Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Description:

• The only zoo in Florida to have rare, Indochinese tigers and a supporting cast of lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs, Caribbean Gardens is an oasis of animal activity. In addition to the standard caged animals, the zoo has boat rides, primate islands, a large display of flora, and close encounters with kangaroos, alligators, and pythons. You can see them on a boat safari that slinks through spectacular tropical gardens and the islands of Lake Victoria, which monkeys, lemurs, and apes call home. The Safari Canyon presentation is a cool multimedia combination of video, music, and live animals that swim, leap, stalk, and slither around the natural rock-work theater that's only a splash away from the audience. The zoo's newest exhibit showcases the fosa, Madagascar's massive carnivore, which feasts on poor lemurs. You will easily fill 3 to 4 hours here. If you have kids along, you may want to divide the zoo into several days of sightseeing so you have something to do when they get antsy after swimming at the beach or pool. Should all this animal activity make you hungry, a Subway branch sells sandwiches, and there are picnic facilities on the premises.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010