The Wandering Disciple

A wood duck takes a walk along the pathway inside the free flight aviary at Flamingo Gardens. The 25,000 square foot aviary is home to many species of birds including ducks, wading birds, shore birds and much more. (Photo: February 15, 2020)

Join Fast Eddie, Patches, Spanky and Bella as they swim and play in their new habitat at the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary at Flamingo Gardens. Opened in 2016, the habitat has plenty of fun things for the otters to do while provided amazing views for visitors to get an up-close look at the playful otters. The otter program is one of the most successful in the country with over 34 otters born in the sanctuary. The otters born here have either been released back into the wild or transferred to other sanctuaries to continue the breeding program. (Photo: February 15, 2020)

A peacock struts and shows of his colorful feathers in the hope of attracting a mate. Only the male peacock has the long colorful feathers and uses them as part of a courtship ritual. Peacock feathers are also a sign of good luck and immortality in some cultures. Flamingo Gardens is home to free roaming peacocks and they can be found in almost every area of the gardens. (Photo: February 15, 2020)

A colorful orchid in full bloom lights up the walking path at Flamingo Gardens.  The gardens features acres of colorful plants and towering trees.  Once the estate of Floyd and Jane Wray, the botanical gardens are now public attraction featured distinct gardens situated on a vast estate.  Some of the gardens include the croton garden, wildflower garden, butterfly and hummingbird garden, tropical rain forest and much more.  You can stroll through the luscious gardens on take a tram tour for a highlights and narration.  (Photo: February 15, 2020)

Meet Elvis the Third, a large American Alligator that calls Flamingo Gardens homes. Elvis and his habitat mate Priscilla are just some of the native wildlife that call the gardens home. The original Elvis was popularly know as member of the Miami Vice cast, serving as Sonny Crockett's pet alligator. While that gator has since passed, the name lives on with Elvis the third. (Photo: February 15, 2020)