Here is an opportunity to enjoy a stroll along a trail that wanders through an ever-changing landscape of cool, under-story jungle growth and around open pond shorelines. As one meanders through Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a magnificent and wildly overgrown paradise, one wonders how such an abundance began.

Originally, the land was a swampy banana grove.  A local newspaperman purchased these 10 lush acres in the early 1930’s with plans to develop the virgin subtropical jungle into a botanical garden.

Then he and a friend brought in thousands of tropical plants, trees and flowers from all over the world that flourish harmoniously with native species. All of the numerous plants today are dispersed throughout the various areas of the Park, Gardens of Christ, open lagoons, Tiki Garden and within our dense forested jungle. Some of our prized possessions include the rare Australian Nut Tree, a Bunya Bunya tree, the largest Norfolk Island pine in Florida, Bulrush, Strangler Figs, Royal Palms, Selloums, Banana Trees, Peruvian Apple Cactus, Staghorn Ferns and native Red Maples, Oak Trees and Bald Cypress.

During the early years, some of the owners and their families lived on the grounds, residing in what is now the Flamingo Cafe /shell museum. The Koi Pond, just outside the snack bar, was originally a swimming pool connected to the estate house. Eventually, a new admission building and gift shop were built.

Over the past sixty-nine years, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has evolved into one of the areas most historical and beautiful attractions. Many are surprised to find that this once private property is now home to hundred’s of abandoned, abused and unwanted animals. In the beginning, Sarasota Jungle Gardens was not meant to be a “Tourist Attraction”; however, its destiny was firmly and forever planted among the flora that abounds in what was once described as an “impenetrable swamp”.