Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nonprofit organization cooperating in conservation programs both in and outside the wild for endangered species. Much more than a walk-thru zoo, this historic tropical garden and nationally accredited zoo features a full day of wildlife experiences to delight guests with the natural world to inspire the conservation of our planet's remaining wild areas and their wondrous inhabitants. The Zoo has been awarded "Best Nonprofit Organization" by readers of the Naples Daily News seven years in a row. Naples Zoo features some “don’t miss” activities including feeding our herd of four giraffe. This extraordinary up-close experience is offered every day between 10 a.m. Another favorite is the Primate Expedition Cruise where guests embark on a guided cruise through islands inhabited by monkeys, lemurs, and apes. Daily presentations include the hand-feeding of giant reptiles at Alligator Bay and the Meet the Keeper Series. Within the 43-acre garden, guests also enjoy seeing their favorite animals from anteaters and zebras as well as rarely seen species like African honey badgers. At large glass walls, visitors get wildly close to carnivore species like clouded leopards, black bears, African lions, Florida panthers, and Malayan tigers. Along with all that’s new, Naples Zoo has a wonderful history beginning in 1919 when botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling founded the garden. A Fleischmann Yeast heir expanded the forgotten garden in 1954. In 1969, Lawrence and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff, a.k.a. Jungle Larry and Safari Jane, introduced the wild animals. Larry did stunt work for Johnny Weissmuller in the famous Tarzan films, milked thousands of venomous snakes during WWII, and educated millions throughout the Midwest and Florida with his wife Nancy. Since that time, the Zoo earned national accreditation and won both regional and national awards. And the Zoo’s impact reaches far beyond its borders and the message of conservation is clear throughout our programs. Since 2014, Naples Zoo has invested over $3 million dollars saving plants and animals in the wild including fully funding the annual salary of 16 field staff in seven countries. Naples Zoo also serves as the international headquarters of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, a consortium with members on five continents dedicated to protecting biodiversity in Madagascar. Researchers in Japan found a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in quality of life ratings (via World Health Organization rating scale) for people who view animals at zoos. These results were significant over people who visited zoos for the same amount of time, walked the same distance, but did not watch animals. Your visit enriches your life and improves the lives of people and wildlife around the world! Come safari with Naples Zoo for a day your family will always remember.
