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 IslandJungle 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.