Foraging for berries, grains, and seeds is characteristic of Sandhill Cranes, but their diet also consists of plants, roots, insects, snakes, lizards, crickets, and even small mammals. In 2002, it was made illegal to feed Sandhill Cranes because they could become aggressive by nature, and eventually become attracted to urban areas, which increase the threat of being hit by cars or being poisoned by pesticides.

Did you also know that the Sandhill Crane has one of the longest fossil histories of any bird alive today? The oldest fossil, without doubt, is 2.5 million years old! Although a 10-million-year-old fossil found in Nebraska is often considered to be of this species, it is more likely that this fossil is an ancestor of the Sandhill Crane.

Chicks remain dependent up to about 9 to 10 months, and eventually form flocks with other subadults, and remain with the flock until they begin breeding, typically around two years of age. Believe it or not, Sandhill Cranes can live to be over 20 years old! Interestingly, they have been used as foster parents for the Whooping Crane, an endangered crane species with only about 500 left in the wild.

At Wild Florida’s Everglades air boat rides, you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Sandhill Crane! Experience Florida wildlife like never before by booking one of our airboat rides and enjoying natural Florida at its finest. Call us today at 407-901-2563 to learn more about our tours and to book yours today!

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The python has been present in South Florida since the 1960s (when people illegally released their pets) and has been steadily growing. As the exotic snake population has expanded, the native animals have decreased. This invasion drew national attention after Florida officials attempted a unique approach to try and decrease the python population. They invited hunters from across the United States to try their luck capturing pythons for cash prizes in the 2013 Python Challenge. Although a number of snakes were caught, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, or the FWC, knew it wasn’t enough. The snakes that were collected were not killed but used for research.

There are various reasons this exotic species finds it’s way to the Florida Everglades but a great deal of it has to do with improper pet care. If you own a pet snake make sure the container is structured well and appropriately sized. Often times these snakes are released when owners don’t know how to take care of the animal anymore, and sometimes these animals escape due to a faulty cage. In order to protect our native animals, habitats and ecosystems we must take responsibility for any exotic animals in our care.

Never release an exotic species in a foreign environment.

Enjoy the all natural Florida Everglades on a Wild Florida airboat tour!

Book your tour today by calling us at 407-901-2563.

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For some, especially children, when they see a wild animal they want to help it or take it home with them. It is essential to their health that parents teach their children why it’s not okay to handle wild animals. More often than not, if you come across a wild animal and it happens to be alone, the natural thought is that the animal must have been abandoned. However, it is typical for the mother to leave its young while in search of food. Wildlife Experts say to give it at least 12-24 hours to see if the mother returns in that time period.

If the mother does not return to the wild animal, it is encouraged that the parent call FWC officials. Wildlife Experts strongly encourage that the animal never be handled or even touched by an untrained individual. The scent of the human on a wild animal can actually prevent the mother from ever wanting to return to its young. The mother tends to fear the animal because she may feel it is now tainted and will actually abandon it completely.

Coyotes happen to be one of those wild animals that seem to terrify us humans and we wouldn’t want to handle them anyway. However, if you were ever to come across one, experts say to be loud and obnoxious. The coyote is more than likely only following or watching you because their den is nearby, so be extra vocal to scare them off. They are one of the top wild animals that experts say to stay away from.

If you or your child is a wild animal lover, it is best to visit them in safe areas. Here at Wild Florida, we have our own Wildlife Park and Florida air boat rides which allows for maximum safety and excitement. Wild Florida’s Wildlife Park gives its guests the ability to watch, touch, and even feed some of Florida’s land-dwelling animals, as well as tropical birds. Our Wildlife Park is home to over 500 exotic species, and tickets are only $18.00 for adults and just $15.00 for children. Join in on the entertainment, visit Wild Florida today! Call 407-901-2563 for more information.

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The origin of the circus began in Ancient Rome but instead of a tent, the performances took place in a building used for the exhibition of chariot races, staged battles, performances with animals, jugglers and acrobats. Things changed in the late 18th century and the circus was transformed into a different kind of entertainment. The use of large buildings to watch the performances lost its popularity some time after the fall of Rome. This piece of history led to the existence of travelling circuses. Some of the performers and animal trainers started traveling from town to town, performing at fairs.

Things can’t always remain the same and the safety of animals must be taken into high consideration. Now gone are the days of the “traditional” circus in Britain.

