FLORIDA ZOOS
Visiting Florida Zoos is a good way to spend an entertaining and educational day without blowing your vacation budget. Kids and adults both get a kick out of seeing wild animals they would probably never see around their suburban or urban homes. Even if you go camping in the Florida wilderness, you are not likely to see a lot of wild animals. These guys are masters at hiding from danger, and quite often they see humans as dangerous. At best, you might get a fleeting glimpse of a wild animal in the wilderness. Some wild animals, like alligators and rattlesnakes, you would be better off not encountering in the wild. Animals in the wild spend most of their day looking for something to eat and drink, and hiding from other animals is hardwired into their genetic code.
There are some people that think zoos are cruel because they imprison wild animals that are born to be free. There are others who believe that ecotourism is the best way to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. In defense of zoos, however, they give an opportunity for millions of people to see, enjoy and appreciate wild animals. In the long run, this exposure helps entire animal species survive because of human's love and understanding of them. Most zoos are very professionally managed and give their animals the best of care. The animals typically live longer lives in a zoo than they would have in the wild. Even if it were possible for ecotourism to meet the demands of the millions of people who want to see wild animals, they would soon trample and destroy the natural environment that attracts ecotourists. People who visit zoos are more likely to appreciate wild animals and help preserve their natural habitat.
Many of the major theme parks also have smaller zoos, and some even have petting zoos. You can learn about some of these, like Lion Country Florida, Gatorland, Disney's Animal Kingdom at Florida Tourist Attractions.
Here are some Florida zoos that you will enjoy. Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
Brevard Zoo
Caribbean Gardens: The Zoo in Naples
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Jacksonville Zoological Gardens
Lowry Park Zoo
Miami MetroZoo
Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park
The following admisson fees for the zoos featured on Florida Backroads Travel are current, to the best of our ability, as of September 6, 2011. They are provided to help you plan your Florida family vacation. Some zoos have other ticket combinations available for special events and groups, and offer discounts for Florida residents and members of other zoos. Also, most children 3 and under are admitted free. You should call the specific zoo for current information.
Tell us about your favorite Florida zoo.Do you have a favorite Florida zoo. Share it here with other visitors.
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