The 2026 South Florida Adventure Pass is Here! More Adventure. More Value. Same Great Price.

The 2026 South Florida Adventure Pass is Here! More Adventure. More Value. Same Great Price.

The South Florida Adventure Pass returns for 2026 with even more to experience this summer — and despite rising costs everywhere, the price remains the same as last year.

Even better, Zoo Miami is now included in the pass at no additional cost, making the 2026 South Florida Adventure Pass an even greater value for families looking to make the most of summer in South Florida.

From May 15 through September 30, guests can enjoy unlimited admission to five premier attractions for one affordable price:

  • Butterfly World
  • Flamingo Gardens
  • Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)
  • Sawgrass Recreation Park
  • Zoo Miami — new for 2026

That means more wildlife, more discovery, more outdoor adventure, and more family fun all summer long.

Whether exploring immersive science exhibits at MODS, walking among thousands of butterflies at Butterfly World, gliding through the Everglades on an airboat ride at Sawgrass Recreation Park, discovering the botanical beauty and wildlife at Flamingo Gardens, or experiencing the incredible animal habitats and encounters at Zoo Miami, the Adventure Pass offers unmatched entertainment and educational value across South Florida.

At a time when families are looking for affordable ways to spend quality time together, the South Florida Adventure Pass delivers unlimited experiences, flexible summer fun, and incredible savings with one pass.

Pass Pricing

  • Adults (13+): $60 plus tax
  • Children (3–12): $50 plus tax

Discounted Upgrade Pricing for Existing Members & Passholders

  • Adults (13+): $50 plus tax
  • Children (3–12): $40 plus tax

Passes go on sale May 15 at participating attractions. 

Purchase yours at the Flamingo Gardens ticket booth or online at: https://flamingogardens.org/fgsfap/

Flamingo Gardens Welcomes Rescued Panther “Sabal”

Flamingo Gardens welcomes to its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabal, a rescued puma kitten. Your gift, in Sabal’s honor, helps support her specialized care, as well as the care of all our injured and non-releasable animals.
DONATE TO SABAL
AMAZON WISHLIST

Flamingo Gardens has welcomed a new resident to its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, Sabal, a rescued 22-week-old puma kitten.

The puma, also known as a panther, cougar, or mountain lion, depending on geographic location, was transferred to Flamingo Gardens from a facility in Georgia that was unable to provide for her long-term care. Sabal now has a permanent home at Flamingo Gardens, where she will receive specialized care in Flamingo Gardens’ naturalistic habitat designed to support her health and development. As a non-releasable panther, Sabal will serve as an ambassador for her species, helping educate the public about the challenges facing wild pumas, including habitat loss and declining populations.

Sabal is a western cougar (puma concolor) and not a true Florida panther subspecies (puma concolor corgi), but her presence at Flamingo Gardens provides an important opportunity for visitors to learn about one of Florida’s most iconic and endangered animals and the threats they face in the wild.

Beginning this weekend, January 17, 2026, Sabal will be available for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily as she completes her acclimation period. Viewing time may be subject to weather conditions and the panther’s cooperation. Updates will be shared through Flamingo Gardens’ website and social media channels.

About Flamingo Gardens
Founded in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary in Davie, Florida, dedicated to conservation, education, and the preservation of Florida’s native wildlife and natural habitats.

DONATE TO SABAL

Flamingo Gardens Mourns the Passing of Josh the Black Bear

The beloved wildlife ambassador will be remembered for a lifetime of gentle connection.

Flamingo Gardens is heartbroken to share the passing of Josh, our beloved American black bear, who died peacefully of old age on Friday, January 9, 2026. Josh would have turned 27 years old on January 23—a remarkable milestone for a black bear in human care and a testament to the extraordinary life he lived surrounded by love, respect, and expert care.

“Josh was more than an animal in our care—he was family,” said Flamingo Gardens Sr. Director of Wildlife, Michael Ruggieri. “He helped teach generations of visitors that wildlife deserves compassion, protection, and respect. His long life reflects the dedication of his caregivers and the incredible support of our community.”

DONATE HERE

Josh’s story was one of resilience, kindness, and connection. Bottle-fed as a cub, Josh spent his early years as an ambassador animal at another facility in Davie, FL, where he made appearances at schools, birthday parties, and community events. His calm, gentle demeanor made him a natural ambassador, and he quickly became beloved by everyone he met.

