Discover the vibrant world of tropical birds with a hands-on encounter at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Perfect for families and bird enthusiasts alike, this immersive experience blends education and fun in a lush Florida setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30-45 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Sarasota Jungle Gardens opened in 1939 and has been a cornerstone of local conservation and education efforts since then.
Conservation
The Gardens actively promote native plantings and sustainable practices, supporting local ecosystems and educational outreach to visitors.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Discover the vibrant world of tropical birds with a hands-on encounter at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Perfect for families and bird enthusiasts alike, this immersive experience blends education and fun in a lush Florida setting.
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 for the best experience
Join the session at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start to ensure ample interaction time.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Light layers and closed-toe shoes will keep you comfortable during your outdoor visit.
Bring your camera
Capture unforgettable moments interacting with colorful birds and natural scenery.
Respect the birds and staff
Follow all instructions to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memories of your bird encounter in the vibrant Florida setting.
Hat and sunscreen
Protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the outdoor experience.
summer
Comfortable shoes
Walk through the gardens comfortably during your visit.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your outdoor adventure.
summer