more about different animals, which they sneak in some ecological lessons at the same time. Great fun for the whole family. It's not a big park but we enjoyed our time we spent there. Some of the local area maps that you find in the tourist spots, hotels, visitor centers etc. will have a coupon or you can get one online at their website ($1.00 off) as well to save you money.
Please see website for more information on times and costs etc.
Per the website:
Originally, the land was a swampy banana grove listed in the city records as "an impenetrable swamp". A local newspaperman, David Breed Lindsay, purchased these 10 lush acres in the early 1930's with plans to develop the virgin subtropical jungle into a botanical garden.
Green thumbs intact, they brought in thousands of tropical plants, trees and flowers from all over the world. These flourish harmoniously with native species. All of the numerous plants today are dispersed throughout the various areas of the Park, Gardens of Christ, open lagoons, Tiki Garden and within our dense forested jungle. Some of our prized possessions include the rare Australian Nut Tree, a Bunya Bunya tree, the largest Norfolk Island pine in Florida, Bulrush, Strangler Figs, Royal Palms, Selloums, Banana Trees, Peruvian Apple Cactus, Staghorn Ferns and native Red Maples, Oak Trees and Bald Cypress.
Shows:
The "Birds of Prey" exhibition
"Critters and Things"
"Reptile Encounter"
"Birds of The Rainforest"
"Meet the Keeper"
Zoo Website address: [Web Link]
Admission Cost: 12.00 (listed in local currency)
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Visit Instructions:
Please tell us a story about your visit to the zoo and the date of your visit. Additional photos, especially animals, are appreciated, but not required.