SPOTTED AT MADEIRA BEACH, FL
Flamingos were once native to Florida but disappeared in the early 1900s due to hunting and habitat loss. Despite their absence, Florida has remained associated with these iconic pink birds
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – 1316 Duval St., Key West, FL 33040
Not in the Florida Keys? You can watch Rhett and Scarlett live anytime on their 24/7 webcam or catch them often on the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Facebook page.
Flamingo Gardens in Davie – 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330
Flamingo Gardens in Davie is a top spot to see flamingos and one of South Florida’s oldest attractions, dating back to 1927. It houses more than 3,000 plant species and the largest collection of native Florida wildlife. This sanctuary houses injured and non-releasable animals, including American flamingos like James, whose birthday is celebrated on August 1.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens – 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234
For a great flamingo encounter in Sarasota, visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens, home to over 200 native and exotic animals, including flamingos you can hand-feed. Open daily since 1939, the park recommends spending at least two hours to see all its attractions. Flamingos freely roam this vintage roadside attraction, often approaching guests directly. You can hand-feed them or watch as they walk past.
Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs
27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs features a botanical garden and rescued birds and reptiles. Operating since 1936, the gardens let visitors watch Amigo the Flamingo and other flamingos at the lagoon.
Gatorland in Orlando
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
You can see Florida flamingos at Gatorland in Kissimmee, a major tourist spot that has been open since 1949. Although alligators are a common sighting, so are migratory birds. Buy food from the gumball machines to feed the pink wading birds. You’ll also spot ducks, geese, egrets, white ibis, and roseate spoonbills—often confused with flamingos.
Discovery Cove in Orlando
6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
If you haven’t visited Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive resort in Orlando, add it to your bucket list. While its pricey, discounts are available for Florida residents and military members. The upgraded “flamingle” experience lets you feed flamingos up close on Flamingo Beach. A Discovery Cove photographer is available to document your visit, and experts will answer questions and share facts about the animals. Space is limited—book your morning flamingle early. Prices start at $199 per person; Florida resident discounts are available.
PHOTO CREDIT: DISCOVERY COVE ORLANDO
Sunken Gardens in St. Pete
1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Sunken Gardens in St. Pete is one of Florida’s best roadside attractions. Within this historic botanical garden, a flock of flamingos has called Sunken Gardens home since 1957.
Busch Gardens in Tampa
10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa 33612
If you take a break from the rides and beer, check out Flamingo Island at Busch Gardens, where flamingos have lived since 1959. You’ll see dozens of vibrant flamingos in the grass and water.
Sea World in Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
Sea World Orlando’s Flamingo Cove features almost 100 flamingos. Visitors can also see manatee rehabilitation, a dolphin nursery, stingray lagoon, penguin, and shark displays, plus roller coasters and a Sesame Street area.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida is known for Lu the Hippo, the oldest captive hippo. The park hosts animals like flamingos, eagles, alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, and whooping cranes. Allow a few hours for your visit—most of these animals, including Lu, cannot live independently in the wild.
Zoo Miami
12400 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177
Zoo Miami features diverse wildlife and is a top South Florida spot for animal enthusiasts. Even better, they have over 40 American Flamingos waiting to greet you. These flamingos can be standing in their iconic one-legged pose. Zoo Miami gives flamingos special clay for nest building, so a mound you see might contain a nest.
SOURCE: ZOO MIAMI
SOURCE: ZOO MIAMI
Tampa International Airport
4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa, FL 33607
WILD FLAMINGO SIGHTINGS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
Hurricane Idalia’s path through Florida led to an unusual sight: a group of flamingos migrating from Mexico and Cuba. Experts think the storm altered their route, allowing Floridians to spot wild flamingos in several areas.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE OTHER SPOTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA THAT HAVE HAD WILD FLAMINGO SIGHTINGS SINCE SEPTEMBER 2023:
Anna Maria Island
Charlotte Harbor – Port Charlotte
Clearwater
Cudjoe Key – Lower Florida Keys
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Fort DeSoto – St. Pete Beach
Gainesville
Grassy Key – Middle Florida Keys
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge/Haulover Canal
Navy Point Park – Pensacola
Palm Coast
Pine Island
Punta Gorda
San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Preserve – Fort Myers
Siesta Key
Tarpon Springs
The Everglades
The Sanibel Causeway
Tigertail Beach – Marco Island
Treasure Island Beach
We hope the flamingos remain in Florida, as many people are eager to spot them across the state.
FUN FACTS ABOUT FLAMINGOS
