Our main focus today was a visit to the Naples Zoo. We have been to the San Diego Zoo and the National Zoo which are much larger, but this zoo is really delightful! It receives no operational funding from taxes. It began in 1919 as a botanical garden and the entire area is beautifully landscaped with signs identifying the plants. The animals are housed in natural settings and we did not see any inside animal pens or cages. Some of the areas for the animals are larger than required by law.
There are programs scheduled all during the day either at the covered open air theater or at various sections through the zoo. The keepers explained that no animal is forced to do something they don’t want to do---so the alligators might not feed at show time or the owl might not fly during the exhibition.
There were lots of trees and shade and winding paths all through the park.
A short cruise on the lake around the islands where the primates live was included in our ticket price. There were no cages, bar or fences anywhere on the islands. We were told that one type of primate cannot swim because 90% of their bodies are made of muscle and they are not buoyant. Another type can swim, but they just don’t know it! We did see a small structure that had a heater where the primates can go when it is too cold for them.
It was very interesting to see a hound dog with the coyotes. The keeper explained that the dog was used to help domesticate the coyotes to some extent. Otherwise, they would fight among themselves and jump against the fences.
There are some camels at the zoo but they are only spending the winter here. I was able to ride one and it was a very bumpy ride.
I also was able to feed a giraffe and that was fun. Children are able to feed the giraffes and ride the camels. I wish my granddaughters had been with us.
And no zoo can be complete without the King of the Jungle.
The various parrots give lots of color.
Between this zoo and Sanibel Island, I would recommend a vacation here for everyone, but especially to bring children.
On your way back north, stop at Blue Springs State Park in Orange City Florida. Norht of Orlando. It is Manatee refuge. The park is beautiful. Lots of wildlife. Probably find some Geocaches there too.
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