Naples Zoo promotes days for birds, moms and Big Cypress
Migratory birds have typically spent many hours over open ocean making Florida a key refueling stop. Come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) at Naples Zoo this Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn how we can roll out the red carpet for these feathered travelers.
The annual celebration of the incredible journeys of migratory birds will be presented by three area National Wildlife Refuges: J.N. “Ding” Darling, Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands. Additional presenters include Big Cypress National Preserve as well as staff from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, who will present Seminole stories about birds to enhance this year’s theme of “Birds in Culture.” Free materials about the fascinating world of migratory birds including this year’s theme plus information on birding and great places to bird will be provided while supplies last.
Each year, IMBD focuses on the birds that make these fantastic journeys, the habitats on which they depend, and the people who are important to the conservation of birds and their habitats along the way – that’s all of us Floridians!
At the Zoo, guests will have the opportunity to learn one-on-one with biologists. Children can engage in an interactive migration game with the park rangers and win prizes. While supplies last, the Refuges will also give away this year’s International Migratory Bird Day commemorative poster and magazines. All activities included in regular Zoo admission.
Moms free on Mother’s Day
With a coupon available from www.napleszoo.org, moms can enter Naples Zoo for free with a paid child admission this Sunday, May 10. It’s a great opportunity to come see the new South African Lion Cubs – as adorable as they are rare. Just like kids, they grow up fast.
Endangered Species Day
On Friday, May 15, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and the South Florida National Parks Trust are celebrating the country’s fourth annual Endangered Species Day.
Designated as a national celebration of America’s commitment to protecting and recovering our nation’s endangered species, the goal of Endangered Species Day is simple – to educate Americans about the importance of protecting our rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species and, most importantly, what they can do to help.
At the Zoo, guests learn about endangered animals around the planet at exhibits and shows, pick up a free Wild Choices brochure with conservation and money saving tips, as well as receive a free Seafood Watch card to make informed seafood dining decisions. Big Cypress National Preserve will also help heighten awareness of our state animal, the endangered Florida panther.
To make supporting our local endangered species even easier, Naples Zoo is offering a free adult ticket to guests who support the South Florida National Parks Trust at the Zoo on Endangered Species Day. When a guest donates $25 or more on that day to help wildlife programs at Big Cypress NP, the Zoo gives the guest an adult zoo ticket for entry valued at $19.95. Big Cypress National Preserve will have a booth in front of the entrance where guests can sign up and get their ticket prior to going into the Zoo.
Naples Zoo welcomes guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4:00 and is located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road (across from the Coastland Center Mall in the heart of Naples). To learn more, visit their Web site at www.napleszoo.org or call 239-262-5409.