Best Wildlife Encounters in Florida

Florida has long been a promised land for animal lovers. Animal parks in the state offer a wide selection of fauna exhibits from alligators to manatees, bald eagles to giraffes, bats to rodents. In this article, we have listed some of the top places in the state that provide the best wildlife experience. Score some cheap airline tickets and head to these exotic animal spots.

Jungle Island: Book last minute flight deals to Miami and check out a wildlife facility, a bird sanctuary and a botanical garden- all at one place. The sanctuary is home to over 1,000 bird species sheltered in a tropical forest backdrop. The gardens feature over 2,000 species of flora including bromeliads, orchids, bananas and heliconias. The animals housed here include alligators, tigers, orangutans, flamingoes, monkeys, tortoises and baboons.

Zoo Miami: The zoo is home to over 2,000 wild animal species. The creatures are provided a cage-less environment resembling their natural habitats. There is also a children’s zoo featuring numerous kind of attractions including camel rides. The zoo also features several tropical plants and trees including a vast collection of orchids. Grab First Class flight deals to Miami and fly to the magic city in style.

Miami Seaquarium: The aquarium organizes daily shows featuring seals, dolphins, killer whales and other aqua life species. Observation tanks shelter - sharks, alligators and tropical fishes. The aquarium actively participates in rescuing and rehabilitating the endangered manatees in Florida with few of them housed here. One of the prominent highlights of the aquarium is the 60's TV show "Flipper” dolphins. Visitors can also go swimming with these jovial creatures with the aquarium’s exclusive "swim with dolphins" program and learn about the behavior, physiology and history of dolphins.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Spread across an area of 220 square miles, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 500 animal species including manatees, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles and American alligators. The refuge also houses about 15 endangered species including the Florida scrub jay. For nearest wildlife spotting, head to Black Point Wildlife Drive. This 7 mile road covers pine flatwoods and marshes, providing once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a glimpse of some wild animals from a closer range.

Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary: Located in Sarasota, Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary is operated by England’s Rosaire family who have served as animal trainers for generations. The sanctuary features exotic birds, primates, bears, big cats and tortoises. Visitors also get a chance to catch animal training sessions.

Gatorland: Hop on a cheap flight to Orlando and head to Gatorland. Referred to as “Alligator Capital of the World,” this wildlife center houses thousands of crocodiles and alligators. Established in 1949, Gatorland features alligator feeding demonstrations all day long. The refuge is spread across an area of about 110 acres.