Donations are accepted online, in person at the Zoo,
or via mail to:

Naples Zoo
Attn: Development
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd
Naples FL 34102-5260


Thank you. If you have any questions, please call us
at 239.262.5409 ext 135 Monday through Friday.

Who is Naples Zoo, Inc. ?

What began in 1919 as a private botanical garden and commercial nursery has blossomed into what is now Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a rich history.

Officially registered as "The Naples Zoo, Inc." and created under the not-for-profit laws of the State of Florida in 2003, this new entity assumed operations of the existing zoo and garden on December 19, 2005. (Florida Department of State Division of Corporations record) The accumulated collections and property improvements were purchased by the new corporation which continued and enhanced the site's long history of education and conservation.

The Naples Zoo, Inc. was quickly determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be Federal income tax exempt and entitled to receive tax deductible donations from the public and others. (IRS Tax Exempt Determination Letter and IRS Form 990)  It is also registered under the State of Florida’s Solicitation of Contributions Act.  (Division of Consumer Services - fill in Naples Zoo and click Search)

The land beneath the 44-acre facility is owned by the Collier County government and leased to Naples Zoo under a long-term contract. But to be clear, neither Collier County nor the City of Naples operates the Zoo. The Zoo is governed by an elected Board of Directors consisting of community volunteers. The Board oversees the Zoo and employs a President/CEO.  The President/CEO in concert with staff manages daily operations of the Zoo including caring for the rare wildlife and historic botanical collections and presenting educational and entertaining programs to its visitors. Volunteers also assist staff efforts.

The Zoo welcomes over 350,000 visitors a year. Unlike many zoos, its operations are not subsidized by tax dollars. Daily programming is funded by revenues collected from admissions and other operating sources. (2011 Audit)   New and enhanced wildlife habitats and visitor improvements are funded by earned revenue, donations from the general public, and grants.

Naples Zoo is the 2012 recipient of the Community Foundation of Collier County's Harvey Kapnick Award for exemplifying program excellence. Naples Zoo is the only zoo in southwest Florida to be nationally accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums which sets the field's highest standards in animal care, safety, conservation, education, and behavioral research. Less than 10% of USDA licensed wildlife exhibitors have met the AZA’s rigorous standards.

As part of its conservation mission, Naples Zoo, Inc. participates in Species Survival Plans, Population Management Plans, and Conservation Action Partnerships coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Each year, the Zoo supports a number of conservation programs regionally and internationally including planting tens of thousands of trees each year in Africa, Asia, or the Americas.

Donations are accepted online, in person at the Zoo,
or via mail to:

Naples Zoo
Attn: Development
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd
Naples FL 34102-5260


Thank you. If you have any questions, please call us
at 239.262.5409 ext 147 Monday through Friday.

Important: The IRS requires us to inform you that the amount of your contribution that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess of the amount of any money (and the value of any property other than money) contributed by you over the value of the goods or services provided by the Naples Zoo.  Please consult your tax advisor. Naples Zoo is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE NAPLES ZOO, INC. MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 800/435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.   Based on standard practices, earnings on invested restricted gifts are periodically transferred to Naples Zoo's Operating Account.

Gifts to the Naples Zoo Endowment Fund can be made in many forms, all mutually advantageous to both donor and the Zoo.  Gifts of cash, stocks and bonds, cash bequests or insurance proceeds can be made to the Endowment Fund, which will provide ongoing revenue to the Zoo for many years.  Our staff will be happy to discuss such a gift with you, and your accountant or attorney can identify the tax savings that can result from such an arrangement.