About the Naples Zoo

History of the Zoo

The story of Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens begins with botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling. An early conservationist, Nehrling wrote in 1904, It is high time to protect and preserve what is still left. He first acquired the Naples site in 1919 to avoid a repetition of the disastrous freeze to his plant collection in Central Florida in 1917. At that time, this portion of Naples was being sold in farm plots for agriculture. In regard to his new work, he stated, In my 66th year, I again became a pioneer of the wilderness. His newfound devotion allowed him to say in 1925, My garden, containing about 3,000 species of tropical plants, is a constant source of intense pleasure and delight. His new home, the famed Tropical Garden, one of the earliest plant collections in Florida, occupied the northern acreage of the present day Gardens. Many of his plantings, still remaining, provided the inspiration for current endeavors.

When you think of Jungle Larry, you think of a man and his family who literally dedicated their lives to exotic creatures of the earth.
Jack Hanna, Zoo Director

Today, with its future secured and guided by an expert senior management team, the nonprofit Naples Zoo is poised for another great leap forward as the people's Zoo. With a Master Plan that creates exciting new ways to connects children with nature including our historic botanicals, we invite you to be part of the ongoing success and promising future that awaits by visiting, becoming a member, or becoming a donor.

We hope you've enjoyed learning about the people who nurtured the garden you experience today. As you can see, it's been a wild 95 years with an even wilder future ahead!

Support the Naples Zoo

Without you, there is no zoo

Unlike many zoos, Naples Zoo receive no funding from the City, County, or State. Without donors like you, children would not have the joy of hand-feeding a giraffe or seeing new fascinating animals like the giant anteater. See how donations like yours have already made a difference!

How is the Zoo Funded?

Unlike many zoos, its operations are NOT subsidized by city, county, or state dollars. Animal care, education programs, enhanced wildlife habitats, and conservation efforts are funded by earned revenue and tax-deductible donations. Even so, the Zoo gives back to the community with benefits greater than many publicly funded zoos.

A Trusted Nonprofit

Accredited as both a zoo and botanical garden, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an award-winning charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization reaching over 350,000 guests a year with its conservation and education mission and caring for rare flora and fauna here and around the world including planting over 25,000 trees a year in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Donations are accepted in person at the Zoo, or via mail to: