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GROWING
THE GARDEN

Surrounding all these wondrous
animals, you’ll find six of our garden
areas have been renovated or upgraded
in the last year including the certified
Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Along
with extensive care being given to
the mature specimens in this historic
botanical garden, ten new species of
palm were introduced. Our nearly
century old trees and new plantings
will be showcased in 2017 as Naples Zoo welcomes the national conference of the Association of
Zoological Horticulture.
COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION

In addition to SSP participation and other efforts to help wildlife populations outside the
wild, Naples Zoo continues to be nationally recognized for its high level of commitment to saving
animals in the wild as well. Last year, the Zoo contributed over half a million dollars to these
efforts ranging from our local panthers to the majestic lions of the African plains. Our programs
are coordinated with at least one field partner with an established and respected presence to have
lasting impact to provide better futures for both people and wildlife. You can meet some of these
passionate conservationists at our Speaker Series (www.napleszoo.org/speakers).
All this only happens when caring people like you are involved so please join us at ZOObilee!
Tickets begin at just $125 and range up to $500 including extra amenities like an exclusive offsite
patron party the week after ZOObilee. Special pricing is available for Naples Zoo members
and you can play a bigger role by becoming a sponsor. To order tickets or for information on
sponsorships, please call 239.262.5409 ext. 145 and visit www.napleszoo.org/zoobilee. We’re all
looking forward to seeing you here!
Far from the simple menageries of the past, today’s nationally accredited zoos are centers of learning
and natural crossroads for biologists, educators, environmental scientists, and researchers - as well as
FLORIDA’S FELINES for students, conservationists, and all animal lovers. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an award-
winning, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving wildlife and families here and around the world. More
In cooperation with the US Fish and information at www.napleszoo.org.
Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission,
Naples Zoo created a permanent home
for a local panther that was blinded by
a shotgun blast. These efforts were just
recognized with a national award from
the AZA. Equally important, we also
built a temporary rehabilitation area
to care for wild panthers behind this
public exhibit. In just the first year, our
professional animal care team including
our veterinarian has already cared for
two orphaned panther kittens in this
new facility. That same high level of care
has also helped many of our precious
older animals to live well beyond the
average lifespan.

Life in Naples | January 2017 29