About 85% of the animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens have been rescued or donated. State and federal rescue organizations have also brought us animals. Many of the animals had been abused, were sick, injured or rescued from inhumane conditions. Some of the animals out-grew or out-lived their owners. As a sanctuary, the animals that you will encounter at Sarasota Jungle Gardens will remain here for the rest of their lives.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens has designed all of their exhibits, shows and off-site presentations in order to educate the public on “exotic pet ownership”. In Florida, exotic pet ownership has become rampant due to our sub-tropical weather and leniency toward the importation of various species of reptiles, insects, birds and mammals. In the northern parts of the United States, exotic pet owners cannot “release” their unwanted pets into the wild because most would not survive. However, here in Florida, many irresponsible pet owners release these “exotics” in the Everglades, country sides, lakes and even populated neighborhoods to survive on their own. And, they do survive! Many animals have not only survived but have reproduced in numbers that are literally taking over some areas of the State. In Florida, it is illegal to release into the wild, any species of mammal, reptile, insect or water plant that is not indigenous to the State.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens receives hundreds of phone calls each year from exotic pet owners offering to “give” their beloved exotic pets to us. What most do not realize is that the “free” exotic pet that has been offered, is not without cost to Sarasota Jungle Gardens. On an average, most exotics need some sort of medical attention. All animals must be quarantined for up to six weeks before it can be integrated into the rest of the animal population. All animals are thoroughly checked by our veterinarians, inoculated for various diseases and put on special diets. All animals are kept in their own habitats which are specifically designed for that particular species. As you can see, these animals are not “free”.

The Gardens is not a large facility so we cannot accommodate all of the animals that are offered to us, but we can give the gift of education to those who are considering purchasing or adopting an exotic pet. Please do the research, have the commitment and make informed decisions about owning any type of animal.