Amusement Park

Jungle Island Corporate Office

Jungle Island was founded in Pinecrest, Florida, in 1936 by Franz and Louise Sherr. It was purchased by Bern Levine in 1988. The original name was Parrot Island, but when the business moved to Watson Island in 2003, the name was changed. The company operates an interactive zoo and animal theme park.

The park sees approximately 450,000 visitors each year, including numerous celebrities and politicians, such as former US president Jimmy Carter, Winston Churchill, and Steven Spielberg. The park offers bird and animal shows, while preserving the natural habitat that the island represents. Jungle Island is involved with numerous non-profit organizations, including The Everglades Foundation.

Jungle Island was sold in late 2016 due to mounting debt problems. ESJ Capital Partners purchased the island for an undisclosed sum, including the $45 million in debt that the company currently owes. ESJ executives plan a major overhaul of the park over the next two years, adding children’s rides, a private beach available for rent, and zip lines.

Jungle Island

History

Frontier City Corporate Office

Frontier City was founded in 1958 along what was originally Route 66 by businessmen James Burge and Jack Williams . The park began with a “haunted” farm, mine trails, and bandits. The farm was free, but the gunfight show cost 25 cents.

Today the park has 25 rides, including 3 water rides and 5 roller coasters. With the closure of Bell’s Amusement Park in 2006, Frontier City is the only amusement park left in Okalahoma. The park sits on 55 acres and new attractions are generally added each year. In 2017, plans include a new water ride, a complete overhaul of the Wildcat roller coaster, and a new show featuring music from the 1950’s through the 1970’s will be added.

Frontier City was acquired in late 2016 by EPR Properties for $312 million.

Frontier City

Frontier City was acquired in late 2016 by EPR Properties for $312 million.

History

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Corporate Office

St. Augustine Alligator Farm was founded in 1893 in St. Augustine, Florida. The park was originally a small operation at the end of a railway line, where passengers could buy souveniers and see a small museum. The alligators were an afterthought.

Today, the company operates the oldest attraction in the state of Florida. The park has 24 species of alligators and crocodiles, as well as other reptiles, mammals, birds, and shows. The company recently added a zip line over a small lake. There is a rookery in the back of the 7 acre property where wild birds live and nest.

In 1989, the park received accreditation from The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In September of 1992, the park was added as a U.S. Historic District.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

In 1989, the park received accreditation from The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In September of 1992, the park was added as a U.S. Historic District.

History

Discovery Cove Corporate Office

Discovery Cove was founded in Orlando, Florida, in July of 2000. The company operates a hands on dolphin, aviary and aquatic park. The company is owned by Seaworld Parks and Entertainment and is a sister park to Acquatica Orlando, as well as Seaworld Orlando.

The park has 4 water themed attractions, including a coral reef swimming pool that has fish and manta rays, a dolphin pool, where guests can swim with dolphins, and the tropical “river”, which goes through the aviary and the perimeter of the park. The aviary has numerous parrots that guests can feed.

Discovery Cove only allows 1,200 visitors at any given time, to keep the animals from becoming overly stressed by crowds. The park has different admission prices, depending on how involved a guest would like to become. Discovery Cove is one of Orlando’s most popular attractions.

Discovery Cove

History

Lagoon Park Corporate Office

Lagoon Park was founded in 1886 in Farmington, Utah, originally as a resort called Lake Park. Privately owned, the park boasts 10 roller coasters, 3 of which are entirely unique.

The park ran into disrepair and was closed for at least 3 years during WWII. It was on the verge of being completely destroyed when the Freed family decided to overhaul and restore the park. The Freed family still own and operate this amusement park. The company has tried to install a new ride every year, but economic problems made this impossible in 2010.

Today, Lagoon Park has 10 roller coasters, and 53 rides total. This park is one of the very few in the US which allows food and drinks to be brought inside the park. This is due to the longstanding tradition of picnic’s by the lake. The park also offers full service RV parking and a campground.

Lagoon Park

Lagoon Park was founded in 1886 in Farmington, Utah, originally as a resort called Lake Park. Privately owned, the park boasts 10 roller coasters, 3 of which are entirely unique.