For some children, the best way for them to foster a love of wildlife is to expose them in intimate ways to live animals. Children have a natural fascination and are eager learners when it comes to understanding various species. Zoos are a wonderful overview of a variety of animals but sometimes smaller or more indigineous exhibits can really spark their interest. Kids will love observing, or interacting with, wild animals in their natural habitats. Many of these animal encounters allow them to pet or touch the animals and get up close as well.
Zoological parks, great as they might be, are often too sanitized, and, commercialized, to offer true wildlife lovers a worthwhile experience. In South Florida there are plenty of really neat nature centers, farms and wildlife rescues that can offer you and your family a unique, local experience with South Florida wildlife! Despite being home to some of the most urban spaces in the country, the south Florida region as a whole offers unrivaled opportunities to wildlife enthusiasts. Let us take a closer look at the choices available to wildlife buffs in the four counties of this region.
For residents of Broward county, there is no better way to explore the beautiful subtropical wilderness of this national park than through an airboat tour at Sawgrass. It is especially a surreal feeling to enjoy their customized night time rides, aptly called gator rides. The tour not only lets you observe alligators in the wild, but also provides you an opportunity to cradle baby gators.
In addition, you will get to observe several other species, both native and foreign to the region, including friendly turtles and iguanas. The endangered Florida Panther is especially a hit with visitors. The mangrove swamp at the island serves as a refuge for a variety of species including manatees, gopher tortoises, armadillos, and foxes. Butterfly World is a unique conservation project that houses as many as 80 butterfly species from South and Central America, and Southeast and Far East Asia.
You would also get to observe native species in a special aviary called the North American Butterflies. While butterflies are clearly the star of the show, visitors will also be delighted by several types of colorful birds at this venue. The Safari tours are conducted everyday through the hammocks and wetlands, bringing visitors up and close to animals such as deer, water buffalo, wild hogs, alligators, and birds of prey like hawks and eagles.
