Zoo history

It all started with the botanist Henry Nurling. In 1919, he acquired land in Naples to avoid the repeated destruction of his plant collection in Central Florida in 1917. At that time, most of Naples was allocated to agriculture. Henry has broken this tradition by opening a garden with 3 thousand species of tropical plants on a cultivated area.

Leading scientists and environmentalists of the time consulted a botanist. Nerling's guests included Theodore Roosevelt, naturalist writer John Burroughs, gardener Liberty Bailey, naturalist Charles Simpson, botanist David Fairchild, and famous inventor Thomas Edison.

Henry brought over 300 new plants to the US, including Caladium, which gained popularity later. Dr. Whitmer Stone of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia said about him: "A typical German professor of the old school, courtly and enthusiastically absorbed in his work, he made many friends and was as happy as a child when visitors admired his garden." But Nerling died and there was no one else to take care of the plants, the garden was abandoned. Although the researcher was recognized during his lifetime, and his scientific work is receiving attention today, it took 20 years to revive the garden.

1946 The heir to the yeast dynasty Julius Fleischman Jr. arrived in Naples to make a cultural contribution. The interests of Julius were the most unpredictable. He was engaged in publishing, owned several hotels, was fond of theatrical productions and directing, was one of the most famous yachtsmen in the world. By the early 1950s Fleischman began to restore the garden: he cleared the paths, removed the debris and debris, restored the old plantings and planted many new species. By 1954 the garden was ready to please the guests again.

Epoch of the Tetzlaff family

1967 Larry and Nancy Tetzlaff visited the garden while searching for rare animals to replenish their collection. The Tetzlaffs were well-known expedition leaders in the Midwest. They have been interested in animals since childhood and turned it into a mission of a lifetime. Together with his wife, they crossed both the lush Amazonian rainforests and the dusty African roads. On her expeditions, Larry recorded culture and wildlife on film, while Nancy documented everything in the photo.

After returning home to the States, they shared the collected materials on television. The couple taught many to appreciate the amazing diversity of nature and the importance of protecting it.

After Fleischman's death, the Tetzlaffs were contacted to find out if they would exhibit their animals in the gardens. They willingly agreed. In early September 1969 Garden guests first met a wide range of animals from around the world.

Larry Tetzlaff passed away in 1984. Nancy, her family and co-workers continued to embody the vision of her late husband through exhibitions and educational events. The zoo has continued the rich tradition of nature conservation, funding various projects around the world, from saving Florida panthers to Madagascar lemurs. In 2001 Naples Zoo received national accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, an organization that sets the highest standards for these establishments.

Later, the zoo faced a major crisis. Since 1969, the property has been rented from the estate of Fleischmann. In 2002, the Fleischmann family, which inherited the land, reported that it was interested in selling 43 acres of zoo property and nearly 120 acres adjacent territory. In 2004 before the voters a referendum was held so that they could decide the fate of the zoo.

Surprisingly, the land purchase was approved by a record 73% of citizens. The tetzlaffs transformed the zoo into a charity organization and transferred control to a new board of directors. This change allowed the community to preserve its historic trees and zoo, which still live today.

What to look

Now in the zoo you can find dozens of species of exotic birds, wild animals and hundreds of species of rare tropical plants. You can find them in different zones, each of which is sharpened for certain types. We have selected the most interesting ones for you.

Alligator bay

Each year, various migratory birds nest in trees above the Alligator Bay, adjacent to this area. Birds protect their chicks from predators that stay away from the giant alligators in the neighborhood. Among the nesting species are:

• blue, tricolor and snow herons;
• darter;
• white ibis;
• moorhen

Many other species have been observed in the area, but the nests have not yet been confirmed.

African oasis

The African Oasis is located on the south side, opposite the Alligator Bay. Many African animals live in this area, including:

• crested porcupines;
• gazelles;
• Kidas;
• miniature zebu;
• black-tailed antelope;
• giraffes;
• gray parrots;
• leopard turtles.

Lake victoria

Lake Victoria will win several islands inhabited by primates. Visitors can see these islands close by, going on a 20-minute expeditionary cruise on the lake on one of the catamarans. Most of the species on these islands are endangered in the wild.

Black bear hammock

The platform for black bears consists of two separate habitats: the first imitates the natural environment, the second imitates the back yard of a private house. This is the largest exhibition of black bears in the state.