Book a private experience!
Get hands-on with rabbits, snakes, and parrots during a private 15-minute animal encounter at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This intimate wildlife experience is perfect for families and curious adventurers alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
15 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been a centerpiece of local wildlife education since 1939, blending tropical horticulture with exotic animal exhibits.
Conservation
The Gardens focus on educating visitors about wildlife protection and responsible stewardship, promoting sustainable interactions with animals.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Book a private experience!
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a family-focused wildlife attraction in Sarasota featuring over 250 native and exotic animals. The park combines general admission exploration with scheduled, hands-on animal encounters designed for visitors of all ages. Guests can stroll landscaped trails, observe free-roaming flamingos, and enjoy daily wildlife shows while discovering turtles, birds, and other species.
Scheduled encounters include the Bird Encounter—held at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm—where visitors can hold and photograph tropical birds such as macaws and cockatoos. Aldabra Tortoise Interactions are 30-minute sessions offered daily at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, providing guided opportunities to learn about and gently pet Aldabra tortoises. The Alligator Encounter allows supervised holding, petting, or touching of young alligators at multiple times throughout the day for a safe, hands-on experience.
Group options accommodate parties of 12 or more, with activities like flamingo feeding and daily shows; a tax-exempt group admission option is available for qualifying organizations. Ringling College groups have tailored outings and group rates. Sponsored Booth Events provide outreach setups with tents, tables, artifacts, brochures, and touchable animals for community engagement. Birthday party packages include a petting zoo, animal interactions, flamingo feeding, shows, and on-site coordination.
All programming is offered in supervised settings with trained staff and zookeepers during scheduled encounters. Visitors are encouraged to check scheduled times for each experience when planning a visit.
Animals Onsite
250+
Native and exotic species
Group Friendly
12+ per group
School, camp, and family bookings
Daily Shows
Daily
Wildlife shows and scheduled encounters
Hands-On Experiences
Multiple
Feeding, touching, and photo ops
Reserve general admission, a scheduled encounter, or a group booking to secure hands-on wildlife experiences at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
Book in advance
Private experiences fill quickly; reserve your spot early to guarantee a session.
Wear comfortable clothing
Light, breathable clothes suit Florida's subtropical climate and ease interaction with animals.
Follow educator instructions
Guides ensure safe, respectful handling of animals—pay close attention to their guidance.
Stay hydrated
Florida's warmth means water is essential during your visit, even for a short session.
Lightweight clothing
Keeps you cool during warm Florida weather and allows easy animal interaction.
summer
Sunhat
Provides shade and protects your face from the Florida sun while outdoors.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture your unique animal encounters and commemorative photos.
Hand sanitizer
Use before and after handling animals to maintain hygiene and safety.