primate expedition cruise

Naples Zoo’s Primate Cruise Experience

• October 6, 2021

– The Naples Zoo ‘s Primate Expedition Cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about primates in a naturalistic setting. – The cruise takes visitors on a journey through lush landscapes, showcasing a variety of primate species. – Visitors can get up close and personal with primates while learning about their behavior, conservation, and the importance of protecting these incredible animals. – This educational experience offers a fun and interactive way to engage with nature and deepen our understanding of primates. – The Primate Expedition Cruise at Naples Zoo is an unforgettable adventure that combines education, entertainment, and conservation.

Regarding fascinating, interactive, and educational wildlife experiences, the Naples Zoo’s Primate Expedition Cruise stands out as a must-visit attraction. This unique adventure takes visitors on a journey through the world of primates, offering an up-close and personal encounter with some of nature’s most captivating creatures. Join us as we dive into the intriguing world of primates and discover the wonders that await on this extraordinary expedition.

As you step onto the Primate Expedition Cruise, you’ll immediately immerse yourself in a lush, tropical paradise. Towering trees, dense vegetation, and winding rivers create an ambiance reminiscent of the primates’ natural habitats. You’ll be amazed by the attention to detail and the effort put into recreating the ideal environment for these magnificent animals.

The cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe various primate species. From the endangered orangutans to the playful lemurs and the energetic macaques to the wise and elusive gibbons, the Naples Zoo’s Primate Expedition Cruise is a treasure trove of primate diversity. Each species has unique characteristics and behaviors, and you’ll have the chance to witness them up close and personal.

One of the highlights of this expedition is the chance to witness primates in their naturalistic social groups. Primates, like humans, are highly social creatures, and observing them interact with each other is a fascinating experience. You’ll witness the bonds between family members, the hierarchy within groups, and the intricate communication systems that allow them to thrive in their environments. This firsthand experience will give you a deeper understanding of how these animals navigate their complex social structures.

In addition to observing primates, the Primate Expedition Cruise offers a wealth of information and educational opportunities. Knowledgeable guides will be by your side throughout the journey, sharing fascinating facts about each species and their habitats. You’ll learn about the crucial role that primates play in maintaining the health of their ecosystems and the challenges they face due to habitat loss and poaching.

Conservation is at the heart of the Naples Zoo’s mission, and the Primate Expedition Cruise serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting primates and their habitats. You’ll gain insights into the various conservation efforts around the world and how you can contribute to preserving these incredible animals. By the end of the expedition, you’ll be inspired to take action and become a steward of the environment.

It’s not just about passive observation on this cruise; interactive elements engage visitors of all ages. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in feeding sessions, watching the primates showcase their natural foraging behaviors. You might even get a chance to feed them yourself under the careful guidance of the zookeepers. This hands-on experience creates a sense of connection and fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of primate life.

As you wind down the Primate Expedition Cruise, you’ll leave with a newfound admiration for these incredible creatures. The Naples Zoo’s commitment to providing a unique and engaging experience is evident throughout the expedition. From the educational aspects to the breathtaking scenery, every detail has been carefully curated to create a truly unforgettable adventure.

The Primate Expedition Cruise at the Naples Zoo is not just an ordinary visit to a zoo; it’s a transformative experience. It allows us to step out of our daily lives and into the world of primates, immersing ourselves in their habitats, behaviors, and conservation needs. It inspires us to appreciate the incredible diversity of life on this planet and compels us to take action to protect it.

So, if you’re ready for a thrilling adventure combining education, entertainment, and conservation, set sail on the Naples Zoo’s Primate Expedition Cruise. This expedition promises to be an informative, motivational, and inspiring journey that will impact your understanding of primates and the natural world. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Tiger attack: Frequently Asked Questions about the Naples Zoo

A man was attacked by a tiger at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens on Wednesday. He was seriously injured.

According to Collier County Sheriff's Office, a member of a third-party cleaning service entered an unauthorized area near the tiger that was inside its enclosure. The man was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. A deputy shot the tiger.

The zoo has one tiger, Eko, a male Malayan tiger. 

The story is developing and the details of the attack are being reported on news-press.com. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Zoo, one of Southwest Florida's top tourist attractions:

The latest: Man bitten by tiger at Naples Zoo taken to Lee Memorial Hospital; tiger shot by deputy

More: A Rainy Day at the Naples Zoo in photos

When did the Naples Zoo open?

Sept. 1, 1969

How big is the property?

Did you know.

In 2019, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens celebrated 100 years as a botanical garden and 50 years as a zoo! 

How many species live at the Naples Zoo?

As of 2017, the Naples Zoo is home to about 70 animal species, including favorites like African lions, Malayan tigers and giraffes; rare and endangered animals from Africa like honey badgers and fossas; and Florida natives like alligators and Florida panthers.

Where are the tigers located?

Tiger Forest provides a naturalistic bamboo forest habitat for the zoo's Malayan tigers. The Naples Zoo is a participating member of the AZA Species Survival Plan for this species.

Is the Naples Zoo accredited?

It is accredited as both a zoo and botanical garden, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an award-winning charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization reaching over 350,000 guests a year with its conservation and education mission. The zoo is nationally accredited by the  Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) , and is an institutional member of the  American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) .

