The 45-acre Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens (1590 Goodlette Rd., 239/262-5409, www.caribbeangardens.com [1], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, $19.95 adults, $18.95 seniors, $11.95 children, children 2 and under free) is an impressive combination of a conservation-minded zoo and a relaxed, informative botanical garden.
Originally founded in 1919 simply as a garden, the property is enveloped with stately palm trees and tropical foliage that enhance the immersive natural experience, which is further amplified by the fact that the scores of animals on display are often no more than a few feet away from visitors at any given moment.
With lemurs, lions, leopards, parrots, porcupines, and panthers, the Zoo has an impressive but not too expansive array of animals, all housed in a relatively modern and very clean and comfortable environment.
Links:
[1] http://www.caribbeangardens.com