Naples Zoo is one of the best Zoo's I've ever been to. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is always friendly and will answer any questions. You can get an up close view of the animals and get to enjoy how beautiful they are. The keeper talks are so informative and its great that the keepers stick around to answer questions!
Spending time at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for all creatures and the diverse habitats in which they survive and thrive. The Safari Canyon shows are both educational and entertaining, giving you the chance to see animals not currently on exhibit, and get an up close and personal look at the animals as they engage in training and enrichment activities. The dedicated, caring keepers have an amazing bond with the animals that is inspiring to see. The “Meet the Keeper” Series provides a great opportunity to learn and ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff whatever questions you may have. I particularly enjoy seeing the awesome array of cats on site, including the majestic South African lions, Malaysian tigers, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots and servals. The primate expedition cruise on Lake Victoria is a great way to see the gibbons, lemurs, spider monkeys and siamangs as they swing through the trees on their island habitats. There is something for everyone, from the familiar macaws, alligators, zebras, bears and coyotes, to the rarely seen honey badgers, fosas, striped hyenas, South American anteater and cotton topped tamarins. There are even giraffes you can hand feed. The grounds are also home to beautiful botanical gardens that enhance the entire experience. You cannot help but leave with a greater sense of interconnectedness and knowledge of the importance of the conservation efforts that are at the heart of the zoo’s mission. I love spending time at this wonderful zoo, and highly recommend it! They also makes excellent use of their website and social media presence to share important information about things we can do on an everyday basis to help combat the widespread destruction of habitats that are critical to the survival of endangered species. Things as simple as our grocery shopping and recycling habits can, and do, have a significant impact. By raising awareness through experience and education, the Naples Zoo empowers visitors to act in ways that benefit us all.
The Naples zoo is a wonderful place to visit. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. The zoo keepers are knowledgeable and are willing to talk and answer questions about the animals in their care. All of the animals are healthy and well cared for. They are given many enrichment activities to encourage their curiosity. I've seen the Kudu with a box on his horns as if he were wearing a beautiful hat, the parrots going through a phone book, and the big cats playing with a ball. Volunteers are well trained and are eager to talk to visitors and answer their many questions. The Naples zoo is truly dedicated to the conservation and preservation of animals around the world and it shows in all they do.
the review that starts: The Naples Zoo is an exciting place everyone can enjoy. Was written by Patty Mazanoski, a zoo volunteer
I have always thought Naples Zoo was a beautiful zoo. After volunteering there I have found it to be a wonderful learning experience also. I did not always realize as a visitor how into conservation and preservation they are and how dedicated to informing the public of this while being a great fun place to visit. I am so happy I made the decision to volunteer. I come from Chicago area originally and they have two large beautiful zoos that I have been to many times, but I find Naples zoo a more pleasurable place to be.
Just 15 minutes after seeing my first presentation at the Naples Zoo, I knew I had made the right de -cision; take a break from tutoring, still use my teaching skills and be outdoors in a tropical garden where the values of conservation go side by side with the excitement of close up views of animals. Take your kids and grandkids to the Naples Zoo. Learn while having a great time!
Virginia Delerme
Naples zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos I have ever visited. Not only do they have a wonderful animal collection, but they are surrounded by a fabulous garden. You can feed the giraffes, ride camels and visit the primate islands on a boat trip. I have been volunteering with the giraffes for three years and enjoy all of the time I spend there. The keepers take extremely great care of their animals. The botanical crew keep the gardens immaculate. This is a fabulous zoo.
Naples Zoo is a wonderful experience. I have volunteered since 2010 when our herd of Male Giraffe's came on board. The Zoo is unique compare to a lot of other Zoos, it offers a Botanical Garden, boat rides and two shows a day along with keepers talks throughout the day. You can spend all day or just an hour and when you leave you feel refreshed. The Zoo takes you into a world that is totally different from the one you live in on a daily basis and gives you a brighter outlook on life.
Pattie Kiray
Naples Zoo is a beautifully maintained compact zoological and botanical garden. The menagerie which includes some rare species, is obvIously well loved and cared for! Visitors feel welcomed and if they wish can learn about individual animals, conservation, and even the area's history.
I've been happily volunteering at the Naples Zoo since 2010. I love visiting zoos when I travel and for many years had a favorite, a small community zoo, in the Mid-Atlantic. Once I discovered the Naples Zoo, it became such a favorite that I decided to volunteer. It remains a special destination for my family as it constantly evolves!
A beautiful and clean place to get away from it all. You feel like you're in another world!! The animals are very well taken care of and the botanical gardens are a plus. There are other birds and critters that are not part of the zoo itself, but make a home there such as Snowy Egrets, Ibises, and turtles to mention a few. If you love nature, this is where to be and there are many friendly volunteers and staff to educate you if you have an inclination to inquire. I call it the "Pearl of Naples" where Naples is the Clam Shell and the Zoo is the Pearl. A special note, in 2005 the residents of Collier County voted to tax themselves in order to purchase the land that Naples Zoo sits on (which has since been paid back). That just shows you how much people love the Naples Zoo!!!
I was already a member of Naples Zoo when I received a 10-hour volunteer requirement from school, so naturally I wanted to complete the requirement at the zoo. Over 100 volunteer hours later I'm still at it.
First off, the volunteer organization at Naples Zoo is very professionally managed. Second, they give you lots of training before you head out to work, so you aren't blindsided by anything. Third, there's always lots of support from the employees while you are working. Fourth, the Zoo is very generous with benefits (such as free membership for 3 family members or friends, Zoo tickets used as awards, etc.) Fifth, whether you work one morning a week (like I do) or much more, you're still treated as a valuable member of the team. And sixth and most importantly, it's fun! You make a big difference to the enjoyment guests have, and they appreciate your efforts.
I have been a volunteer at the Naples Zoo for almost 3 years. Every time I am there I am so impressed by the commitment and hard work put forth for our animals and for the visitors. The keepers, management and volunteers form an amazing team. Another piece of our zoo is the Botanical Gardens, of course our amazing animals take center stage but if one takes the time to really look around the grounds and enjoy the beautiful grounds and plant specimens it will add another layer of enjoyment to your experience
A great place to visit at any time whether to see the whole Zoo, or just to revisit to take a short stroll. It's a beautiful, friendly and interesting zoo with constant updating with added attractions. A dedicated staff & volunteer team provides visitors a fun and educational experience for the young and adults. Small enough to experience all the many attractions in two hours or so.
From providing kids in Southwest Florida with the priceless opportunity to be face to face with rare Fossa from Madagascar to providing funding to help stop lions from being killed by cattle men in Kenya, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens benefits people and wildlife in Southwest Florida and around the world.