When that facility lost its state permit, Josh—then 12 years old—was placed at Animal Adventures in Okeechobee while a permanent home was sought. Too accustomed to people to ever be safely released into the wild, Josh needed a place where he could live out his life with dignity, space, and enrichment. That home became Flamingo Gardens.

In 2013, after a community-supported effort, Josh arrived at Flamingo Gardens, where he spent the next chapter of his life in a spacious new naturalistic habitat built specifically for him, with trees, a rock cave, enrichment toys, and a pond-like pool. Josh arrived overweight and with acute osteoarthritis, which was treated successfully, though the condition naturally progressed as he aged. Despite this, he enjoyed his habitat, pool, and enrichment, demonstrating the resilience and spirit that endeared him to everyone.

For nearly 13 years, Josh was one of Flamingo Gardens’ most treasured residents, known by guests and caregivers alike for his affectionate nature and love of his pool, favorite treats, and familiar voices.

Josh’s legacy lives on through the Bear Habitat built in his honor, which will continue to provide a home for rescued bears in need. Flamingo Gardens thanks the community whose generosity made Josh’s journey possible and invites all who loved him to visit his habitat and celebrate his extraordinary life.

“I first met Josh when he was only a few months old, and he was never an ordinary bear,” recalls Laura Wyatt, Curator of Wildlife, Flamingo Gardens. “From watching him grow to helping give him a forever home at Flamingo Gardens, it has been the honor of my life to know him. Josh was deeply loved by his community and everyone he met—his heart was as big as he was. He wasn’t just a bear, he was Josh, and he changed lives by connecting people to wildlife.”

BAMM! Discover Cultural Treasures In Your Backyard!

BOGO Tickets to Flamingo Gardens are only available at the Ticket Booth. Not available online.

Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM)
September 1-30, 2025

Flamingo Gardens is proud to participate in Broward Attractions and Museum Month. During the month of September, just say BAMM at the ticket booth to BUY ONE admission to GET ONE FREE of equal or lesser value.*

Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM) encourages visitors to experience the diversity of cultural treasures throughout Broward County. During September, visitors may buy one admission and get a second admission for free to 16 participating museums and attractions in Broward County, while seven additional museums offer free admission, as part of the BAMM promotion.

Adventures await you right outside your door! Discover new artists or ancient artifacts, ride on a riverboat or an airboat, explore a botanical garden and historic house or feed a flamingo…and so much more.

Participating attractions and museums include:

· Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (BOGO admission *self-guided tours only)

· Butterfly World (BOGO admission)

· Coral Springs Museum of Art (Free admission)

· Flamingo Gardens (BOGO admission)

· Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum (Free admission. Open second and last Satur-days,10am -2pm)

· The Frank Art Gallery (Free admission)

· Historic Stranahan House (BOGO admission *online reservation required)

· History Fort Lauderdale (BOGO admission)

· Hollywood Art and Culture Center – Cinema Paradiso (BOGO admission)

· Island SPACE Caribbean Museum (BOGO admission)

· Jungle Queen Riverboats (BOGO *90-minute cruises only *online reservation re-quired)

· MAD Arts (BOGO admission)

· Museum of Discovery and Science (BOGO admission. Adult purchase required)

· NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (BOGO admission)

· Old Davie School Museum & Event Venue (BOGO admission *online reservation re-quired)

· Plantation Historical Museum (Free admission)

· Pompano Beach Historical Society (Free admission *reservation required)

· Sawgrass Recreation Park (BOGO admission *online reservation required)

· The Sample McDougald House (BOGO admission)

· Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (Free admission)

· Studio 18 Art Complex (Free admission)

· Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (BOGO admission)

· Young At Art Museum (BOGO admission)

Visitors just need to mention “BAMM” or inquire about the offer at the facility’s ticket booth to purchase one regular price admission and get a second admission of equal or lesser value for free. (Some organizations may offer the discount online using BAMM as the promotional code. Check with participating venues to see if a promotional code is needed for online pur-chases.)

Participating organizations may have additional restrictions or blackout dates that apply, as well as additional discounted offers available. Visitors should check each attraction’s website or call for details, hours of operation, and other updates before visiting.

Broward Attractions and Museums Month is September 1-30, 2025. Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BAMMsfl for additional information.

*In person only, not available online. No other offers, discounts or coupons may apply.

Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland and Flamingo Gardens’ Garden of Lights Unite to Spark Magic for the 2025 Holiday Season

Set Across 10 Acres of Breathtaking Botanical Gardens in Davie, FL

Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens Presented by Amazon
November 22 – December 30, 2025

Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 25, 2025) — In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, Hoffman’s Chocolates is thrilled to announce that it is bringing back its beloved Winter Wonderland to a spectacular new location: the enchanting Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida (3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330).  Flamingo Gardens is known for its long-running annual Garden of Lights set across 10 acres of breathtaking Botanical Gardens. Now Hoffman’s Chocolate’s Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens Presented by Amazon is sure to be bigger, brighter, and spread more holiday cheer than ever.  The event will take place Saturday, November 22 through Saturday, December 30, 2025, nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (closed November 27, December 24 & 25).

In a brand-new holiday collaboration, three notable names—Hoffman’s Chocolates, Flamingo Gardens, and Amazon—are joining forces to present a 36-night celebration like no other. This festive partnership will transform Flamingo Gardens’ 10-acre Arboretum of lush botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary into a breathtaking wonderland of lights, joy, and holiday cheer, creating an unforgettable experience for families and visitors of all ages.  In addition, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is joining the celebration as the presenting sponsor of Santa’s Village in the gardens. Throughout the five-plus weeks, guests will be immersed in the spirit of the holiday season with:

  • Thousands of colorful and twinkling lights, and luminous displays throughout the gardens
  • A 40-foot Christmas tree sparkling with festive brilliance
  • Free photos with Santa in Santa’s Village presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights November 28 – December 21, and December 22 & 23.
  • A mouthwatering experience at Hoffman’s Chocolates Pop-up Shop and The Sweet Ride ice cream truck, plus chocolate decorating classes for the whole family
  • Toasty s’mores and seasonal bites from Flamingo Gardens’ Flamingo Pond Café
  • Nightly live musical performances and so much more!!!

“Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland has been a beloved holiday tradition for decades, and this year, we’re making it more magical than ever,” said Lois Marino, Executive Director, BBX Capital Foundation, and Director of Community Engagement, BBX Capital, Inc., parent company of Hoffman’s Chocolates. “We outgrew our original space—but now, thanks to our amazing partnership with Flamingo Gardens and Amazon, we’re turning up the holiday cheer in a big way! Get ready for dazzling lights, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable memories the whole family will treasure for a lifetime!”

Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida, and the premier Everglades Learning Center and South Florida Wildlife and Botanical Sanctuary. A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Flamingo Gardens is dedicated to depicting, preserving, and educating the public about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades through its immersive botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary.

“We’re excited to host Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens and collaborate with both Hoffman’s Chocolates and Amazon for this spectacular holiday experience,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to expand our holiday lights in a family-friendly way and will allow us to spread even more joy this year!”

Proceeds from the event will support Flamingo Gardens’ educational and conservation mission, with a portion also benefiting the BBX Capital Foundation, which invests in programs focused on the arts, education and human services throughout South Florida.

“Amazon is proud to support the return of this iconic South Florida tradition,” said Angie Santabanez, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon. “We believe in partnering with local community traditions and creating joyful moments for families, and Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens offers exactly that—holiday magic, community connection, and meaningful support for a great cause.”

For event updates and ticketing information, please visit www.FlamingoGardens.org.

Event Details:

  • Saturday, November 22 through Saturday, December 30, 2025
  • 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day; last entry at 8:30 p.m.)
  • Santa: November 28, 29, 30, December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23, 2025

Tickets:

  • Admission: Adults $24 | Children (ages 3–11) $17 | Ages 2 & under free
  • Flamingo Gardens Members receive free admission Wednesday, November 26; Sunday, December 7; and Friday, December 12 plus 50% off any additional visits

Tickets are for Winter Wonderland nighttime activities only and do not include any daytime animal exhibits or encounters, Wray Home Museum, or Tram Tours.

For event updates and ticket purchases, please visit www.FlamingoGardens.org.

ABOUT HOFFMAN’S CHOCOLATES

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Hoffman’s Chocolates is a manufacturer of gourmet chocolates, with five retail locations throughout South Florida. The company is known for its elaborate December holiday displays and beloved products such as chocolate-covered pretzels and gift baskets. Its product line features more than 70 varieties of confections, all handcrafted using time-honored candy-making traditions. Hoffman’s Chocolates is a subsidiary of BBX Sweet Holdings, LLC, part of the BBX Capital Corporation family of companies. Please visit www.Hoffmans.com for more information.

