Scott and I have lived in South Florida about a year and a half now and we finally visited the infamous Flamingo Gardens in Davie, FL. Flamingo Gardens, is a captivating botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that beckons visitors into a lush, tropical oasis. Nestled amidst 60 acres of natural beauty, it offers a mesmerizing blend of serene landscapes, vibrant gardens, and diverse wildlife. Of course the main attraction are the flamingos, but visitors can also encounter a variety of native and exotic animals, from alligators to birds of prey. The garden’s dedication to conservation and education shines through interactive exhibits, informative tours, and an enriching educational center, making it a delightful destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Botanical Gardens
The botanical garden is a verdant paradise that beckons nature enthusiasts and admirers of lush landscapes alike. Towering trees, vibrant flowers, and exotic foliage create a captivating tableau, offering a feast for the senses and a tranquil retreat from the bustling outside world. From the fragrant blossoms of tropical flora to the diverse array of native plants, the garden showcases the beauty of nature’s tapestry and educates visitors about the importance of plant conservation and sustainability. It’s a place where one can stroll amidst the greenery, appreciate the diversity of plant life, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between plants and our environment.
Flamingo Gardens History
Flamingo Gardens, was founded by Floyd and Jane Wray in 1927. Floyd Wray was an aviator, horticulturalist, and photographer, and he purchased the land that would become Flamingo Gardens to cultivate citrus trees. Over the years, the gardens expanded and evolved into the botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary, and educational attraction that it is today, showcasing a diverse array of plant life and animal species.
The original house of the Wray’s sits in the center of the gardens and has been preserved to showcase what it looked like when they lived in it.
Aviary
Birds take center stage at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, FL, enriching the sanctuary with their vibrant presence and contributing to the garden’s multifaceted mission. These avian inhabitants, including the iconic flamingos, symbolize the essence of biodiversity, providing visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world. Their captivating behaviors, colors, and interactions serve as powerful educational tools, fostering an understanding of avian ecology and inspiring a sense of environmental stewardship. Additionally, Flamingo Gardens offers a safe haven for injured, rehabilitated, or rescued birds, providing a nurturing habitat for their well-being and enhancing the conservation efforts essential to safeguarding these majestic creatures for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
Endangered and Injured Animals
Flamingo Gardens is a sanctuary that not only showcases the beauty of wildlife but also takes an active role in the conservation of endangered animals. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for various endangered species, offering a chance for these remarkable creatures to thrive and potentially contribute to their species’ recovery. We were able to see a black bear, Florida panther, bobcat, two alligators, sea otters and a variety of turtles and tortoises.
Flamingo Gardens has a large sea otter habitat and it was fun watching the sea otters jump in their pool, wave to us and then take the slide back into the water.
Where are the Flamingos?
The grounds are covered with all kinds of birds ranging from peacocks, peahens, snowy egrets to name a few.
Finally, we found the flamingo pond and there were far more other birds than there were flamingos.
Lego Land
Throughout the gardens, you will find sculptures made completely out of Legos. This award-winning exhibit from Artist Sean Kenney featuring 44 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO® bricks was only on display thru September 4th, so we got lucky.
All in all, we’re glad we took the time to visit this historical spot. It is just another reminder of why we moved to Florida – so we could enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Be sure to check out our YouTube episode (link below) for a full tour of the grounds.
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Cheers, Scott and Ally
