Explore the Jungle Gardens on a Gulf Coast holiday

Families staying in Florida villas on the Gulf Coast can enjoy a fun and educational day out at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

The park is said to be one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the Sunshine State and has therefore retained much of its old Florida charm.

It is home to numerous species of birds, mammals and reptiles, around 85 per cent of which have been rescued or donated.

Many have been abused or were sick or injured, while others out-grew the homes of their owners or simply became too much to handle.

As an active sanctuary, Sarasota Jungle Gardens aims to educate the public on responsible exotic pet ownership.

Visitors can see creatures such as prairie dogs, which became a fashionable alternative to hamsters and guinea pigs in the 1990s, and colourful parrots, many of which have out-lived their owners.

Alligators, crocodiles and snakes are also popular park residents and visitors can watch exciting educational reptile shows to find out more about them.

Gulf Coast villas in Bradenton may be a great choice for families hoping to visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens, as it is just a short drive away.

Within Bradenton itself, holiday makers will find a variety of shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres to keep them entertained.

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