Discover the wildlife-rich Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where interactive animal encounters and daily shows make for a fun and educational outdoor outing. Perfect for families and groups, it's a Florida icon that brings nature to life.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Founded in 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has played a key role in wildlife conservation and education in Florida for over 80 years.
Conservation
The gardens prioritize native species and sustainable practices, aiming to protect Florida's natural heritage.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Discover the wildlife-rich Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where interactive animal encounters and daily shows make for a fun and educational outdoor outing. Perfect for families and groups, it's a Florida icon that brings nature to life.
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.
Arrive Early
Get the most out of your visit by arriving early to see animals at their most active.
Bring a Packed Lunch
Pack snacks or lunch to enjoy in designated picnic areas during your visit.
Attend Daily Shows
Check schedule for animal shows to enhance your experience with engaging demonstrations.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles especially during warm days to stay refreshed.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Good walking shoes help navigate the gardens comfortably.
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for sunny days.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable moments with animals and the lush scenery.
Light Jacket or Poncho
Helpful for unpredictable weather or cooler days.
spring;fall