Frequently Asked Questions
From Interstate 75, take Exit 213 University Parkway West (approximately 10 miles). Turn left on U.S. 41 (N. Tamiami Trail) and head south for 2 miles. Turn right on Myrtle Street and head west 3 blocks to Sarasota Jungle Gardens, turn right head north on Bay Shore Road. Entrance will be approximately 100 feet on your left.
Open year round, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
With advance booking, group rates for 12 or more are available. All group rates are taxable unless accompanied by a tax-exempt certificate presented prior to visit or on day of visit. Payment must be made in one lump sum to receive group rates.
Approximately 2 to 4 hours to explore our 10 acre park with 1.2 miles of walking trails and shows.
Yes, it is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, parrots, macaws, flamingos, primates, goats, snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles. Visitors can observe and interact with several of these animals as well as walk through lush tropical landscaping connected by serene winding jungle trails. The exciting animal interaction complements the tranquility of jungle, so there is something enjoyable for everyone.
There are several animals available to feed, touch, or interact with. These include alligators, snakes and other reptiles, small mammals, flamingos, parrots, macaws and other birds. Photographs are also available in a variety of settings.
Most of the animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens have been rescued by state and federal organizations while many of them have been donated. Within our sanctuary, these animals will safely enjoy the rest of their lives.
Most of our animal donations are from state and federal agencies while other private donations are accepted under certain circumstances.
Children can play on the playground and the wooden choo choo train. They can also hand feed the flamingos and Koi fish as well as the goats and other animals in the new petting zoo. Children of all ages will enjoy every inch of The Gardens right alongside you, from spotting the vast assortment of animals to gazing through the soaring treetops.
11am Wildlife Wonder Show
12pm Bird Show
1pm Wildlife Wonder Show
3pm Reptile Show
- Jungle Trails & Bunny Tails – Easter
A visit from the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, a petting zoo, a raffle and a food tent on Good Friday!
- Celebrate Mothers, Fathers, Flamingos and Snakes – Mother’s and Father’s Day
Free admission to all Mothers and Fathers on their respective holiday with the purchase of their son or daughter’s full priced admission!
- Summer Zoo Camp – Select weeks in June. Children ages 6-11 learn about our wonderful world of birds and animals through hands-on games, crafts, demonstrations and other fun activities
- Back To School Bash
Free admission for kids (up to 3) with each full paid adult admission
- Salute Our Veterans – Veteran’s Day
Free admission to all United States Armed Forces personnel (with valid ID) with the purchase of one adult or child’s full priced same day admission.
Veterans’ week: BOGO tickets Nov 7-11 THANKS22
Yes, in the Flamingo Café. Delicious food and drinks are served daily, featuring a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks, candy, Coca Cola soft drinks and Haagen Dazs and Nestle ice cream.
Yes, you may. We offer a few picnic tables as you drive into our parking lot. Outside foods and coolers are restricted inside the Gardens.
As a company that is always evolving and growing, we are always looking for new members of our team. If you have a love of animals, the outdoors and nature in general, Sarasota Jungle Gardens could be just the place for you. We invite you to explore becoming a valued team member of Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Positions exist in Retail Management, Administration, Marketing, Customer Service, Animal Care and Maintenance. Please see the Employment section for application and information.
Yes, there are paved walkways and several benches throughout the park.
Yes, wheelchairs are $10.00, strollers are $7.50 for a single stroller and $10.00 for a double stroller for all day use. They are on a first come, first served basis.
Yes, we proudly offer Wi-fi at our Flamingo Cafe and throughout the majority of the park. Please ask one of our team members for password information.
Beach | Direction | Approximate Mileage | Approximate Time | |
Lido | South on U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail | 5 miles | 10 minutes | |
Siesta Key | South on U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail | 10 miles | 20 minutes |
Mall | Approximate Mileage | Approximate Time | Address |
Gulf Gate | 9 miles | 18 minutes | 350 Gulf Gate Mall, Sarasota, FL 34231 |
Westfield Sarasota Square | 13 miles | 26 minutes | 8201 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 |
Westfield Southgate | 6 miles | 12 minutes | 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 |
University Town Center | 10 miles | 20 minutes | 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
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Restaurant | Approximate Mileage | Approximate Time | Address | Phone Number |
Marina Jack | 3 miles | 6 minutes | 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 365-4232 |
Old Salty Dog | 6 miles | 12 minutes | 1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy. Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 388-4311 |
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill | 3 miles | 6 minutes | 5 Bayfront Dr. Sarasota, FL 34236 | (941) 953-7505 |