The Naples Zoo is one of 26 in the state of Florida. Here is a complete list.

What is the layout of the Naples Zoo?

The main path is about a mile long, and winds past the main animal exhibits through the tropical garden first planted in 1919. Primates in the zoo are housed on islands in one of the lakes and can be viewed from guided catamarans when visitors take the Primate Expedition Cruise.

Who is the Naples Zoo president and CEO?

In 2013, Jack Mulvena joined Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens as President and CEO. Mulvena served for 20 years as the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Zoological Society and Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. Mulvena is a national conservation leader with a special focus on education and motivating young people to get involved in wildlife conservation. He is also a leader in the effort to persuade the United States Congress to pass legislation to address critical environmental challenges by strengthening and expanding environmental education in America’s classrooms. Most importantly, Mulvena knows from experience how to sustain the highest standards of animal care, offer compelling experiences to zoo guests, and create a professional working environment that attracts the top talent in the zoo profession.

The Naples Zoo is also a designated historic site by Collier County.

Source: The Naples Zoo website and internet research.

Adventure Time: Things You Need To Know Before Taking An Expedition Cruise

“Leave your suitcase on the dock, grab a life jacket, and jump on the boat.”

Instead of using a walkway to get to our ship, we had to take a short boat ride, so I dutifully snapped the clasps of the bright red life jacket, found a spot on the edge of an inflatable zodiac boat (holding on to the rope behind me for dear life), and wondered what I had gotten myself into.

But by the end of the week, I was grateful that I had signed up for the expedition cruise. Though I had researched what to expect on the trip, experience is truly the best teacher. As the week unfolded, I learned a lot about this form of exploration and the type of people who take such cruises. Below are the most important takeaways.

Expedition ships are much smaller than traditional cruise ships

One of the first things to know before signing up for an expedition cruise is the ship size will pale in comparison to what you’re used to. While ships will vary in size, the MS Santa Cruz II holds up to 90 passengers, and our sailing had a little more than 60 passengers. I stayed in an explorer cabin, which had a comfortable double-size bed, wide window, and crisp navy and white nautical-inspired decor.

Since the ship is smaller, you can feel more movement, and we did experience some intense swaying one night, which made me nauseous. The crew provided me with anti-nausea medication, and I spent a few hours on the observation deck getting fresh air. Sea sickness is more common on a smaller ship, and if it’s your first time on a smaller cruise ship, it may take some time to get your “sea legs.”

And though the ship was small, the food was a big highlight. Hurtigruten Expeditions is a top-of-the-line cruise company, and the food they provided did not disappoint. Breakfast was a buffet of traditional dishes like bacon, eggs, pastries, waffles, and fresh fruit, and lunch and dinner were made-to-order three-course meals and included ceviche, roasted chicken, and prime rib. Alcoholic drinks were complimentary during mealtimes and there also was a bar for ordering drinks at night.

Your packing list is going to look a little different

The dress code on an expedition cruise is very casual. For most of the cruise, we wore our expedition gear (for me that meant leggings or shorts and a T-shirt). For a warm-weather voyage, it’s important to bring clothes that are going to get wet and possibly dirty and lots of sun protection because you’ll spend 90 percent of your day outdoors.

Be sure to pack a sunhat, water shoes, swimsuits, or a rash guard. I purchased a long-sleeve swimsuit at the airport in Quito, which turned out to be one of my best travel purchases. It’s also important to bring a backpack to store a change of clothes. In order to get to our expeditions, we had to disembark on the zodiac boat (sometimes two or three times a day) and we spent most of our time hiking, snorkeling, or swimming.

Off-ship activities are the focus

Expedition cruises are all about, well, you guessed it, expeditions. I had come with the sole purpose of seeing the Galápagos Islands, which are made up of 13 main islands and several small islands and islets. People flock here for the biodiversity and remoteness of the islands; most are uninhabited, and when we landed on an island, we were the only ones there. 

Each day, there was a full itinerary waiting for us, and I explored several islands during the cruise. The first was Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands. The volcanic island was covered in lush vegetation and it looked like something from a Jurassic Park movie. We sailed around the perimeter of the island, and I saw penguins, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Later that afternoon, I went for a glass-bottom boat ride where giant stingrays and sea turtles greeted us.

On Fernandina Island, we hiked the rocky terrain, dodged cacti, and took photos of sea otters just inches from us. My favorite stop was Santa Cruz, the most populated island, which is home to Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Center. After visiting both centers, we headed to a tortoise farm, where we had close encounters with giant 100-year-old tortoises. Our last stop was Floreana Island, home to pink flamingos and white sand beaches. 

An open mind and sense of adventure are necessary

Though you could carve out time to relax, an expedition cruise isn’t necessarily for travelers who want to lie by a pool with a cocktail in hand or who need non-stop entertainment. On our cruise, nightly activities included our tour guides hosting educational lectures, and our schedule was packed with activities (some that started as early as 7:30 a.m.).

An expedition cruise is great for those who have already done a bit of traveling and want to go deeper into exploring a location. My cruise was made up of a mix of families, retirees, and professionals in search of adventure. Though it wasn’t a typical cruise experience, this trip ended up making a significant impression on me. The wilderness of the Galápagos Islands coupled with up-close encounters with the wildlife is something I’ll never forget.