Florida might boast a range of the world’s finest theme parks nevertheless it’s additionally home to a selection of incredible animal attractions. After a busy few days exploring the assorted theme parks of the Orlando area, getting acquainted with a few of Florida’s wildlife is likely to be just what you need. With fewer vacationers selecting to visit Sea World after recent controversy, we’ve picked some alternative animal points of interest to enjoy in Florida.
Lion County Safari
Lion County Safari is Florida's only drive-through safari - think Longleat with out the stately house - and is present in Loxahatchee between Orlando and Miami close to the east coast. There are over 900 animals to see; as you’d anticipate from the title, lions are abundant, as are zebras, giraffes and chimpanzees.
The large game wildlife section of the park is navigated by automobile and is divided into seven distinct areas representing different components of the world. The ‘Gorongosa Reserve’ is home to the park’s African lions and the Hwange National Park is residence to white rhinoceros and zebra among others. There are also all sorts of vibrant birds to see including: parrots, macaws, flamingos and hornbills, plus an intensive assortment of reptiles.
Everglades National Park
For a real stroll on the wild side that lets you enjoy Florida’s untamed nature at its finest, the Everglades National Park in the deep south of the state is the place to go. The sprawling Everglades is spread across 1.5 million acres. It's the largest subtropical wilderness within the USA and is renowned for its population of endangered species like American crocodiles, alligators, manatees and Florida panthers. The region can be residence to dolphins, butterflies and a plethora of wading birds reminiscent of flamingos.
It’s possible to kayak and canoe by various elements of the Everglades to take in mangrove tunnels, lakes, prairies and ponds. The most effective time to visit is between December and April when the Everglades are dry and temperatures are more manageable than in summer. The simplest technique to enter the Everglades from the UK is via Miami which sits just to the east of the park.
Manatee Springs State Park
As its namesake suggests, this state park is the perfect place to get acquainted with the mild mannered manatee (sea cow). {The area|The region around the spring itself is a popular space for snorkellers and scuba divers to paddle with the endangered marine animals. This is significantly good in winter when West Indian manatees swim up river and congregate towards the source of the spring.
The state park is situated in north east Florida, around two hours from Orlando. Camping within the park is possible, as is cycling, hiking via the redwood forests. It’s doable to canoe and boat in a number of sections of the water.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden
Positioned close to Sandford on Lake Monroe, around 25 minutes north of Orlando, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden combines engaging sights from the animal and botanical worlds. It is home to over 500 animals and over 200 totally different species. Among the most fascinating animals include: Bald Eagles, King Vultures, Clouded Leopards, Indian Rhinos and Poison Dart Frogs. A brand new giraffe exhibit was added in February alongside a significant rhino enclosure.
Other than the animal sights, there’s also an Aerial Adventure Course together with zip lines, suspended disks and rope bridges between the tree tops. There are also common occasions throughout the week and on weekends that visitors can get involved with. Storytime at the Zoo is a daily favourite which gives pre-school children the chance to meet zoo animals.
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