The Shell Factory and Nature Park
What do we have to offer at our all-new Nature Park & Botanical Gardens?
You’ll have to see it to believe it!
Bobcats, raccoons, and armadillos, oh my!
There
are some amazing animals that are found right here in North America and,
just think, they have animal relatives living in different places all
over the world! But where can you find these animals all in one place?
At our Nature Park & Botanical Gardens you will find two bobcats and
a caracal. Our raccoons are
found cavorting with their close relatives the Coatimundis and Kinkajous
from Central and South America. Our Southern flying squirrels frolic
with their larger Asian cousins the Prevost squirrels. We even have two
species of armadillo; one of them found right here in Florida and the
other is found in South American countries like Guyana and Chile! You
can learn all about these animals, their habits and habitats when you
meet the zookeepers. You might even get to ask the keepers questions if
you arrive during feeding time!
So, what’s new at the Nature Park? A Lorikeet Aviary and Touch and Feel Center are the most recent additions. Our baby zebra, (named Anne Curry for her stint with the TV host on the early morning show), alligators, iguanas, snakes, skunks, emus, a baby hedge hog, donkeys, too many others to mention call the Nature Park home. This is all surrounded by a lush and beautiful botanical trail. The botanical trail is fabulous thanks to our masterful gardener, her incredible green thumb and infinite patience (with the animals nibbling on her work) has created a verdant walk around the animal habitats and through the 7.000 square foot aviary.
Experience
the Rainforest Aviary
Our Rainforest Aviary is fairly new. Walk the trail as
you spot brightly colored parrots flying overhead and lush tropical
landscaping throughout the habitat. Keep your eyes and ears open, as
there is so much to see! Look over there – there’s a pair of birds
nesting in that birdhouse. Ooh, ooh! I think I see some peacocks on the
other side of the stream! You may even notice the Indian Ring-necked
parakeet who sounds like a cat meowing, and the Blue-fronted Amazon
parrot that might just say “hello!” if you listen closely!
Other Outdoor Exhibits
Watch the playful prairie dogs as they greet each other by touching
their teeth together, the “prairie dog kiss”. You can even feed them a
treat – remember to bring quarters as they always have a healthy
appetite!
Then a stroll by our waterfall might be just what you need on a hot day! Keep cool while you visit the beautiful black swans and feed the turtles and fish that live in the misty ponds below the waterfalls. Next to the waterfalls, our Primate Pavilion currently houses ring-tailed lemurs and skunks (Don’t worry, they can’t spray you).
Small
Animal Museum
A plethora of animals can be found in our small animal museum --
everything from bunnies & guinea pigs to baby alligators and more! Our
Museum is home to our Reptile Room, where you will find interesting
exotic snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and even some creepy critters
like the Giant Hissing Cockroaches from Madagascar.
Gator Slough
Come see Big Bertha, an 11-foot long female alligator, and her large
friends at the Slough. (It’s pronounced “sloo” or “slew” in case you
were wondering.) On the weekends the alligators are fed. Feedings are
usually around 2:30pm, but call ahead as feeding times can vary.
Petting
Zoo
Young or old, everyone loves to feed and pet the animals in our Petting
Zoo. It is home to llamas, goats, chickens, turkeys, sheep and many
other friendly farm animals. “Romeo”, our resident baby bull calf, is a
favorite amongst the staff and children at the Nature Park and loves to
have his chin scratched by anyone who’s willing! The newest member of
our petting zoo is “Princess” the baby zebra who has become the star
attraction. When you discover your favorite -- ask about
“Adopt-An-Animal” at the ticket booth before you leave!
Native Plant & Butterfly Garden
When the weather is warm, you will see beautiful wild colonies of native
butterflies fluttering by the Gardens. Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries,
Queens and even our State’s official butterfly “the Zebra Longwing” are
found regularly in our park.
The major re-construction is just about complete but the changes never will be finished! We are working diligently on The Education Center (called the Eco Lab), it is currently being remodeled and have just completed a classroom area with colorful snakes and frogs, bunnies, chinchillas, turtles, baby gators, kinkajous and so much more! The petting farm has tripled in size and is a favorite of young and young at heart.
| 7 DAYS A WEEK |
10AM to 5:00PM
|
| Seniors (55+) | $10 |
| Adult | $12 |
| Children (4 to 12) | $8 |
| Children 3 & under | Free |