Sarasota Jungle Gardens

1. Sarasota Jungle Gardens Exhibits

• What is Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a lush botanical attraction featuring winding brick paths, exotic plants, and diverse wildlife. Once thought to be infertile, the area’s moisture-rich soil has proven to be ideal for plant growth.
• What natural features can visitors see at Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
  • Visitors can explore:
  • Football-sized lemons
  • Biblical gardens
  • Royal palms
  • Lagoons, streams, and bridges that provide a scenic backdrop for photographs
• Are pesticides and herbicides used at Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
  • No, due to many species of animals roaming freely, no pesticides or herbicides are used.
• What efforts are being made to preserve native plants?
  • Significant effort is being put into replacing exotic imported plants that have died with native plants and grasses, ensuring an authentic representation of the Florida landscape.
• What butterfly species can be seen at Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens is known as a mecca for butterflies. Visitors can spot:
  • Monarch butterflies
  • Swallowtail butterflies
  • Sulfur butterflies
  • These species can be regularly seen in the Butterfly Garden, located on the north side of the facility.

2. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: More Attractions

• How many animals reside at Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
  • There are 200 animals currently residing at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
• Where do the animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens come from?
  • 95% of the animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens were rescued from conditions deemed subpar or abusive.
• Why is exotic pet ownership high in Florida?
  • Florida has an above-average rate of exotic pet ownership due to:
  • Its tropical climate, which is suitable for many exotic species
  • The common practice of importing exotic mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles
• What happens to exotic pets that are neglected or abandoned?
  • Many exotic pets become sick, neglected, or homeless when their owners fail to provide proper care or pass away.
  • With the help of state and federal organizations, these animals are rehabilitated at the Sarasota Jungle Sanctuary.
• What is the mission of Sarasota Jungle Gardens regarding exotic pet ownership?
  • Part of the institution’s mission is to educate the public about the responsibilities associated with caring for exotic pets.
• What makes the flamingo attraction at Sarasota Jungle Gardens unique?
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens has an extensive collection of flamingoes that are allowed to roam freely around the facility.
• Where do the flamingoes at Sarasota Jungle Gardens originate from?
  • Flamingoes originally hail from the Caribbean and Central and South America, but a small population comes to Florida to breed and nest annually.
• Does Sarasota Jungle Gardens breed flamingoes?
  • Yes, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been given special permission by federal and state governments to:
  • Collect, incubate, hatch, and hand-raise ten flamingoes per year
  • Grow the flock until it reaches 50 members

3. Sarasota Jungle Gardens Visitor Tips

• What kinds of animal shows are conducted at Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
  • There are several different kinds of animal shows conducted daily at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
• What is the Reptile Encounters show?
  • The Reptile Encounters show allows visitors to get an inside look at several reptilian species, including snakes and even alligators.
• Can visitors interact with the reptiles after the show?
  • Yes, after the conclusion of the Reptile Encounters show, visitors are given permission to pose for a photo with the creatures and even hold one.
• What is the Jungle Birds show?
  • The Jungle Birds show takes place in the afternoon and allows winged and feathered creatures to showcase their talents by performing entertaining feats for the audience.
• What is the Wildlife Wonder spectacle?
  • The Wildlife Wonder spectacle combines:
  • The educational qualities of the Reptile Encounters show
  • The entertainment value of the Jungle Birds show
• What animals can be seen in the Wildlife Wonder show?
  • Visitors can see a variety of creatures, from hissing cockroaches to red-tailed hawks, making this show both amazing, entertaining, and educational.
• Is there an opportunity for visitors to take photos with the animals?
  • Yes, Sarasota Jungle Gardens holds a meet and greet with several of the animal keepers, who can help get the animals camera-ready for some unforgettable keepsakes.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234, Phone: 941-355-1112