Occupying a peninsula between the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island sound, the 242 acre Sachuest Point National Wildlife refuge is a very popular site for the over 65,000 annual visitors each year.
The refuge sports a newly renovated visitor center, over 2.5 miles of nature trails, viewing platforms, and a number of Refuge volunteers present to help visitors and to help in management of the refuge.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is renowned for its fantastic saltwater fishing, and the presence of the largest winter population of harlequin ducks on the East Coast.
Once a horse racing area, then a Naval communications site, and now a National Wildlife Refuge, the are is steeped in history. From saltmarsh and beach strand habitats to upland shrub dominated lands, the refuge supports over 200 bird species, with such notable occasional visitors such as the peregrine falcon, northern harrier, and the snowy owl.
Sachuest Point, along with the four other National Wildlife Refuges in the State, are administered by the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, headquartered in Charlestown, RI. The new Kettle Pond Visitor Center and headquarters located in Charlestown, RI,, celebrates the Sachuest Point Refuge and all of the other refuges in Rhode Island. This facility contains interactive exhibits, displays, a sales area, classrooms for special events, and knowledgeable people where visitors can come and explore the refuges and learn about the wildlife resources and coastal environments of each refuge.
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nationally accredited zoo in the heart of the city. Though a small space, it offers the opportunity for guests to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Enjoy a show led by their knowledgable staff, or explore the site on your own for a fun filled afternoon.
Best and worst time to go to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The best time to visit is between November and May. This is when the most animal exhibits are available for guests. Plan a morning visit to avoid the severe afternoon Florida heat. The worst time to visit is June through November, when animals are removed from the zoo and exhibits are kept to a minimum.
Must see/do at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Primate Expedition Cruise is a relaxing way to make your way around the zoo. The catamaran floats near several islands where you can view monkeys, lemurs and apes interacting naturally. The South African Lion exhibit is popular when they're in town, and the Giraffe Herd exhibit is always great for photos during feeding time.
Admission to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
General admission tickets are around $20 for adults, $13 for children 12 and under. Discounts are offered for those who purchase their tickets online.
Parking at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Parking is free at the zoo, and a parking lot is provided on site. However, spaces fill up quickly, so it's recommended that you arrive early in the day. Additional parking is provided in the mall parking lot, which is located directly across the street from the zoo.
Public Transportation to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
There is no direct bus stop at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The Collier Area Transit (CAT) makes a stop, however, at Fleischmann Park, which is across the street from the zoo.
Food at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
A local market manages a small cafe at the zoo, where you can easily purchase salads, sandwiches and healthy snacks. They also offer triple-certified coffee (shade-grown, organic, fair trade). Prices for items range up to $20, but most are reasonable.
Insider tip for visitors to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
If you've moved to the area and have a local address on your driver's license, you can get free admission to the zoo for the whole family on the first Saturday of every month.
Author Bio: Renee' Novelle is an author and journalist residing in Southwest Florida.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a zoo with a hands-on and up-close approach located in Goddard, Kansas, which is a city located directly to the west of Wichita. The zoo houses over 300 animals, including some of the most rare and endangered species in the state, in an intimate and family centered setting. Tanganyika is known for the interactivity of its exhibits and as such is an ideal day trip for families and nature enthusiasts. The zoo is also popular with school groups due to the knowledge of the Tanganyika staff and its four meeting rooms are perfect for conferences and events.
Best and worst time to go to Tanganyika Wildlife Park
The best time to visit Tanganyika is during the morning between the beginning of May and Labor Day weekend. During this stretch the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the combination of intense Kansas sun and animal activity makes the morning the best time to visit. This will also lessen the chance that you will bump into large school groups. Tanganyika is closed from the second weekend of November until spring break week in March. It also runs limited weekend hours in April, September and October, so if you are visiting during these months it is best to check ahead.
Must see/do at Tanganyika Wildlife Park
- Lemur Island: This exhibit is the most unique feature of Tanganyika as visitors are able to come face to face with Ring-tailed Lemurs. Assisted by a zoo guide, guests sit on one of the rocks in the lemur habitat and are given food to hold as the lemurs crawl onto your lap and take the snack for themselves. Tanganyika is one of the only places in North America where this experience is available.
- Feeding Kangaroos: Tanganyika takes the concept of the petting zoo to the next level with an open area where you can walk among, pet and feed kangaroos.
- Baby animals: One of the first areas you encounter when entering the park is a baby animal nursery. Here you can look through the windows into the various cages and see anything from baby snow leopards to baby honey badgers as they are cared for at the zoo.
Admission to Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Admission is free for children two and under and adults 90 and over. Admission for others is between $15 and $18, with discounts for seniors and children under 12. Tanganyika also offered a military discount of 15% for service members. The gate is also the best time to buy passes to feed and interact with the animals at a discount as opposed to buying food in each area.
Parking and Public Transportation to Tanganyika Wildlife Park
The zoo is located just of off of Highway 54/US 400 to the west of Wichita. Public transportation to this area is limited, so people are encouraged to drive to the zoo where free parking is offered on its expansive parking lot. From Wichita just take Kellogg/US 400 west toward Goddard and Tanganyika is signposted from before the city limit.
Food at Tanganyika
The zoo allows guests to bring their own food so save money by packing a lunch and eating at one of the many picnic spots provided. The only rules for food brought into the park is that there must be no alcohol and no glass. The zoo also has a concession stand which sells deli sandwiches, hot dogs and other concession style food. Pepsi products and Gatorade are also available for purchase.
Insider tip for visitors to Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Visit on a "Wild Wednesday" during June and July. The park will be open until dusk with free child admission with a paid adult and live music from some of the best local bands being played from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Author's bio: Michael Wright has lived in Wichita for 10 years and is a frequent visitor to the Old Town district. He writes for a living and loves to instill a passion for traveling into others.
Established in 1950, the Norman Bird Sanctuary is a non-profit wildlife refuge that plays a vital role in environmental education and "place-based science" in Rhode Island. The 325-acre refuge is the largest open space preserve in Newport County. It is home to over seven miles of hiking through diverse habitats as well as many special and educational events throughout the year.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary has several miles of nature trails and features guided tours and organized events for children and adults. Felix Neck is known for its children's nature classes, guided kayaking tours and stargazing. Admission to this Audubon Society property is $4 for non-members and $3 for members, children 12 and under and seniors.
Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is a hidden gem on the south shore. This non-profit organization rescues and houses mistreated and abandoned animals such as horses, swans, sheep and more. The farm allows visitors to get up close to these animals and learn about them. Birthday party packages are available, and activities are held at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary year-round.
