Flamingo Gardens just outside of Ft. Lauderdale in Davie, Florida is a sanctuary and botanical garden full of history, plants, and animals. Below are some common questions and questions I had before visiting – plus some pictures so visitors know what to expect. These questions/answers are only meant as information for those curious, not judgement, endorsement, or criticism towards Flamingo Gardens.
Is Flamingo Gardens ethical?
Near Fort Lauderdale, Flamingo Gardens’ mission is to be South Florida’s premier Wildlife and Botanical Sanctuary. They are a member of several organizations like the Florida Attractions Association and the Florida Association of Museums, but as far as I can tell they have no official animal accreditation (like the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or American Sanctuary Association (ASA). These accreditations would be helpful to assure visitors they are following strict guidelines laid out by these organizations to protect the animals. Despite not seeming to have these accreditations, visitors can at least be assured they must meet federal regulations like the Animal Welfare Act: The animals must have sanitary conditions, sufficient enclosures, proper vet care, appropriate feed, etc.
Whether or not Flamingo Gardens is ethical really depends on your definition of ethical and what you look for in “animal tourism.” Even in using that term, many people will automatically say no, anything involving animals for tourism or entertainment is not ethical. However, I believe the ethics of it all significantly more nuanced.
Are the enclosures too small? Absolutely. That’s a complaint I hear about every enclosure for animals. Unfortunately, that’s the case with nearly all sanctuaries and zoos, regardless of accreditation status. Many of Flamingo Garden’s enclosures appear to exceed minimum standards, and it seems to me they do truly care about the animals. They do some breeding, but only for animals that can be released. They do not interact with the public.
Furthermore, most animals they do care for permanently are injured so they cannot be released. There is also *mostly* no contact with the animals. Some exhibits, like the flamingos, allow for feeding opportunities, and there are free roaming peacocks. They do something called Wildlife Encounters with “animal ambassadors,” but I did not see one so I can’t speak to that. Update: There website now has visits with Josh the Bear and “up close” encounters, so this may not be the hands-off facility some people look for. Visitors do roam the grounds freely.
Is Flamingo Gardens Worth It?
It is a sanctuary full of lovely flora that also cares for some animals in need. For a budget or a traveler trying to keep costs low, the price might seem steep, but it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You can also spend a significant amount of time there, from the narrated tram tours, animals, botanical garden, and museum, so it makes for a fun outing.
How Long Does it Take to Walk Through Flamingo Gardens?
Most people spend two hours at Flamingo Gardens, but you can spend half a day here if you take your time. I highly recommend starting with a tram ride to get some information, which is what I did. There are also several sections of the grounds only accessible on a tram ride – it goes through 42 acres instead of just the 5 accessible without the tram. You can see some original South Florida jungle growth, native hammock, tropical rainforest, and tropical fruit groves. Once the ride is complete, visitors can walk around the pedestrian trail to see even more animals and plants.
There are several habitats; for examples, aviaries, a bear area, a couple large cats, a birds of prey center, a rookery, and many gardens. There is also the Wray Home Museum, which takes less than 30 minutes but does provide even more background for the nonprofit. Throughout you will find volunteers to answer questions, but I always get the most info by listening to other people ask.
Is Flamingo Gardens Handicap Friendly?
The main part of park where all the animals are is on a loop that is not very long, and the visitor accessible area is 95% wheelchair accessible. They even have wheelchairs to rent and benches to take breaks. Unfortunately, I did not find anything about auditory or visual aides, but they do have a paper map.
Can You Bring Your Own Food in Flamingo Gardens?
Only water bottles are allowed inside Flamingo Gardens during your visit, but you can keep food or lunch outside and have a picnic. You can exit and re-enter on the same day to utilize the tables outside.
Is Flamingo Gardens Vegan-Friendly?
I hear this question countless times in my circles when it comes to sanctuaries. In the case of Flamingo Gardens, they feed their animals others animals, so it is not vegan friendly in that sense. When I was there, there did have a snack truck, but it did not have any vegan options or allergy friendly options either.
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