Jungle Gardens Covid19 Operating Expense Fund

As a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and State, Federal and Local guidelines, we remain closed until further notice.  For more than 80 years, Sarasota Jungle Gardens proudly maintained the status as one of the longest continuously operated facilities in Florida, open 363 days a year.  Now, as we are forced to close, we face uncertain times along with many other local businesses. 

The Jungle Gardens mission is to provide educational and interactive experiences with animals and nature in the beautiful surroundings of Sarasota.  We provide a permanent home for abandoned, abused, surrendered or un-releasable animals.  We offer educational shows, off site presentations, birthday parties and other exciting opportunities.  We also offer unique experiences such as hand feeding free roaming flamingos, holding parrots, small alligators and other interesting animals.  Also, we are the first in the area to launch a walk-in Butterfly Aviary & Nursery Exhibit.  We are also 100% supported by admission, gift shop and Café sales. 

While closed, our operating expenses still continue as we care for and feed our resident animals.  Our hope is to reopen as soon as we are able.  But we do not receive any Federal or State grants, private donations or other financial support.  We need your support.  Please reschedule your field trips, community functions, festivals and plans to visit us.  Plan to celebrate holidays with us, come feed our beautiful flamingos and have your birthday parties here.  We are counting on you.  We pray for those directly affected by the virus, our local community and our country.  We are strong together and look forward to seeing you soon!

If you are able to help, please consider contributing to our GoFundMe Fundraising campaign.   Our goal of raising $60,000 will help us cover some operating expenses for 3 months (March, April & May) and continue into the rest of 2020.  It will pay animal care expenses particularly focused on food, enrichment, continuing show routines and veterinary care.  We will also use the funds for security, utilities, insurance and other required monthly expenses.  It will also help us recoup some of the loss we continue to suffer as a result of the closure and the severe reduction in travelers to our state and city.  The future of the Jungle Gardens is still very much uncertain.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Chris and Nancy Lavick