Florida panther annual event hosted at Naples Zoo is free for Collier residents

Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:
Florida panther
CREDIT: NAPLES ZOO

On Saturday, the Naples Zoo is hosting a special annual event for people of all ages to enjoy, involving Florida panthers, and most importantly, it won’t cost a dime for Collier residents.

According to a Naples Zoo social media post, Collier County residents can visit the zoo for free on Saturday, and while there, check out the outdoor Panther Festival event.

During the event, local wildlife biologists Mark Lotz and Chris Boye will discuss and educate visitors about local wildlife from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year will be the eleventh annual Panther Festival at the zoo. Visitors can learn all about the endangered species when attending the event. And check out the zoo’s honorary Florida panther, Athena.

Interestingly, there have been eight reported panther deaths in 2023, with the latest happening on Sept. 18 in Collier County, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Panther Pulse. However, at the same time, in 2022, there were 24 reported Florida panther deaths. And in 2021, there were 26 reported deaths.

Florida Panther
Cimarron, the Florida Panther at the Shy Wolf Sanctuary. CREDIT: Paul Dolan

It’s unclear if this is good or bad news for the state animal of Florida. Nevertheless, it is noticeable having one-third of the number of reported panther fatalities this deep in the year.

Panther Crossing is an organization putting a lot of effort into the conservation of Florida panthers. Click here to learn more about what they are doing to protect the state animal of Florida.

According to FWC, there are approximately 120-230 adult panthers remaining in the Florida wilderness.

Click here for more information about Naples Zoo.

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