Naples Zoo facts for kids
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Giraffes at Naples Zoo
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| Date opened | September 1, 1969 |
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| Location | Naples, Florida, United States |
| Land area | 43 acres (17 ha) |
| Coordinates | 26°10′06″N 81°47′26″W / 26.168207°N 81.790681°W |
| No. of species | 70 |
| Memberships | AZA, AAZK American Public Gardens Association, |
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a fun place to visit in Naples, Florida. It's a 43-acre zoo and a beautiful old garden. The garden was first started in 1919 by a plant expert named Dr. Henry Nehrling.
Later, in the 1950s, Julius Fleischmann added new plants and created lakes. He also brought in colorful parrots and other birds. The garden opened to the public as Caribbean Gardens in 1954. In 1969, Larry and Jane Tetzlaff, also known as Jungle Larry and Safari Jane, brought exotic animals to the gardens. That's how the zoo officially began!
Today, the zoo is home to about 70 different kinds of animals. You can walk about a mile on the main path, which winds through the tropical gardens and past all the animal exhibits. Some animals, like monkeys, live on islands in the lakes. You can see them up close on a special boat ride called the Primate Expedition Cruise.
The Naples Zoo is recognized by important groups like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care and conservation. The garden itself is also recognized as a historic site.
History of the Naples Zoo
The Naples Zoo started as a special project for a plant scientist named Dr. Henry Nehrling. He bought the land in 1919 to protect his amazing plant collection. His plants had been damaged by a big freeze at his old garden.
After Dr. Nehrling passed away in 1929, the gardens were not cared for over 20 years. Then, in 1954, Julius Fleischmann, Jr. reopened them to the public as "Caribbean Gardens."
How the Zoo Began
The idea to add animals started in 1967. A couple named Lawrence and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff, known as Jungle Larry and Safari Jane, visited the gardens. They were looking for a place to keep their rare animal collection during the winter.
After Mr. Fleischmann passed away, the Tetzlaffs were asked to bring their animals to the garden. So, on September 1, 1969, the zoo opened with animals for everyone to see!
Growth and Conservation Efforts
Even after Larry Tetzlaff passed away in 1984, Nancy Jane Tetzlaff and her family kept working to make the zoo better. In 2001, the zoo earned its important accreditation from the AZA.
In 2002, the family who owned the land decided to sell it. The Tetzlaffs worked hard to get the county to buy the land. In 2004, people in the area voted to buy the land, with 73% saying yes! To help with the purchase, the Tetzlaffs made the zoo a non-profit organization in 2005. They also gave control to a new group called the Naples Zoo Board of Directors.
Today, the zoo is led by Jack Mulvena. It helps care for many animals that are in danger of disappearing from the wild. The zoo also supports efforts to protect animals in their natural homes. Over 350,000 people visit the zoo every year!
Explore the Exhibits
The Naples Zoo has one main path that is about 1 mile long. It winds through the beautiful botanical gardens and past all the main animal exhibits. Here are some of the amazing animals you can see:
Alligator Bay
This area is home to the zoo's American alligators. This lake is also a natural home for many local birds, including herons, who build their nests here every year.
South American Animals
In this area, you'll find a giant anteater and red-rumped agoutis. Nearby, you can also see critically endangered cotton-top tamarins and red-footed tortoises.
African Antelope Exhibit
This exhibit is home to mountain bongo, a type of antelope that is critically endangered. There are only about 75 to 80 of them left in the wild! You can also see slender-horned gazelles here. These light-colored animals come from northern Africa, where only about 250 to 340 remain.
Clouded Leopards Habitat
Here you can see a pair of clouded leopards. There's a glass viewing area where you can watch them. A nearby display teaches you how your everyday choices, like what snacks or cosmetics you buy, can help or hurt animals like clouded leopards, orangutans, and tigers. You can even download a free app to help you choose products that are better for these endangered species.
Lake Victoria and Primate Expedition Cruise
Lake Victoria has several islands where the zoo's primates live. You can get a close look at these islands by taking the 15 to 20 minute Primate Expedition Cruise on one of the zoo's boats. Most of the monkey species on these islands are endangered in the wild.
Lagoon Loop Animals
The Lagoon Loop is where you'll find the zoo's lions and nearby zebras.
Giraffe Feeding Station
This area showcases a herd of reticulated giraffes. For a small fee, you can even hand-feed them!
Fosas of Madagascar
This exhibit is home to the fosa, a rare carnivore from Madagascar.
Black Bear Hammock
This area is home to black bears. It has two separate habitats: one that looks like a natural forest and another that looks like a backyard. You can view both areas from behind glass. This is the largest black bear exhibit in an accredited zoo east of the Mississippi River!
Tiger Forest
The Tiger Forest provides a natural bamboo forest home for the zoo's Malayan tigers. The Naples Zoo is part of a special program called the AZA Species Survival Plan to help protect this species.
Backyard Habitat
This part of the gardens is certified by the National Wildlife Federation. It shows how you can create a wildlife-friendly space in your own backyard. It even has a pool where visitors can feed the fish!
Panther Exhibit
This exhibit is home to Athena, a Florida Panther (Puma concolor coryi). Florida panthers are an endangered species of cougar. Athena was found as a tiny kitten in Big Cypress National Preserve after her mother left her. After attempts to reunite them failed, she was brought to Naples Zoo. She got healthy again and you can see her daily. Since panthers need to spend at least 6 months with their mother to learn how to survive, Athena cannot go back to the wild.
Before Athena, this exhibit was home to another Florida Panther named Uno. He was rescued after being found injured. He was brought to the zoo and lived in an exhibit that looked like his natural home.
Other Animals to See
Throughout the zoo, you can also find other amazing animals like striped hyenas, muntjac, yellow-backed duikers, honey badgers, cheetahs, coyotes, and macaws.
Daily Events and Shows
The zoo offers many fun events throughout the day to help you learn about the animals and conservation. These include:
- Seated Safari and Reptile Rendezvous shows at the Safari Canyon Open Air Theater
- Alligator Bay Feeding
- Meet the Keeper series at different exhibits around the zoo
(official site)
