Volunteer Spotlight: Gary Shapiro

We are thrilled to recognize Gary Shapiro as our Volunteer of the Month for May!

Gary is a kind, friendly, and welcoming volunteer whom many of you have likely seen at the Tram over the past several months. He genuinely enjoys volunteering and takes great pride in assisting our guests while helping ensure the area meets our high standards of cleanliness and presentation.

With more than 150 volunteer hours already contributed, Gary continues to demonstrate remarkable dedication, enthusiasm, and a true passion for service. His positive attitude and willingness to help make a lasting impact on both our guests and fellow volunteers.

We are incredibly grateful to have a volunteer like Gary, whose commitment and care help make Flamingo Gardens such a special place. Thank you, Gary, for all that you do and for being an important part of the exciting future ahead at Flamingo Gardens!

We Can “Bearly” Contain Our Excitement!

Flamingo Gardens to Welcome Two Orphaned American Black Bear Cubs

DONATE TO BENTLEY AND TREENA

Flamingo Gardens is thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of two orphaned American black bear cubs, Bentley and Treena, donated by the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve, who will soon call Flamingo Gardens their forever home.

The young bears, now approximately 14 months old, were rescued in Georgia following a heartbreaking incident last year in the Bent Tree community, where their mother was tragically killed. After a dedicated community search effort, the cubs, later named Bentley and Treena in honor of the community that rescued them, were safely recovered and brought into care at Chestatee Wildlife Preserve.

Since being rescued and bottle-fed by wildlife caregivers, Bentley and Treena have become dependent on human care and cannot be released back into the wild. Flamingo Gardens is honored to provide them with a safe, enriching, and permanent habitat where they can thrive while helping inspire compassion and conservation awareness among guests of all ages.

“These bears have already touched the hearts of so many people,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “Their journey is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and we are incredibly proud to provide them with a loving forever home while helping educate our community about wildlife conservation and coexistence.”

“Bentley and Treena will serve as important ambassadors for their species, helping visitors learn about the challenges facing wildlife and the importance of protecting native habitats and respecting wild animals in their natural environments,” said Michael Ruggieri, Senior Director of Wildlife at Flamingo Gardens.

Flamingo Gardens plans to introduce the bears to the public following their arrival and acclimation period, with special opportunities for guests, members, and supporters to welcome the cubs to South Florida.

The cubs’ rescue story drew widespread community support and regional attention in Georgia, highlighting both the emotional connection people have with wildlife and the importance of responsible human-wildlife interaction.

Come join us for a "Beary" Special Weekend on June 6th and 7th
Click here for more details

Your Gift Helps Provide the “Bear” Necessities

Please consider making a gift today to help these incredible animals continue to thrive at Flamingo Gardens. Your support provides the “Bear” necessities — nutritious food, enrichment, expert veterinary care, and safe lifelong habitats for our rescued bears. Every donation directly supports their health, comfort, and well-being.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kelvin Moncayo

Volunteer of the Month for April is Kelvin Moncayo. Kelvin has volunteered with us all month and taken part in everything. Kelvin has frequently been a guide in the gallery for our most recent exhibit but he’s also been a friendly face at our Tram Station. He’s spent a lot of time assisting our Food Services team in the cafe and has volunteered over 50 hours this month. We appreciate the initiative Kelvin has taken and the consistency he has provided as a volunteer.

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Stafford

Volunteer of the Month is Kathy Stafford. Kathy has been operating a such a high level for us in this department. She is always major help in our events department when we have exhibits in out Gallery as a docent. She also spent time as Mrs. Claus for us during Winter Wonderland and regularly assists our Guest Services team. Kathy also takes a liking to other volunteers and encourages and motivates them in their different departments as well. She always vocal and her hospitality is greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure working alongside side her. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Patrick Anello

Volunteer of the Month for February is Patrick Anello. Patrick has been with us volunteering for almost 4 years now. He has helped us with events and occasionally in our Wray Home but most notably volunteers in Guest Services. He’s one of the most welcoming and friendly faces we have. He’s a wealth of knowledge and knows so much about Flamingo Gardens and what the experience is like here. He has also contributed over 500 hours. Patrick has made the experience here so pleasant for both guests and employees and we are so happy to have him.

Volunteer Spotlight: Isabella Anzalone

Our Volunteer of the Month for January is Isabella Anzalone. Bella has been with us over 4 years and has volunteered everywhere you can think of. She always helps us in preparation for events but can often be seen guiding, cleaning the tram, helping in our gift shop, assisting in the cafe, making bags of flamingo food to be sold in the gift shop and so much more. Her continued excellence and dedication to the garden has truly been appreciated. Thank you Bella for all your hard work.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dalia Latife

Our Volunteer of the Month is Dalia Latife. Dalia has been volunteering with us for some time now and can most notably be seen with a camera in hand. Dalia has aided us for numerous events where she has not only captured the essence of Flamingo Gardens but also the various personalities of our staff as well. When called upon she has been gracious and active. Her energy is radiant and always has a smile on her face further incentivizing guests and employees to want to be apart of the photos she takes. As we end this year we are thankful for all the events Dalia has been apart and look forward to many more.

Volunteer Spotlight: Abberdean Lewis

Volunteer of the month for November is Abberdean Lewis. Abby as we call her has been instrumental to our food services department this month. She has volunteered almost every day both during the day and at night for our Winter Wonderland event. Everyone in the Flamingo Café raves about her attention to detail, hospitality, and efficiency. She’s been extremely helpful and has volunteered almost 100 hours this month. Abby came to us at the perfect time and has made an immediate impact. We are extremely lucky to have her.

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Jamie Sanders

Our Volunteer of Month for October is Jamie Sanders. Jamie has been a phenomenal volunteer who assisted us in the cafe and contributed over a 100 hours in that month. Guests have raved about her personality, hospitality, effectiveness, and her ability to take direction. She has done so well and has been such an addition to that department that they decided to hire her. We are extremely grateful to Jamie for coming to Flamingo Gardens and we can’t wait to continue to work with her. 

Welcome to the Team Jamie!

Volunteer Spotlight: Chaquana Hales

Our volunteer of the month is Chaquana Hales. Chaquana has phenomenal for us here at Flamingo Gardens. She’s primarily here on the weekends and works in guest services. The energy and hospitality she has brought to this department has been notable. Guests have frequently raved about the experience they have as soon as they enter because of her. Our employees have found that she makes the experience more pleasant as well. Chaquana greets and guides with grace and she has shown how special an impact you can make is us when you have the right attitude. We are very thankful to have her at with us.