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Florida: Naples, Caribbean Gardens Family Fun Caribbean Gardens, the Zoo in Naples offers families oodles of great activities in a tropical paradise. Comfortable and truly attentive to families, the grounds showcase a variety of endangered animals and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as interactive learning. It is an ideal setting for a family field trip with plenty of spaces for a picnic too. 

Caribbean Gardens, the Zoo in Naples offers families oodles of great activities in a tropical paradise. Comfortable and truly attentive to families, the grounds showcase a variety of endangered animals and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as interactive learning. It is an ideal setting for a family field trip with plenty of spaces for a picnic too. 

See the top four. With the addition of the African wild dog exhibit, Caribbean Gardens is the only zoo in Florida where visitors can see all four of Africa’s top predators including lions, spotted hyenas, leopards, and wild dogs. With less than 5,000 wild dogs in Africa and less than 80 in America they are more endangered than tigers.  

Enjoy the night zoo. Led by Zoo Director David Tetzlaff Night Eyes Tours are offered on select dates during the winter months. A special presentation on the video screens in the Safari Canyon open-air theater directs the experience and makes everyone familiar with the best way to use night vision. Tour participants use night vision scopes to see the nocturnal activities of some of the world's rarest animals inside Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. See both carnivorous prowlers like spotted hyenas as well as watchful prey like gazelles and kangaroos. Watch the moonlit patrols of more creatures including African lions, leopards, and Indochinese tigers - a stunning sight with night vision. Bonus points: Part of the adventure is aboard a catamaran that cruises past islands of monkeys, lemurs, and apes. Need to know: Because of the nature of this experience, participants must be at least 14 years of age.  

Cruise the lake. Part of the experience at the zoo includes a boat ride. The 15 minute cruise is narrated by an expedition guide who provides interesting details about these fascinating primates. The majority of these species are now classified as endangered in their native lands. Need to know: The opportunity for photography is exceptional and visitors may cruise more than once at no additional cost.  

Want to feed the fish? One of the most engaging activities within the zoo complex is the chance to feed fish. The fish feeding stations are at various points throughout the zoo including by the Primate Expedition Cruise dock and by the picnic area near Alligator Bay. Bonus points: Kids also enjoy three different play areas including the new Cub Kingdom playground.  

Meet a keeper. The zoo provides terrific connections to selected animal exhibits through an innovative program called "Meet the Keeper." Through these informal programs visitors see the zoo’s residents as they relate to their keeper and watch behavioral enrichment activities that provide bonus moments to a visit. 

Discover Madagascar in Florida.

Located along the shores of Lake Victoria, beneath a thatched gazebo visitors learn about the fascinating land, wildlife, and people of Madagascar. The exhibit showcases not just creatures now living on the island, but also some of their past creatures as well. Walk up to a life-size graphic of a gorilla-sized lemur. Touch a life-sized 3-D replica of an elephant bird egg, the largest egg ever laid on planet earth. 

They’re playing our song.

Also at the website there is a fun song called “Do the Zoo” written by John Michael Zov. 

Caribbean Gardens: The ZOO in Naples. Located in the heart of Naples, the 52-acre Caribbean Gardens is accredited by the prestigious American Zoo and Aquarium Association. In addition to the historical plantings dating back to 1919, the garden features a variety of animals from apes to zebras including the big cats. Save on admission: With a quick click at the website you will save on admission for everyone. 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, 34102. ZooLine is 1(239) 262-5409 or www.napleszoo.com    

About the Zoo

Naples Zoo is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road across from the Coastland Center mall in the heart of Naples. In addition to innovative presentations like Serpents: Fangs & Fiction and Planet Predator, the Zoo offers a historic botanical garden and many rare animals. Guests board the Primate Expedition Cruise to glide by islands inhabited by monkeys, lemurs, and apes living in natural habitats. Admission includes all shows and the boat ride ($19.95 adults age 13+/ $11.95 children 3 to 12, under 3 free. Twenty-five cents of each admission goes to the Naples Zoo Conservation Fund to support regional and international conservation projects.) Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Visitors can also pick up a healthy lunch and snacks at the SUBWAY® Cafe and shop for wild gifts at tame prices in The ZOO Gift Shop. The Zoo welcomes guests daily from 9:30 to 5:30 with the last ticket sold at 4:30. As always, Naples Zoo is closed on Christmas Day. 

The Unofficial Guide to Florida with Kids. By Pam Brandon, Macmillan Travel, USA. This is a useful endeavor that provides opinions as well as ratings for attractions. The section on southwestern Florida makes a nice addition to the information provided by the Joshi family. The book provides useful area maps that help in the planning process. The restaurant listings are less useful because food service is truly a subjective topic and I know just having a children's menu does not make the restaurant family friendly. 


Text updated for Familytravelfiles.com Images provided by Naples Zoo Copyright 2009. 

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