ABOUT FLAMINGO GARDENS

Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre non-profit botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary located in Davie, Florida. Home to over 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants and one of the largest collections of Florida native wildlife, Flamingo Gardens provides an immersive experience for guests of all ages. Its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary houses hundreds of rescued animals including alligators, bobcats, otters, eagles, and, of course, flamingos. Learn more at www.flamingogardens.org or call 954-473-2955.

ABOUT AMAZON

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

ABOUT BBX CAPITAL FOUNDATION

The BBX Capital Foundation was created in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $20 million in contributions and in-kind services to charitable organizations throughout Florida. The BBX Capital Foundation focuses on three key areas: the arts, education, and human services. It considers requests for specific projects, as well as for general programs. For more information, visit, https://bbxcapital.com/community-impact.

ABOUT JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings. To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter X, YouTube and Instagram.

Now Open: The Everglades Outdoor Classroom at Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens, in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and with support from the Community Foundation of Broward, officially opened the new Everglades Outdoor Classroom with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning, May 28. This interactive learning space brings the beauty of South Florida’s native ecosystems to life, offering guests of all ages a hands-on, immersive experience rooted in the biodiversity of the Everglades.

Left to right: Shannon Gallagher with Thunder the Bald Eagle; Tom Reinert, South Reginal Director of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Dr. Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Broward; Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens; Town of Davie Mayor, Judy Paul; Jan Amador, President of Flamingo Gardens; and Joe Cox, CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS).

Set within the lush landscape of Flamingo Gardens, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom invites visitors to explore native species, uncover the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, and deepen their understanding of how the Florida Wildlife Corridor connects people, plants, and animals across the region.

As part of a countywide initiative, this outdoor classroom complements the Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit that opened last month at MODS in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Together, the two campuses present a dual perspective on Broward County’s native environments—MODS focusing on urban wildlife and habitats, while Flamingo Gardens immerses guests in the natural splendor of the Everglades. Together, they tell a unified story of the incredible biodiversity of Florida Wildlife Corridor and the urgent need for conservation. Both campuses share a united goal to inspire a lifelong love of nature and foster the next generation of environmental stewards.

“We’re opening more than a new exhibit. We’re opening minds, sparking curiosity, and planting seeds of environmental stewardship that will grow for generations to come,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “This outdoor classroom is a living, breathing space designed for hands-on discovery.”

What You’ll Discover

  • Interactive learning zones focused on native Everglades habitats and species
  • Sensory and nature play areas that encourage creativity and exploration
  • Educational signage and self-guided activities to inspire curiosity
  • Inclusive access features, expanding learning opportunities for children and adults with visual, hearing, or mobility challenges
  • Volunteer-led programs that empower community members to champion sustainability

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is also the first phase of Flamingo Gardens’ Everglades Discovery Trail—a series of future outdoor learning environments designed to deepen environmental literacy and conservation action.

A Community Effort

This dynamic new space would not be possible without the collaboration and generous support of our partners and funders. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward:

  • Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
  • Mary and Alex MacKenzie Community Impact Fund
  • The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund

 Additional support has been provided by:
• The State of Florida
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• BBX Capital Foundation
• Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
• Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
• Helen Ingham Foundation
• JM Family Enterprises
• Lakeside Foundation
• And numerous private donors who believe in the power of education and conservation

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is a testament to the strength of collaboration and vision-driven philanthropy—and it marks just the beginning of what’s to come.


Explore. Learn. Connect. The Everglades are waiting.

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is included with general admission to Flamingo Gardens.

Click Here to see more photos from the Everglades Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Celebrate 10 Years of Family Fun & Summer With The South Florida Adventure Pass

Four Broward Attractions for One Low Price Equals Unlimited Fun

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 30th, 2025) – Celebrate 10 years of family fun and summer savings with the South Florida Adventure Pass! Passholders can enjoy unlimited
admission to Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Sawgrass Recreation Park from May 15 – September 30, 2025.

Explore aviaries filled with 20,000 exotic butterflies and tropical birds at Butterfly World; see live animals, from alligators to bobcats, at Flamingo Gardens; take an airboat ride at Sawgrass Recreation Park; and experience Expedition: Dinosaurs – Rise of the Mammals, the newest traveling exhibit to roar into the Museum of Discovery and Science…all for one low price!

The South Florida Adventure Pass will be available for purchase at each of the
participating locations beginning on May 15 and will be valid for admission to each of the attractions until September 30, 2025. Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, MODS and Sawgrass Recreation Park will also have the passes for sale online at their respective websites.

