🦩 Wildlife
Manatee sightings, gator news, conservation updates, and wildlife encounters from across Florida.
Debbie Lightsey Nature Park Brings Wildlife to Tallahassee
Tucked into Tallahassee's west side, this local park offers close-up looks at birds, turtles, and native North Florida wildlife.
Boca Raton's New Gopher Tortoise Preserve Opens to the Public
The 11-acre natural area on Hidden Valley Boulevard features walking paths, ADA access, and restored scrub habitat.
Florida Panhandle Dragonfly Faces Steep Habitat Losses by 2070
A new study warns that 35% of suitable habitat for the rare Say's spiketail could be developed within 45 years.
Blacktip Sharks Lingering Longer Near Florida Beaches
Rising water temperatures may be keeping blacktip sharks close to shore for extended stretches.
FAU Researcher Tracks Blacktip Sharks Shifting North Along U.S. Coast
Warmer ocean temps are keeping blacktip sharks near Florida shores longer — and pushing them as far north as Long Island.
Animal Kingdom's New Silverback Gorilla Has Arrived
Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla, is now leading the troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Animal Kingdom's Gorilla Troop Has a New Silverback Leader
Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla from the Saint Louis Zoo, is now leading the family troop at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Lloyd Wildlife Center Brings In Lemurs to Fund Madagascar Trees
Every lemur encounter at the Jefferson County center helps plant trees in Madagascar's threatened forests.
Where to See Florida Panthers in the Wild (2026 Guide)
The best public-access sites in southwest Florida for panther country — plus what to realistically expect when you get there.
Atlantic Ridge Preserve: 30 Miles of Wild Florida Trails
This tucked-away wetland park near Jupiter packs 4,886 acres of hammock forests, rare birds, and alligators into a peaceful escape.
Pittsburgh Foundation Gives $250K to Pennekamp's New Aquarium
The Richard King Mellon Foundation's pledge will fund interpretive exhibits and programs at the $52 million Key Largo facility.
Two Rare Florida Snakes Now Protected as Endangered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has formally listed two of Florida's rarest native snakes under the Endangered Species Act.
Florida's Other Argentine: The Giant Tegu Taking Over Miami
Miami-Dade has logged over 8,000 tegu sightings — far more than any other U.S. county.
Jacksonville Zoo's Manatees, Fall Events & a Famous Skink
Manatee rehab milestones, Brew at the Zoo ticket deadlines, and a Lord of the Rings–named ambassador animal are all part of the mix.
Florida Parks Group Backs America the Beautiful Act
The Alliance for Florida's National Parks is urging Congress to renew a key infrastructure fund for Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas.
Burmese Pythons Now Breeding Outside the Everglades
A confirmed colony in Charlotte County signals the invasive snakes may be gaining ground along Florida's Gulf Coast.
The Tegu Lizard Quietly Taking Over the Everglades
The egg-eating Argentine Black and White Tegu is spreading fast — and Florida's native wildlife is paying the price.
St. Augustine's Alligator Farm Runs a Rare 'Croc School' for Zoo Pros
A nine-day intensive at the iconic Florida park prepares zoo and aquarium staff to care for some of the world's most endangered reptiles.
Meet Ivy, Animal Kingdom's Adorable Baby Giraffe
The young Masai giraffe is now roaming the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna for guests to spot.
How to Swim Safely in Florida Lakes With Gators Around
Florida's freshwater lakes are beautiful — and shared with some formidable wildlife. Here's how to stay safe.
Blue Spring State Park Rolls Out New Entry System
Visiting the popular manatee haven now takes a bit more advance planning.
Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Day-Use Reservations
A new online reservation system aims to cut down on long lines and crowding at the popular manatee haven.
Fort Myers Otter Caught Enjoying a Fishy Breakfast
A local resident snapped a delightful close-up of a river otter making the most of mealtime.
140+ Captive Animals Have Escaped in Florida Since 2022
State records reveal kangaroos, a white rhino, monkeys, and giant lizards among the escapees.