THE ANIMALS AT NAPLES ZOO
One glance at the map is enough to see: At Naples Zoo you can take a journey through different continents and habitats. Navigating the park is easy thanks to the loop trail that goes around multiple lakes.
Starting point is Alligator Bay, where you can watch Florida’s famous reptiles being fed. Countless water birds live here as well. Further to the south, two species from South America are found: ant eaters and agoutis: rodents that populate an area from Mexico to Argentina. Furthermore, you can see turtles and endangered tamarin monkeys.
The trail continues through an African savannah populated by lions, zebras and gazelles. Bongo antelopes live here, too. This species is extremely rare, with not even 100 animals left in the wild. A resident from South East Asia is the clouded leopard – a shy cat easily recognizable by its blotched fur pattern.
Lake Victoria, a miniature replica of Africa’s most famous lake, makes up the largest part of the zoo. Here, you can board a boat and watch primates like chimpanzees, lemurs and gibbons that live on a small island. There are no fences, so you will have prime photo opportunities while listening to the knowledgeable guides.
Back on land, it is time to visit the giraffes. You can even pay to feed the animals. Cheetahs, hyenas and Florida panthers live nearby, and black bears run around in their spacious enclosure. The animal shows featuring cute armadillos, genets and skunks are a fun and exciting highlight for children and adults alike.
More animals at Naples Zoo include:
- parrots
- honey badgers
- pythons
- coyotes
- hornbills
- black vultures.
Naples Zoo is the perfect place for families with children: not only because the paths are easy to walk and lie in the shade. There are also picnic areas and multiple playgrounds. Cafés and snack/drink stalls are available for hungry and thirsty visitors. Unlike in many other zoos, it is not allowed to pet the animals or take selfies with them. Instead, the animals are kept in an appropriate and natural way. Not surprisingly, Naples Zoo is involved in countless conservation programs. This way, you can be sure your entrance fee serves a good cause.