People flock to Fort Lauderdale for the beach, but just 30 kilometres west, lies the enchanting Flamingo Gardens wildlife sanctuary and it’s worth a visit too. Here you can escape the Florida heat under the shade of the largest trees in the state, marvel at the more than 3,000 species of rare tropical plants and get to know 90 or so varieties of birds and animals native to the Everglades.

Escape to nature at Flamingo Gardens

I’m always looking for something easy to do solo when I’m tagging along on Steve’s business travel. Flamingo Gardens caught my eye because I had been to Florida four times and had yet to see an alligator. Flamingo Gardens has one. Also, the hotel we were staying at was near the airport surrounded by strip malls and vast parking lots. I needed a nature fix!

Originally a Citrus Grove

Flamingo Gardens has a lovely backstory. In the early 1920s, Lloyd and Jane Wray purchased forty acres of land and established Flamingo Grove to harvest citrus. Over the years, they planted rare tropical fruit and flowering trees for the enjoyment of those who visited the citrus grove. During the 40s and 50s, they received plants and seeds from around the world for government test planting. In 1969, Jane Wray, now windowed, established a foundation to maintain the botanical gardens in memory of her husband. She renamed it Flamingo Gardens.

Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife at Flamingo Gardens are permanently injured or unable to be released into the wild. Aside from the cougar, black bear, and panther most of the animals are in open enclosures, and many are free to interact with visitors. Throughout the habitats, visitors can help themselves to animal feed. Steve adores feeding animals and was envious that I got to visit while he was stuck in a conference centre.

Aviary

I had never visited an aviary before and wasn’t sure how I’d like it. The sign at the entrance makes it clear that many of the birds are quite used to humans, may decide to land on your shoulder, and can get quite close. I took a quick photo of the sign to send to my sister who has a bird phobia and suggested this would be the perfect place for immersion therapy to get over it once and for all. She responded that it sounded like a “perfect hell.” Undeterred, I ventured in. None of the birds landed on me, but several got quite close. I loved it!

I’ve never paid much attention to birds, probably because there is not a huge variety where I live. But Florida has some weird looking ones! I find their odd beaks, strangely positioned eyes, and funny little walks fascinating.

The sanctuary’s namesake – flamingos!

Situated across from the garden café for your dining entertainment, the flamingo pond bursts with colour and the sound of peacocks who strut around its outer edges. It’s like they’re competing for “most beautiful bird.” Declaring a winner is a tough call.

Just before I was about to leave, I spied an open gate to the enclosed pond and saw a family feeding the flamingos next to them from their hands. As I blindly walked in to snap a photo the guide politely told me that the family was on a private tour. I apologized and started backing away. The guide gave me a quick conspiratorial smile and motioned for me to come close. He handed me some bird food and took my smartphone to capture the moment. How incredibly nice is that?

Flamingo Gardens offers a few hours of serenity

Including a stop for lunch (I didn’t so can’t comment on the food), one could easily spend an entire morning or afternoon taking in all Flamingo Gardens has to offer. The Wray’s former residence is now a museum and includes some history about the couple, the land, and their citrus grove operation. Something I regret not doing is the tram tour, which is a narrated ride through remote areas of the property, including some of the last original jungle growth in South Florida that remains as it was more than 100 years ago. There’s also a butterfly garden and special interactive garden for kids.

I loved my visit. Walking the grounds, interacting with the birds (peacocks are everywhere!), and looking way up to all those huge trees was rejuvenating and educational. This is a gem of an attraction.

Admission Tip: Before you go, visit the Flamingo Gardens ticket page online to access a coupon for $2 off adult admissions and $1 off for kids.

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