Welcome to Sarasota Jungle Gardens!
A tropical adventure awaits all who visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens. One of the oldest continuously operating attractions in Florida, Sarasota Jungle Gardens evokes memories of Florida days gone by, full of flora, fauna and fun, yet remains current and exciting for today's families, locals, and tourists alike.
A wide variety of birds and animals – many of them rescued – includes Florida's noted pink flamingos, parrots, crocodiles, lemurs, snakes and more. All nestled within 10 acres of lush, tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails. It's one of the only places you can walk up to and feed free roaming flamingos.
Daily bird and reptile shows are as educational as they
are entertaining and for the youngest visitors, our newly renovated playground will provide countless hours of fun. Read more »
History
This Florida attraction has roots that run deep. To step into Sarasota Jungle Gardens is to take a step back into time. More than 70 years back in time.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens first came into being in the early 1930s when a local newspaperman by the name of 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. A friend and neighbor, Pearson Conrad who was the owner of an adjacent nursery, shared those same dreams and suddenly a larger plan emerged as Conrad charted streams, planned lakes and provided additional plantings from his nursery.
Importing thousands of tropical plants, trees and flowers from all over the world, hand picked because they would flourish harmoniously with native species, the Gardens gradually began to take shape. 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. Read more »
Our People
Sarasota Jungle Gardens’ animal department staff is comprised of a number of educated, experienced and devoted people. Possessing a variety of specialties, our staff is very familiar with all our “residents,” be they birds, mammals or reptiles. Collectively, our personnel have over 50 years of animal-handling experience and education.
Staff members in the animal department have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Science. They have attended such renowned schools as Johns Hopkins, Penn State and Drake universities.
At Sarasota Jungle Gardens, all of our animals are well cared for and we proudly note that we exceed the USDA and Florida Fish and Wildlife guidelines. We also have strict requirements for all animal husbandry.
