Tours Resume Fall 2010
After the light of day fades, use a combination of red light and night vision scopes to reveal the nocturnal activities of some of the world's rarest animals inside the 90-year-old tropical jungle of Naples Zoo. Tour size is limited to 20 persons and each participant has their own scope.
After an equipment review of the scopes and orientation in the Safari Canyon theater, Zoo Director David Tetzlaff will lead you into the darkness through the historic botanical garden and its wild animals to discover the secrets of animals' night behavior.
Read an article about the tour from the Naples Daily News. The tour was also featured in the New York Times article, 36 Hours in Naples and is sponsored by Gulfshore Life magazine.
Behind-the-Scenes!
Explore the Zoo's Venom Room & Touch a Venomous Snake - Safely
That's right. It may be a Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Cottonmouth water moccasin, Southern copperhead, or Timber rattler and you'll be able to say you've touched one. The snake will be comfortably held in an acrylic tube that is used during regular health monitoring of the venomous species. (And no, you don't have to touch or get anywhere close if you don't want to.) For the rest of you, it's a rare opportunity to safely touch a deadly snake and discover how we take care of these fascinating creatures.Go Backstage with the Laughing Hyenas & King of Beasts
Step through the gates into the animal care areas to feel the gaze of the hyenas as they approach out of the darkness. And nothing compares with meeting the African lions on a moonless night.
Monkeys on Cruise
Malayan tiger
Deadly Carnivores and Playful Primates
During your tour, you will see both carnivorous prowlers like Malayan tigers and Malagasy fosas as well as watchful prey like Grant's zebras and Greater kudus. A low level red flashlight directed by Tetzlaff illuminates certain animals. On board the cruise, you'll get your night scopes to see monkeys, lemurs, and apes as you glide past their tropical islands. With the red light, you'll peer into the nocturnal behavior of the zebras and South African lions. Personal encounters with animals and engaging natural artifacts on the trails add to the excitement.
Tours last just over two hours. As you will be walking in the dark, all participants must be in good health and be strong walkers. Closed toe shoes are required because of dirt and gravel walking surfaces in places. (No sandals or flip-flops.) Camera use is limited as directed by Zoo staff. Because of the nature of this experience, participants must be at least 17 years of age. Any 17-year-old must be accompanied by a legal guardian. A release form must be signed prior to departure for this activity.
Unsurpassed resolution for distant visibility, the Explorer Pro features a powerful 5x image magnification and superior optical resolution. Premium performance and engineered to higher specifications. High grade objective lens with 80mm focal length.
Tour Dates
Group Tours Available Starting in November 2010.
Up to 20 persons may participate in a group tour for the flat rate of $1,199. To book your charter group, call 239.262.5409 ext. 133 to check date availability and sundown times.
Directions to Zoo
Participants: Please print, sign,
and fax or mail to the Zoo.
Form to Be Signed Prior to Tour
Group tours must be pre-purchased and are reservedby date. Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable to another date if the tour is cancelled by the Zoo due to weather. Completely unused Night Eyes tickets can be converted into a day ticket for Naples Zoo. Dates are subject to availability.
Payment can be made via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) online.
See Wildlife in a Whole New Light.
To book your charter group, call 239.262.5409 ext. 133
to check date availability and sundown times.