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A Naples Icon:

PAST and FUTURE

by Tim L. Tetzlaff,
Director of Conservation,
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

ou’ve seen it happen. You’ve done it yourself. A moment that Over the decades, the giant sign weathered numerous storms – from
has to be remembered. Everyone clusters together. Children 1960’s infamous Hurricane Donna to 2005’s Hurricane Wilma, whose
Yare lifted onto shoulders and others maneuvered in front of twisting winds finally forced the sign to show its age. A few were glad
the lens. A stranger is enlisted to help to get to see a roadside landmark removed. But there were also tears shed.
everyone in the photo. For them, it wasn’t an out-of-place eyesore—it was a symbol of their
Here at Naples Zoo, that moment hometown, of memories walking garden paths and special family
regularly happens in front of the iconic moments known only to them.
giant toucan just outside our entrance. My Gratefully, the famous toucan survived, remaining part of the garden
office is nearby, so I’m often the stranger the community chose to keep. The toucan began a new era welcoming
allowed into that moment. But if you’ve guests from inside the gardens it had faithfully pointed to for half a
been in Naples more than twenty years, you century. Now at ground level, those family photos began in earnest. Back
know there’s history in that photo. You’ll then, I was carefully handed Nikons or the once-ubiquitous disposable
remember when this same toucan sat atop a billboard-sized sign film cameras. Maybe one of yours.
along U.S. 41. I think about all those kids I’ve taken pictures of. I’ve probably taken
This toucan has been a constant in Naples, and in my life. When photos of a few of them with their own children now, standing in the
my family arrived in 1969, the toucan had already been perched there toucan’s new spot near the entrance, a smartphone passed into my hand.
for more than a decade. Created by Julius Fleischmann, it towered Who knows what today’s grandchild will pass to a stranger decades from
over the quiet two-lane highway, pointing the way to the Caribbean now, when they’re holding up their own grandchild. But I’m grateful
Gardens attraction. Back then, the town was still centered around that a certain toucan will still be there, looking over their shoulders and
Fifth Avenue. Early brochures listed the garden’s location as “two faithfully pointing the way inside where another generation’s memories
miles north of Naples.” are waiting.
In those days, there was a small pond beneath the giant sign, and To see the full schedule, visit NaplesZoo.org/speakers
flamingos were often walked from the gardens up to the sign for Contact me at tim@napleszoo.org
the day. A different era, to say the least —and the flamingo walks To learn more or support these efforts, visit NaplesZoo.org/conserve
couldn’t last. By the time my parents later introduced the exotic
animals, Naples was already growing fast. And after one too many
cars wound up in that pond, even that was filled in. But the toucan
remained, quietly keeping watch.

Together, we can create a brighter, more resilient future for people and wildlife.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit caring for rare species and welcoming families in a century-old historic garden. Since 2015,
the zoo has invested more than $4.5 million in saving plants and animals in the wild and fully supports 34 field conservation staff working in seven countries.
To learn more about how you can invest in a better future for people and wildlife, email tim@napleszoo.org.
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