Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries
1. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
- Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Naples, FL 34102
- Phone: (239) 262-5409
- Website: napleszoo.org
2. NGALA® Wildlife Preserve
- Address: 1060 Collier Center Way, Naples, FL 34110
- Phone: (239) 353-3572
- Website: ngala.net
3. Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center
- Address: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102
- Phone: (239) 262-0304
- Website: conservancy.org
Nature & Education Centers
4. Naples Preserve & Hedges Family Eco-Center
- Address: 1690 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34102
- Phone: (239) 213-3058
- Website: naplesgov.com
5. North Collier Regional Park
- Address: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
- Phone: (239) 252-4000
- Website: collierparks.com
Botanical Gardens & Plant-Focused Parks
7. Naples Botanical Garden
- Address: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112
- Phone: (239) 643-7275
- Website: naplesgarden.org
Fun Learning Questions for Zoo & Garden Adventures (Naples Area)
Use these conversation starters and reflection questions during your visits to Naples-area animal attractions, nature centers, and gardens like Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, NGALA® Wildlife Preserve, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, Naples Preserve & Hedges Family Eco-Center, North Collier Regional Park, and Naples Botanical Garden. Choose questions by your child’s age group—and pick just a few per stop so it stays fun.
Ages 4–7 (Early Learners)
- What colors, spots, stripes, or patterns do you see on this animal or plant?
- How many legs, wings, fins, or petals can you count?
- What sound do you think this animal makes? Can you try it?
- Do you think it lives on land, in trees, or in the water?
- What do you think it eats (or what helps this plant grow)?
- Can you move like this animal? (Hop, climb, slither, fly, swim!)
- Which animal or plant was your favorite today—and why?
- Did you see something tiny (a bug, seed, or leaf)? What did you notice about it?
Ages 8–11 (Elementary Learners)
- What habitat would this animal or plant normally live in (wetlands, forest, grassland, desert, ocean)?
- What adaptations help it survive (camouflage, beak shape, claws, shell, thick leaves, thorns)?
- Is this animal a predator, prey, or scavenger? What clues make you think so?
- What do you think zookeepers or caretakers do to keep animals healthy?
- At a nature center, what signs show this area supports wildlife (tracks, nests, birds, insects, native plants)?
- In a garden, how do pollinators (bees, butterflies, birds) help plants reproduce?
- What do you notice about the water here (ponds, canals, fountains)? How might animals use it?
- What was the most surprising animal, plant, or fact you learned today?
Ages 12–15 (Middle School Learners)
- What ecosystem does this species belong to, and what role does it play (predator, pollinator, decomposer, seed disperser)?
- How does the animal’s body structure (teeth, limbs, eyes, beak) match its diet and behavior?
- What conservation challenges might affect this species in Florida (habitat loss, invasive species, water quality, pollution)?
- What are ethical differences between zoos, wildlife preserves, sanctuaries, and rehab centers?
- How do enrichment and habitat design reduce stress for animals in human care?
- At the Conservancy or eco-center, what local environmental issues are they likely working on (wildlife rescue, water, coastal habitats)?
- In a botanical garden, how do plant collections support conservation and education?
- If you could create a mini research project from today, what question would you investigate?
Ages 16 and Up (High School & Family Discussion)
- How do responsible facilities balance tourism, education, funding, and animal welfare?
- What are the benefits and limits of wildlife rehabilitation and release programs (success rates, stress, disease risk, human imprinting)?
- How do local land-use choices (development, roads, landscaping) affect wildlife corridors and habitat?
- What role do nonprofits and local governments play in conservation education in Southwest Florida?
- How might climate change affect Naples-area ecosystems (sea level rise, stronger storms, heat stress, changing rainfall)?
- In botanical gardens, how do seed banks, native plant programs, and research support long-term conservation?
- What would “success” look like for an environmental education program (behavior change, habitat restoration, reduced litter, more native plants)?
- If you designed a homeschool outreach lesson for one of these sites, what would you teach and why?
Reflection for All Ages
- What was your favorite exhibit, trail, or garden area today?
- What new fact did you learn that surprised you?
- What did you notice that you didn’t expect (sounds, smells, behavior, plants, tracks)?
- If you could volunteer here, what job would you want to do (educator, animal care helper, habitat cleanup, garden helper, photographer, guide)?
- What is one small action you can take this week to help local wildlife or plants (pick up litter, reduce plastic, plant natives, save water)?