After rumors, speculation and various organizations working together against travelling circuses, it is confirmed that in two years (a grace period was allowed so businesses can get their affairs in order and find homes for the animals) travelling circuses are no longer allowed to have wild animals in any of their acts.

In the near future (December 2015) wild animals will not be allowed to be apart of traveling circuses in Britain. A new law has been put in place that will ban wild animals from traveling with the circus around the country and then only “domesticated animals” will be allowed on board.

Although we don’t necessary have a circus at Wild Florida, you can still enjoy the beauty of natural Florida on our Everglades airboat tours! Wild Florida gives you and your family the opportunity to get away for a day while enjoying natural Florida at its finest. Enjoy our Everglades airboat tours for a wildlife adventure to remember! Book your tour today by calling us at 407-901-2563.

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The commission has designated June 1st and September 1st as saltwater license-free fishing, and June 8th as freshwater fishing day. These days attract people who wouldn’t normally go fishing otherwise, and have also encouraged people to purchase fishing licenses to fish in the future. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, a license is generally required unless you are under the age of 16.

What better way to spend your afternoon? Fishing is a great activity for anyone of any age, and it gives you the opportunity to get everyone outside to enjoy the outdoors. Dates set out by the FWC coincide with productive fishing days, where fish move into shallow areas, making them more available for fishers to catch. So where will you be fishing on these days?

Although you can’t fish at Wild Florida, you can still enjoy the beauty of natural Florida on our Everglades airboat tours! Wild Florida gives you and your family the opportunity to get away for a day while enjoying natural Florida at its finest. Enjoy our Everglades airboat tours for a wildlife adventure to remember! Book your tour today by calling us at 407-901-2563.

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1. A camera will be your best friend throughout the trip. Expect to see a variety of different plant and animal species and be prepared to take photos to show off to your friends. Binoculars are a great alternative if you don’t have a camera.

2. Sunscreen: You don’t want to head back home looking like a lobster after a day in the sun. Even on a cloudy day, you can still get a sunburn! Wearing a hat during our airboat rides can also help you avoid a little sun burn.

3. Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so you may want to consider bringing a jacket or a raincoat! It can get a little chilly during the ride, and Florida is notorious for short and random rain-showers.

4. Sunglasses: Not only will sunglasses help you see better in the Florida sun, but if they are polarized, you can see the gators underwater more clearly.

5. Comfortable clothing: There’s nothing worse than being outside in uncomfortable clothes! Sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt are recommended, especially in the warm weather! If it’s comfortable enough, long sleeves and pants can help deter insects while keeping you warm.

6. Water: Although we may be surrounded by water throughout the tour, you can’t exactly drink it… Bring a water bottle just in case you get thirsty during the ride.

7. Bug repellent can be your best friend while outdoors, especially if you opt for the t-shirt and shorts.

Wild Florida gives you and your family the opportunity to get away for a day while enjoying natural Florida at its finest. Enjoy our Orlando airboat rides for a wildlife adventure to remember! Book your tour today by calling us at 407-901-2563.

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Only about 160 Florida Panthers exist in the wild, which makes this was a huge win for the species because it enables the potential for the panther to contribute to the species’ reproductive process. Both of the panthers are wearing tracking collars, while the measure of success for the female will be whether or not she produces a litter of kittens. The male, released in Palm Beach County, was placed in an area that has a lower number of competing males for a higher chance of finding a mate.

The panthers were placed into a fenced, forested area while being rehabilitated, with human interaction being very limited so they could eventually survive on their own. Live animals were released into the fenced area to leave the panthers to their hunting instincts, and once they were able to hunt larger animals, they were considered ready to try their luck in the wild. Unfortunately, seven panther deaths have already been recorded this year, but with these recent releases, the panther population has hope of slowly increasing its numbers.

You can help contribute to the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge by having your photo taken with our gator at our Orlando airboat guided tours! Proceeds from purchasing the photo help support conservation efforts for these beautiful panthers. Call Wild Florida today at 407-901-2563 to learn more about our park and to schedule your airboat tours with us!

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March of Dimes and March for Babies is a foundation that helps save prematurely born babies across the world. The money Wild Florida raises will support March of Dimes research and programs that helps moms have full-term pregnancies and helps babies begin healthy lives. In addition, the money will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

“Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. We’re walking because we want to do something about this,” says Ranier Munns, co-founder of Wild Florida, who has 13 children and 50 grandkids! “So, we’re going big this year and hope to raise a lot of money for this great cause.”

