There is something special about a real encounter with mammals, reptiles, and birds. It goes beyond seeing creatures at a distance at the zoo and brings them up close so that children can pet and feed them, hug them, and sometimes get a slobbery kiss. Here are some fun places in Southwest Florida for animal encounters.
Bird Gardens of Naples
During a recent visit, a bright red scarlet macaw walked along the arm of a young boy. Keriellen Lohrman, president of the Bird Gardens of Naples in eastern Collier County, provides a home for birds when their owner can't care for them and finds them a new home. Guests can hold some of the larger birds. Peacocks, emus, and geese strut around the property while other birds fly in spacious cages. Tours are at 11 am on Friday through Sunday. Visits are free, but donations are welcome.
1060 Purple Martin Drive, Naples • (813) 841-1911 • www.thebirdgardensofnaples.org
Good Mood Ranch
On this 24-acre ranch, there are a variety of creatures to pet and feed. Children interact with rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, cows, donkeys, and mules. Owner Luc Goemaere walks around dispensing information and letting children hold some of the smaller animals. Guests can purchase food to feed the creatures. There is a train ride and toy tractors to pedal.
306 Sabal Palm Road, Naples • (239) 351-6846 • www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086346034968
Funny Bunches of Goats
Children can play with and hold baby goats in the backyard at Funny Bunches of Goats in eastern Collier County. They can also hand them food and bottles to feed the youngest goats. The place also has goat yoga, private parties, and farm tours. Reservations are required.
3425 Smith Road, Naples • (754) 229-9919 • www.funnybunchesofgoats.com
West Coast Blessed Ranch
This nonprofit in eastern Collier County has been around for over two decades. Children can interact with horses, ponies, goats, chickens, rabbits, emu, and donkeys. Petting and feeding the animals is by donation. Trail rides and encounters for birthdays and other events. Visits are by appointment only.
3400 Smith Road, Naples • (239) 289-3837 • www.wcbrnaples.com
Kowiachobee Animal Preserve
Guests are greeted by a braying donkey, a crowing rooster, and squawking birds as they arrive. The greeting committee includes Sahara the Zebra and miniature horses. Children can pet horses, goats, skunks, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can view lions, tigers, and other mammals from a distance. There is no set fee, but donations are recommended.
2861 4th Avenue SE, Naples • (239) 352-5387 • www.kowiachobee.com
Wonder Gardens
The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs offer Wild Wonders Animal Encounters. Guests can meet and feed the sulcata tortoises, the third largest tortoises in the world. They can also enter the lorikeet habitat and feed nectar to the colorful birds that often land on guests’ arms and heads.
27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs • (239) 992-2591 • www.wondergardens.org
Wooten's Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park
For a unique creature encounter, check out this place in the Everglades where you can hold a baby alligator and attend an alligator show.. Also, see a tiger, turtles, otters, crocodiles, and over 100 alligators.
32330 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee • (800) 282-2781 • www.wootenseverglades.com/attractions/animal-sanctuary-alligator-park
Southern Fresh Farms
Youngsters love interacting with Henry the Holstein cow on this five-acre farm. He is 6’ 1” and weighs 2,400 pounds. The other barnyard animals include goats, miniature donkeys, baby bison, and calves. Summer hours vary, and the farm will be closed from July 20 to August 10, so call first before visiting. Visiting the animals is free; a cup of of animal feed is costs $1.
8500 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers • (239) 768-0309 • southernfreshfarms.com
Shell Factory & Nature Park
Children can interact with a long list of creatures, including bunnies, guinea pigs, goats, pigs, bearded dragons, ball pythons, juvenile
alligators, birds, alpacas, tortoises, and leopard geckos. For an extra charge, families can enjoy a sloth encounter.
16554 North Cleveland Avenue, North Fort Myers • (239) 995-2141 • www.shellfactory.com
31 Produce Petting Zoo
Visitors can interact with tortoises, guinea pigs, dwarf goats, and rabbits. They can also see mini donkeys, horses, cows, chickens, and a pot-bellied pig. It is free to visit the animals and $3 for a cup of food or 25 cents for a handful of feed at the machines.
18672 State Road 31, Alva • (239) 313-8213 • www.31produce.com/petting-zoo
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