This tropical garden is one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in Florida. It was established in 1939 when local newspaperman, David Breed Lindsay, purchased 10 acres of land to develop the subtropical jungle into a botanical garden. Near the jungle was a nursery owned by Pearson Conrad, who helped develop the area into a proper botanical garden with streams, planned lakes and plants. Some trees in the park, like the Australian Nut tree, a Bunya Bunya tree and Peruvian Apple Cactus, were imported from all around the world to flourish in harmony with the park’s animals. Be prepared to see a lifetime worth of flamingoes roaming the gardens. They are among other birds like egrets, ducks, swans, pelicans, and other wildlife that may fly by. To learn about the wildlife around you, plan to attend one of the daily bird and reptile shows followed by a question and answer session.
For a more hands-on experience, pick one of many one-on-one animal interactions and take pictures with parrots, snakes, alligators, iguanas and other reptiles and animals. You will also have the opportunity to feed the koi fish and ride the wooden train through the park to see the many birds and animals swimming and wading their way through Mirror Lake. An abundance of learning opportunities await you at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Hotels near this tropical park give you a place to relax and recap what you learned about the animal kingdom. When you book with Choice Hotels near Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you will enjoy a day filled with fun and a relaxing place to rest and unwind afterwards. Book online now!