The Florida Panther Festival returns to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, giving families a morning of wildlife talks, hands-on activities, and a chance to meet the people who protect Southwest Florida’s native animals.
The 14th annual festival, presented by Live Wildly Foundation, runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festival activities are included with regular zoo admission, and Collier County residents get in free with proof of residency.
What Families Can Do
Families can meet Smokey Bear and a panther costume character from Florida Gulf Coast University’s Wings of Hope program.
More than two dozen exhibitors will offer chances to meet wildlife experts, try hands-on educational activities, and learn about Southwest Florida’s natural places. Participants include:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
- Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
- Defenders of Wildlife
- Swamp Cat Brew Co.
Meet Athena
Visitors can also see Athena, a Florida panther born in Big Cypress National Preserve. Park biologists found her alone when she was less than 3 weeks old.
Because she had not spent enough time with her mother to learn the skills needed to survive in the wild, Athena was given a permanent home at Naples Zoo.
Wildlife Presentations
The festival includes three special presentations:
- 10:30 a.m.: Pythons in Florida, with a Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologist
- 11 a.m.: Panthers in Florida
- 12:30 p.m.: Bears in Florida, with FWC biologists
Families can stay after the festival for more zoo activities, including the Alligator Bay presentation at 2 p.m. and the Primate Expedition Cruise. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last tickets sold at 3:30 p.m.
How to Help Panthers
At the Florida Panther Festival, visitors can get a Panther Crossing decal for $3 by committing to drive the posted speed limits in Panther Zones. All festival sponsorship money directly supports conservation efforts for wild Florida panthers.
Event Details
- Date and time: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples
- Cost: Included with regular zoo admission; free for Collier County residents with accepted proof of residency
- More information: floridapantherfestival.com