30 Days & 30 Ways to Enjoy Florida; Day 10, dolphins, manatee and gators
Ok, so there are a lot more species of mammal, reptile and bird in Florida than dolphins, manatee and gators. Notice, I at least didn’t put in the “oh my.” Thing of it is, when you ask someone about the animals (and reptiles) of Florida, these are often the top 3 you’ll hear.
Spotting gators in Florida is at once easy and hard. You've gotta know where to look and what you're looking for, but we've seen everything from this 3-4 foot bugger to two 12+ foot mamoths to a few little boogers - all in the wild. Photo by Rori Paul.
Who doesn’t love a dolphin? That infectious smile, the leaping, the smooth artistic grace. One of the most popular of all animals, the dolphin is as identified with Florida as Mickey Mouse. So too are the manatee, a gentle and slow moving giant of a lover. Ok, I’ve never met one in person, but I’ve watched them in rehabilitation locations like Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, Sea World and Disney’s Epcot and I’m pretty comfy with that description.
As for those Gators – and no, I’m not referencing the football kind – they’re pretty much all over Florida. Like it or not, any body of water pretty much can be home to at least one – so don’t go jumping in where you can’t see.
Florida has a range of animals, birds and reptiles. This is a diverse land, one that is hospitable and homey to these creatures, and because Florida is also very wide open and rural in many ways, one can easily spot a wild animal, bird or reptile in very easy and convenient locations.
On more than one occasion now I’ve saved a turtle crossing the road. One a snapper, one a land turtle/tortoise (I’m not sure their exact species, didn’t have time to ask) they were in need of rescuing before being hit by a car. That happens often here – too often – so driving through most of the state actually requires diligence.
But its also a wonderful place for spotting wildlife. And it doesn’t matter if you’re in the heart of Florida’s #1 travel destination – Walt Disney World is known for its habitat for wild species – or driving along the causeway at the ocean’s edge – spotting wildlife here is a snap – if you’re looking. In the time we’ve lived here we count among our wildlife-in-the-wild-spotting list: deer, turtle, possum, raccoon, armadillo, gators, hawks, a range of water fowl, bald eagles, turkey and dolphins.
To get you started, here are just a few suggestions. You can use these to spot some of Florida’s natural residents in an easier way (themed parks, zoos and aquarium) where you’re sure to see them as well as locations for some wild-spotting.
Welcome to Florida and get your wild on…
Dolphins are one of Florida's most beloved and sought-to-see animals. From Winter Dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquairum to her cousins in the wild, Florida offers many opportunities for you to see dolphins. Photo by Rori Paul.
The Easy:
Walt Disney World
Gatorland
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory
Sea World Orlando
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Dolphin Research Center
Miami Seaquarium
Theater of the Sea
Discovery Cove
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Sanctuaries:
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary
Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Big Cat Rescue
The Turtle Hospital
Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
Mote Marine Laboratory
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Dolphin Research Center
A little harder, in the wild:
Florida State Parks
National Parks, Florida
Florida Springs
Florida Audubon
Florida County Parks
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
Florida Keys and Key West
Everglades National Park
Inclusion in 30 Days & 30 Ways in Florida lists does not mean nor indicate endorsement. We are simply providing a list of options for your consideration. Please read other Rori Travels Florida articles for services, providers locations and our opinions, but the options here are provided merely as a starting point for your Florida vacation plans.
