The Wandering Disciple

A macaw skates across the stage at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. The entertaining show helps showcase the unique abilities of these birds as well as inform spectators the importance of conservation. (Photo: July 8, 2013)

A Blue-and-yellow macaw sits on a perch at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Opened in 1939, Jungle Gardens is the oldest continuously operated attraction in Florida and is home to over 150 animals. (Photo: July 8, 2013)

A Scarlet Macaw sits on its perch at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This macaw and many other birds call the botanical gardens on Sarasota Bay their home. (Photo: July 8, 2013)

Two colorful birds cuddle at the Bird Posing Area of Sarasota Jungle Gardens.  Here guests can pose with the colorful birds and have they pictures taken.  (Photo: July 8, 2013)

Sarasota, Florida: Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in northern Sarasota is a hidden gem of the Suncoast. Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a botanical garden where you can enjoy the tropical fauna and learn about exotic animals at the same time. Opened in 1936, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Florida. David Breed Lindsay transformed a swampy grove into a botanical garden and by the 1940’s the gardens flourished. The gardens began to add animal attractions in the 1970’s with the addition of an exotic bird show. Today Jungle Gardens is home to birds, reptiles, mammals and the famous pink flamingos. A paved trail takes you on a journey through the 10 acre park. The tour begins at the gift shop and winds its way through park, passing animal exhibits deep in the jungle. As you travel the path, there are markers along the way that correspond with the park map to help ensure you see all of the parks attractions. During the journey you will e...

Sarasota, Florida: This week we had initially planned on travelling to Indianapolis for my wife's Scentsy convention.  However, the plans for the trip fell through due to the lack of funding and we cancelled the trip.  But we decided to keep our vacation time and do a staycation instead. For those of you who have never heard of a staycation, it is a vacation in which you begin and end your days from home and do trips to attractions that are within driving distance from your house.  It is a vacation that has increased in popularity due to the current financial crisis. Today we decided to go to Jungle Gardens in Sarasota.  Located in our backyard, Jungle Gardens is one of those places that we have always wanted to go try but always passed it up for Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens or Animal Kingdom. On the way to Jungle Gardens, we stopped by the Visitor's Center to pick up a discount coupon.  While admission to Jungle Gardens isn't that expensive, any...

A mother duck and her baby ducklings cross the sidewalk at Jungle Gardens in Sarasota.  (Photo: July 8, 2013)