Kids

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

Flamingo Gardens Corporate Office

Flamingo Gardens began as Flamingo Groves, a citrus orchard, in 1927 by Floyd and Jane Wray. The couple purchased 320 acres and believed that the climate was perfect for citrus fruit. The farm began receiving plants from other parts of the world and the Wrays created a garden, which they invited the public to enjoy.

Today, Flamingo Gardens is a non-profit botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary, and aviary. The Wray’s home operates as a museum, unchanged since the late 1930’s. Guided tours are offered daily for a small fee. Flamingos nest among the trees, and Mrs. Wray introduced peacocks in the 1940’s.

Flamingo Gardens is one of the last natural growth jungles in Southern Florida. The park boasts that there are 3,000 tropical trees and subtropical trees, as well as the wildlife sanctuary, which is home to 90 native species.

Flamingo Gardens

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

Sacramento Zoo Corporate Office

The Sacramento Zoo opened in 1927 with just 40 animals on 4.2 acres. Today, the zoo has 500 animals on 14.3 acres. The zoo was free until 1965, when they began charging a 25 cent admission fee.

The zoo is a non-profit organization which focuses on conservation and animal welfare. The zoo has opened numerous new attractions, including a penguin exhibit in 2007, the Tall Wonders giraffe habitat in 2010, and the Small Wonders of Africa in 2014.

The Sacramento Zoo feels that the focus of zoo’s has changed over the years; from housing animals as exhibits, to an emphasis on conservation, education, and recreation.

Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo opened in 1927 with just 40 animals on 4.2 acres. Today, the zoo has 500 animals on 14.3 acres. The zoo was free until 1965, when they began charging a 25 cent admission fee.

The Sacramento Zoo feels that the focus of zoo’s has changed over the years; from housing animals as exhibits, to an emphasis on conservation, education, and recreation.