At $60 plus tax, per adult ages 13+ and $50 plus tax, per child (ages 3-12), this pass grants unlimited admission to each attraction. Existing annual passholders/members at participating attractions can upgrade to the South Florida Adventure Pass for $50 plus tax, per adult, and $40 plus tax, per child.

For more information on the South Florida Adventure Pass, please visit southfloridaadventurepass.com.

About Butterfly World
Experience Butterfly World, where Discovery and Wonder take Flight at the World’s Largest Butterfly and Bird Park! It features “open air” aviaries with a breath-taking
display of 20,000 exotic butterflies and tropical birds from all around the world. Explore and interact with rare and delicate butterflies in the South Florida Tropical Rain Forest. Discover metamorphosis in our Research Facility where you will see all stages of the butterfly life cycle in a display that changes daily. Other highlights include Vine Maze, Butterfly Museum and Insectarium, and more! This is the perfect adventure for the whole family! Tradewinds Park weekend/holiday gate fee may be in effect. Located at 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. For more information, please visit butterflyworld.com or call 954.977.4400.

About Flamingo Gardens
Feed a flamingo at this botanical garden & wildlife sanctuary! Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. The 60-acre non-profit botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary contains over 3000 tropical and sub-tropical species of plants and trees including 22 of the largest trees of their species. Its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the largest collection of rescued Florida native wildlife in the state, including alligators, bobcats, otters, eagles, a black bear and flamingos. Visit the
historic Wray Home Museum and take a narrated tram tour through native jungle growth and wetlands. Located at 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330. For more information, please visit flamingogardens.org or call 954.473.2955.

About Museum of Discovery and Science
Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science
(MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).

Like us or follow us on social media:
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About Sawgrass Recreation Park
Discover the Florida Everglades on a thrilling 40-minute airboat adventure! Glide over the sawgrass and cattails and let your spirit soar as you hear the stories of this unique environment. In our exhibit areas meet our adopted and rescued reptiles and even pet a baby alligator! Open 7 days reservations required at this time, try The Gator Grill offering unique flavors of Florida! Please call to make reservations for your visit. 1006 N. Highway 27, Weston, FL 33327. For more information, please visit evergladestours.com or call 954.389.0202.

Connecting Communities Through Conservation: The Everglades Outdoor Classroom

At Flamingo Gardens, we believe that nature is not just something to admire—it’s something to engage with, learn from, and protect. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Everglades Outdoor Classroom, a new initiative that will bring immersive environmental education to our visitors. In collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and funded through a dual grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, this project will connect two prominent Broward County locations—Flamingo Gardens and the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)—to inspire a deeper understanding of Florida’s unique ecosystems.

A Corridor of Conservation
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is designed to highlight our vital connection to nature, focusing on the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the impact of urban sprawl on native wildlife. While MODS will explore urban wildlife, Flamingo Gardens will immerse visitors in the rich biodiversity of Everglades wildlife, with emphasis on the importance of conservation.
Through engaging interpretive signage, hands-on learning activities, and natural materials that reflect the landscape, our outdoor classroom will provide a dynamic space for both facilitated and self-guided exploration for both children and adults. The experience will underscore how our own backyards serve as essential extensions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, helping to maintain crucial habitat connectivity.

What to Expect
• Flamingo Gardens’ Everglades Outdoor Classroom will be a thoughtfully designed outdoor learning space that will:
• Engage visitors of all ages through interactive exhibits, sensory experiences, and nature-inspired creativity.
• Showcase keystone species of the Everglades, illustrating their role in maintaining ecological balance.
• Provide accessible learning opportunities as an extension of the Mary N. Porter Learning Center, ensuring inclusivity for those with visual, hearing, and mobility challenges.
• Empower our visitors and Eco-teer volunteers to lead sustainability initiatives and advocate for climate resilience.
• Strengthen community awareness of how local conservation efforts contribute to the greater Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Flamingo Gardens has a proud history of offering specialized educational programs for groups such as the Lighthouse of Broward, Deliver the Dream, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Everglades Outdoor Classroom will build upon this tradition by creating even more opportunities for hands-on environmental education for communities with special needs.

Building a Lasting Impact
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is more than just an exhibit—it’s a movement toward a healthier, more resilient environment for all. The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is just the first of a series of planned exhibit spaces that together will combine to be the Everglades Discovery Trail. By strengthening environmental literacy, inspiring conservation action, and emphasizing the importance of wildlife corridors, we hope to cultivate a legacy of stewardship that benefits generations to come.

