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THE HISTORY Collier County residents, a welcome benefit especially for
low-income families who might not otherwise be able to
The story of Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens began
afford the Zoo.
in 1919 when botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling acquired
Naples Zoo has grown substantially since that important
the Naples site for his plant collection. In 1952, Julius
vote in 2004, nearly doubling attendance. Today, Naples
Fleischmann acquired the property and began the two-year
Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is stronger than it has ever been
restoration of Nehrling’s garden, complete with an array of
financially, programmatically and operationally.
tropical birds and transformed it into Caribbean Gardens.
In 1969, the Fleischman family invited the Tetzlaff family
to relocate their collection of rare animals and open Jungle THE SOLUTION
Larry’s, the predecessor of today’s Naples Zoo. In 2014, Naples Zoo launched a silent Phase One of the
In 2001, Naples Zoo achieved its first national Roaring Into Our Future $25 Million Capital Campaign and
accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums $5 Million Endowment Drive. During Phase One, the Zoo
(AZA), the organization that sets the highest standards for raised over $12 million, attaining half of the total campaign
zoos and aquariums. AZA accreditation is renewed every five funds needed. Many projects have already been completed in
years and has since been achieved in 2006, 2011, and 2016. Phase One, including; a new parking lot and entryway and
In 2004, the Fleischmann family was interested in selling new exhibits for a Florida panther, pythons, red-ruffed lemurs,
the land occupied by Naples Zoo. Collier County residents and clouded leopards. This Phase also completed significant
overwhelmingly voted for an ad valorem tax increase to technology upgrades in the Safari Canyon Theatre and facility
generate the funds needed for the land purchase. With the enhancements to Alligator Bay and Lake Victoria. The final
Zoo lands saved, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Naples Zoo, Inc., part of Phase One is the Glass Animal Hospital which is set
was formed to manage, lead and grow the Zoo under the to break ground in May of 2017.
terms of a 30-year lease with Collier County. Fundraising for Phase Two is well under way and new
In appreciation for Collier County residents’ foresight projects include three buildings encompassing an education
and generosity, Naples Zoo hosts free days on the first center, an administration center and a welcome center that
Saturday of each month and offers residents half-priced will transform the guest entrance experience. It also includes
annual family memberships. These opportunities allow new animal exhibits and further enhances to Alligator Bay.
Naples Zoo to give back nearly $1 million annually to The centerpiece of the new entrance will be a new Zoo

Life in Naples | March 2017 29