Want to have flamingos eating out of the palm of your hand? Visit one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in Florida, Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

Open since 1940, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is 10 acres of tropical plants along winding trails. It's home to reptiles like alligators, crocodiles and snakes (see them in the Gardens' Reptile Encounter show) -- and even a tortoise named Rosco.

Exotic birds and birds of prey also live at the Gardens, including owls, a hawk and a vulture. See the Birds of Prey and Birds of the Rainforest shows to learn all abou them.

In an open-air habitat at the Gardens are several prairie dogs, and flamingos roam free.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens has a cafe serving sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, hamburgers and snacks; a gift shop selling souvenirs from around the world; and a brand-new playground, Kiddie Jungle. Learn more here.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is 10 minutes from Bradenton. To get there:
• Head south on 14th Street West/U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail toward 14th Avenue West
• Continue to follow Tamiami Trail
• Continue straight onto State Road 45/North Tamiami Trail/U.S. 41
• Turn right at 42nd Street
• Turn left at Sarasota Avenue
• Continue straight onto Bay Shore Road to Sarasota Jungle Gardens