We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and conservation. Stay tuned for updates as we bring the Everglades Outdoor Classroom to life and mark your calendars for our Earth Day 2025 grand opening!

Together, we can make a difference—one lesson, one connection, and one backyard at a time.

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is in collaboration with:

Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservations Commission
Museum of Discovery and Science
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Support has been provided by the following funds at the
Community Foundation of Broward:
Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
Mary Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund
and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation

With additional support by:
Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
Helen Ingham Foundation
Lakeside Foundations
and numerous private donors

Remembering Buddy: The Heartbreaking Tragedy of Wildlife Trafficking

Two weeks ago, Flamingo Gardens suffered a heartbreaking loss when our beloved panther, Buddy, went into cardiac arrest during a medical examination. The procedure was prompted by a sudden and dramatic decline in his health, and despite our best efforts, we were unable to resuscitate him.

Buddy the Cougar Crouching. Photo by Kelly Coulson.

A necropsy conducted by Dr. Hirschfeld of Hirschfeld Veterinary Consulting, Inc., and confirmed by the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, revealed that Buddy had been suffering from severe congenital defects and multiple organ diseases—conditions that were ultimately shutting down his body. Most notably, he had microcardia—an abnormally small heart, comparable in size to that of a 12-pound domestic cat rather than a 120-pound panther. His heart’s thickened ventricles impaired its ability to function properly, making resuscitation impossible. In addition, he showed signs of advanced lung disease, liver and kidney failure, and fibrosis in multiple major organ systems.

Three-Month-Old Buddy Bathing. Photo by Laura Wyatt.

These congenital defects were almost certainly the result of inbreeding—a tragic consequence of captive breeding within the illegal wildlife trade. Whether taken directly from the wild or irresponsibly bred in captivity, trafficked animals face a lifetime of hardship. Buddy’s origins remain uncertain, but we know that he was found as a tame six-month-old cub wandering the streets of Parkland after escaping from an unpermitted residence where he had been illegally purchased. His genetic abnormalities strongly suggest that he was a product of reckless captive breeding, highlighting the devastating consequences of wildlife exploitation.

Buddy Resting. Photo by Lorenzo Cassina

Despite his underlying health conditions, Buddy was given six years of comfort and care thanks to the dedication of his caretakers at Flamingo Gardens. Panthers are masters at concealing illness, and had he remained in captivity without proper care, he would have endured a slow and painful decline. While his passing was inevitable given his condition, his loss is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Buddy on Rock. Photo by Miranda Bivens.

Buddy’s story is a powerful reminder of why we must continue to fight against wildlife trafficking and advocate for the protection of native species and their habitats. Though his life was tragically shaped by human greed, his final years were filled with love. In his memory, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and advocating for wildlife and so other animals do not suffer the same fate.

Why Climbing 85 Feet Matters for Eagle Conservation

Flamingo Gardens’ Wildlife Rehabilitator Shannon Gallagher recently participated in an important project with the Wildlife Rescue of Dade County’s Bald Eagle Banding Day. As part of the project, Shannon successfully retrieved two six-week-old eaglets from their nest – 85 feet up in an Australian Pine tree – allowing the team to band them safely on the ground.

Now that these eaglets are banded, they can be tracked through banding reports, providing valuable insight into their movements and survival. In addition to banding, the team collected key biometrics, blood samples, and feathers to assess the eaglets’ health and determine their sex.

When asked about the importance of this process, Shannon explained, “Tracking migration patterns helps us understand where these eagles go, and if they don’t survive, we can retrieve their bodies and determine the cause of death. The bands are color-coded to their permit, making identification easier. Birds of prey are indicators of environmental health, so monitoring them is essential. Their size tells us a lot about their overall condition. Collecting biometrics is crucial, but tracking where they end up is even more important – we still have so much to learn about their journeys. After all, these things have wings.”

During the process, Shannon also removed litter from the nest, including a piece of clothing that had been brought in by an adult eagle. Items like this pose a serious choking hazard and entanglement risk, making their removal critical for their safety.

The nest where these eaglets hatched is part of the monitored Rose and Ron Eagle Nest Cam, which streams live on YouTube for public viewing. All of these acts were done under proper licensing and permitting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This eagle banding event will be featured on Jeff Corwin’s Extraordinary World on CBS, with an air date to be announced.

Shannon’s hope is, “that these eaglets are never touched by humans again and can live long and healthy lives.”

A special thank you to Lloyd Brown, CWR, for his mentorship and for providing Shannon with this incredible opportunity.