Wild Florida feels very strongly about the importance of families and healthy babies. According to Florida Hospital Corporation, the Munns family has had more children born in their hospitals than any other family in Central Florida!

This year, more than 7 million people will join Wild Florida and the Munns family by participating in March for Babies, including the Medical City and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona. To join Wild Florida’s team for March for Babies or to make a donation to this great cause, please visit their team page at http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1992353. Thank you for helping give all babies a healthy start!

About Wild Florida Airboats – Orlando’s Only Airboat & Wildlife Experience

When it comes to airboat eco tours, there is simply no comparison to Wild Florida. Just a short drive from the Orlando and Disney area, we offer beautiful day tours, relaxing sunset tours and exciting night tours that guests of all ages will love. Travel deep into the protected swamps, marshes and rivers that make up the Central Florida Everglades. Get an in depth look at the gators, birds, eagles, trees and plants that can be found in our beautiful wetlands. This is Natural and Authentic Florida at its best! We guarantee you won’t see any development, homes, or signs of human life. Come see for yourself how good it feels to be in the middle of nowhere.

After the tour explore our amazing wildlife park full of zebras, watusi, deer, water buffalo, emu, wild boar, zebu and monster alligators. Visit the tropical bird aviary, hands-on alligator demonstrations, gift shop and 500 ft. sightseeing dock. Discover the Hawk Swamp boardwalk through a pristine Florida cypress swamp ecosystem. Don’t forget to try our delicious barbeque with smoked ribs, chicken, pulled pork, fried alligator and even frog legs! Wild Florida is properly insured with a fleet of US Coast Guard approved boats and captains. Groups of all sizes or individuals are welcome. Day or night, we are prepared to offer an experience you will never forget.

*This press release can also be viewed online at http://www.prlog.org/12114982-wild-florida-airboats-is-participating-in-march-for-babies.html and http://www.1888pressrelease.com/wild-florida-airboats-is-participating-in-march-for-babies-pr-465155.html.

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Sea turtles are threatened in their own habitat by construction, coastal development, commercial fishing gear and artificial lighting that may lead the turtles astray into dangerous territory. The protected territory extends throughout the southeastern coastline for nearly 1,800 miles, and it has become very clear that these beaches are the key for the survival of the species. The identification of these protected beaches will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service work with coastal communities to protect the nests and to ensure that more hatchlings are reaching the ocean!

Loggerhead turtles encompass an enormous range, including all but the colder waters of the world’s oceans. These massive turtles average about 250 pounds, but some turtles have weighed more than 1,000 pounds! Loggerheads tend to live over 50 years, and are generally carnivores, feeding on crabs, bottom-dwelling invertebrates, corals, starfish and much more, including even hatchlings of its own species. They very rarely come ashore unless the female constructs a nest to lay its eggs.

Wild Florida specializes in creating a breathtaking and unique airboat ride that’s fun for everyone in your family! Though we don’t have sea turtles at our park, you may see variety of other animals including tortoises, alligators, bald eagles, deer, wading birds and much more! Book your Orlando airboat ride today by calling us at 407-901-2563 to experience a one-of-a-kind eco-tour that you won’t soon forget.

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One thing that might come to mind with the de-extinction topic is the idea that we could create a real-life Jurassic Park! Unfortunately, dinosaurs have been dead far too long to be considered. One animal that has been considered though is the Woolly Mammoth, one among many species that are on the table to be resurrected. Many have claimed that bringing back extinct species can ultimately help conservation biologists preserve highly endangered species by increasing genetic diversity of smaller populations.

Although it sounds like a fun and interesting concept, some oppose de-extinction simply because we wouldn’t be focusing on preserving the populations that are nearly going extinct now. Several factors contribute to the extinction of animals each year, including habitat destruction, pollution and climate changes, and one of the only ways to avoid the elimination of endangered species is reducing the causes of extinction. Many claim that de-extinction would only contribute to a fraction of conservation efforts, though it would also be a scientifically amazing feat if it were to be accomplished!

At Wild Florida, we understand how important it is to preserve the existence of endangered animals, which is why our Orlando airboat rides donates a portion of costs from our your purchased alligator photos to the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge. FFPR is dedicated to helping save the Florida Panther from extinction, with only 100 to 160 left in the wild. Call our Orlando airboat rides today at 407-901-2563 to schedule your airboat tour and to learn more about the environment and the impact we can have on supporting conservation!

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