Sarasota Jungle Gardens
A historic Sarasota gem offering close encounters with exotic animals, including hand-feeding flamingos, amidst lush tropical gardens.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Sarasota gem offering close encounters with exotic animals, including hand-feeding flamingos, amidst lush tropical gardens.
"The flamingo experience is absolutely amazing — being able to hand-feed them up close is something you don’t get to do every day."
🎯 Flamingo Feed Cost
Feeding bags for flamingos are available for purchase, often via coin-operated machines. Bring quarters!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through gardens and exhibits, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Flamingo Feeding Frenzy
Flamingo Habitat
Get up close and personal with these iconic pink birds by hand-feeding them. A truly memorable experience for all ages.
Reptile Encounters
Reptile House
Hold a baby alligator or learn about fascinating snakes and lizards in the reptile shows. Thrilling for the adventurous!

Tropical Gardens & Wildlife
Throughout the park
Wander through lush, tropical gardens and discover over 150 exotic animals, including peacocks and parrots.
Roscoe the Tortoise
Tortoise Enclosure
Meet Roscoe, the park's 73-year-old Aldabra tortoise. A gentle giant and a long-time resident!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hand-Feed the Flamingos!
Check Show Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Flamingo Feed Cost
Feeding bags for flamingos are available for purchase, often via coin-operated machines. Bring quarters!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through gardens and exhibits, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of chances for great photos, especially with the colorful flamingos and peacocks.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Florida can be hot and humid. Bring water bottles or purchase drinks to stay refreshed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Flamingo Feed Cost
Feeding bags for flamingos are available for purchase, often via coin-operated machines. Bring quarters!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through gardens and exhibits, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of chances for great photos, especially with the colorful flamingos and peacocks.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Florida can be hot and humid. Bring water bottles or purchase drinks to stay refreshed.
🎟️ Check for Deals
Look for potential discounts or coupons online before your visit to save on admission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sarasota Jungle Gardens for its unique animal encounters, especially the chance to hand-feed flamingos. The lush tropical setting and friendly staff add to the charm. Some reviews mention that certain enclosures could use updates and that the amount of animal feed provided for the price can be small. Despite minor drawbacks, it's considered a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for families and animal lovers.
"The Jungle garden was pretty awesome. The flamingo area was really nice. The large Crocodile enclosures on the other hand could use some work. The staff was friendly and very informative. Getting to hold a baby alligator was pretty cool. Over all worth checking out. The portion sizing of feed you get for the animals is really small for what you pay. Plus there are countless species of lizards running around all over the place."
Kersmack0 TF2
"Very beautiful place. The Flamingos are always a favorite of mine. Thier area was very nicely done. Staff was friendly. Gift shop was pretty standard, grabbed a few things for the kiddos. There was some construction going on and a few of the animal areas were getting work done or had some damaged, so that's why I did 4 stars. I bet this place is really amazing when its gorgeous sunny out, we came it was a bit rainy. The $20 feed bag with 2 person animal encounter seems a bit steep for the amount of food that you get. We chose to hold the little alligator for our interaction. He was cute but its pretty quick. The other interaction option is to hold a bird. And photo ops of course. All in all I enjoyed it."
Michelle Richards
"If you're an animal lover, this is a great place to spend a few hours! Lots of birds, reptiles, and other critters. We had a lot of fun feeding the flamingos. The staff were friendly and the animal shows were very fun and entertaining. We came just as two adults and while I'm sure kids would love this place, it was plenty of fun for us. Will definitely be back when we visit Sarasota again!"
Leo Potisk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is located at 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234. It's easily accessible by car, with free on-site parking available.
Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring Sarasota and surrounding areas.Yes, Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers free on-site parking for visitors.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is typically open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours before your visit.
While specific public transport routes can vary, it's advisable to check local Sarasota transit schedules for bus routes that may service the Bay Shore Road area.
Yes, the park is generally stroller-friendly, making it easier for families with young children to navigate the grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices typically range around $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for children (ages 4-16), with children under 3 often admitted free. Prices can vary, so check their website for the latest information.
Visitors can sometimes find discounts or coupons online. It's worth searching for 'Sarasota Jungle Gardens discount' or 'coupon' before your visit.
Feeding the flamingos usually involves purchasing feed bags, which can be done through coin-operated machines. While exact costs aren't always listed online, bringing quarters is recommended.
While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets upon arrival is common. Checking their website for online booking options is a good idea, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, special animal encounters, like holding a baby alligator or bird, may have an additional fee. The $20 feed bag with a 2-person animal encounter was mentioned, but the amount of food was considered small by one reviewer.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including flamingos, peacocks, parrots, reptiles like alligators and snakes, and a 73-year-old tortoise named Roscoe.
Yes, Sarasota Jungle Gardens hosts daily animal shows, including Wildlife Wonder Shows, Jungle Bird Shows, and Reptile Shows.
The most popular way to experience the flamingos is by hand-feeding them with purchased feed bags. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic destination for families, with interactive shows and opportunities to get up close with animals, making it a fun and educational experience for children.
Most visitors spend a few hours exploring the gardens and enjoying the shows, typically 2-3 hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are typically food and drink options available for purchase within the park.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to check the park's policy on outside food and beverages. Bringing water bottles is always recommended.
Reviews on food quality are mixed, with some visitors finding it standard. The focus is more on the animal encounters and gardens.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but typical park fare might include snacks and light meals. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and items for children.
📸 📸 Photography
The flamingo habitat offers vibrant and colorful photo opportunities. The lush gardens and various animal enclosures also provide great backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally permitted during the animal shows, allowing you to capture memorable moments.
While generally allowed, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them.
Yes, especially during feeding times or animal encounters, you can get close-up shots. The interactive nature of the park facilitates this.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing wildlife, but even a smartphone can take excellent photos given the vibrant colors and close proximity to many animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure the best viewing opportunities for shows and animal interactions. Bringing snacks and water is a good idea, though food is available for purchase. The variety of animals, from colorful birds to reptiles and the gentle tortoise Roscoe, keeps young minds engaged and curious throughout the visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a camera with a good zoom lens to capture wildlife details, but a smartphone can also produce excellent results given the close proximity to many animals. Be mindful of lighting conditions, especially during the hotter parts of the day, and always respect the animals' space. The daily shows also present great opportunities for capturing dynamic action shots.
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
Enjoying the animal shows together can be an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. The park offers a blend of nature, wildlife, and a touch of kitsch that can make for a memorable and lighthearted outing. Consider visiting during a weekday to enjoy a more tranquil experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Flamingo Experience
This experience is consistently highlighted in social media content and visitor reviews, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the park. The gentle nature of the flamingos during feeding makes it accessible and enjoyable for all ages, contributing to its status as a top attraction.
Animal Shows and Encounters
Beyond the shows, the park also offers animal encounters, allowing guests to get up close with specific animals. Holding a baby alligator or a bird are common options, providing a thrilling and unique photo opportunity. While these encounters are often brief, they are a memorable part of the Sarasota Jungle Gardens experience. It's advisable to check the daily schedule upon arrival to plan your participation in these engaging events.
Exploring the Tropical Gardens
The gardens themselves provide a beautiful backdrop for photos and a relaxing environment for a stroll. You might even spot some of the park's residents, like peacocks, roaming freely amongst the foliage. This blend of natural beauty and wildlife makes Sarasota Jungle Gardens a well-rounded destination for nature lovers and families alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit