Naples Zoo Offers Free Admission to Collier County Residents This Saturday

NAPLES, Fla. — Collier County residents can enjoy a day at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens free of charge Saturday, Oct. 3, as part of the zoo’s monthly Free Saturday program.

The program provides Collier County residents with complimentary admission on the first Saturday of every month, offering local families an opportunity to explore the zoo, its botanical gardens and wildlife exhibits without paying the regular admission price.

The Oct. 3 free admission day will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road in Naples. Residents may enter throughout the day with proof of Collier County residency.

No coupon is required.

Adults can establish residency by presenting a state-issued photo ID showing a Collier County address. Property owners whose identification lists an address outside the county may instead provide a Collier County utility or tax bill with a matching name and photo identification.

Visitors younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.

The monthly admission benefit traces its history to the community’s role in preserving the property that is now home to Naples Zoo and part of the Gordon River Greenway.

In 2004, 73% of Collier County voters supported the acquisition of the 44 acres beneath Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, along with additional land used to complete the Gordon River Greenway. Naples Zoo began offering additional benefits to county residents in January 2005 as a way of recognizing that community support.

Although the land is publicly owned, Naples Zoo itself is operated by The Naples Zoo Inc., a nonprofit organization. According to the zoo, its daily operations are not funded through county tax revenue. Admissions, memberships, sponsorships, grants and donations help support animal care, conservation initiatives, educational programming and new exhibits.

The timing of Saturday’s free admission day also marks the beginning of a busy October at the zoo.

Regular operating hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. return Oct. 1 following adjusted summer hours that were introduced to allow visitors and staff to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures.

Later in the month, Naples Zoo will host its annual Boo at the Zoo celebration over three weekends: Oct. 10-12, Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26.

The family-oriented Halloween event will feature trick-or-treating for children 12 and younger, costumed characters, live entertainment, music and themed experiences throughout the zoo.

For Collier County families looking for something local to do this weekend, Saturday’s free admission day provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors while experiencing one of Naples’ longtime community attractions.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is located at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road in Naples.