Iguanaland

About Iguanaland

Iguanaland is a reptile zoo, education and conservation center at 33900 Bermont Rd in Punta Gorda, Florida. Its website describes 12 acres dedicated entirely to reptiles and amphibians and states that the collection includes more than 250 different species from around the world. The facility is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The website states that it is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association.

The facility states its purpose as providing a unique and inclusive atmosphere to interact with reptiles and amphibians, and to aid the future of endangered species through education, research and conservation.

History

According to the zoo's mission page, Iguanaland was founded in February 2022 by herpetologist and conservationist Ty Park.

The mission page lists three objectives: educating youth and the public about reptile and amphibian diversity and ecological importance; providing facilities for scientific research and for professional and student training; and fundraising for reptile and amphibian initiatives in conservation, education and research. The zoo also says it recruits staff, volunteers and interns interested in working with reptiles and amphibians, and that it partners with Drug-Free Youth (D-FY) from Drug Free Punta Gorda, offering free general admission to members who present valid D-FY ID badges.

Exhibits and habitats

The zoo's animals page highlights a selection of its collection. Named species include the Aldabra tortoise, wood turtle, red-tailed boa, perentie, Anegada rock iguana, Mexican spiny-tailed iguana, rhinoceros iguana, Madagascar giant day gecko, matamata, eastern indigo snake, argus monitor and sulcata tortoise. The page presents these as a selection rather than a full list.

Most exhibits are outdoors. The FAQ notes this in recommending sun protection and closed-toe shoes, and says a covered barn area holds smaller reptiles. The barn also contains a large covered picnic area. The zoo's homepage lists a daily giant tortoise feeding, listed at 11 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and included with admission.

Conservation and programs

The zoo lists several programs on its experiences page.

• Animal Encounter: a 30-minute session for small groups in which guests meet four or five of the zoo's animal ambassadors and may touch them. A general admission ticket is required.
• VIP Tour: a behind-the-scenes tour of two to two and a half hours with multiple animal experiences, with general admission included.
• Group field trips: for groups of at least 20 with children aged 2 and up plus adult chaperones, including general admission, time to see the park at the group's own pace and a group interaction with a zookeeper.
• Private group events: for up to 20 people, including general admission, three animal encounters and reserved tables.
• Educational outreach programs: 30 or 50 minutes long and delivered at the requesting location, with four to eight live animals, a presentation and a question and answer session.

The zoo also offers a membership program and an events calendar, with seasonal events such as an Easter party referenced on its homepage. According to the FAQ, the zoo does not typically allow guests to hold its animals, and it points visitors to VIP tours, animal encounters and field trips for closer contact.

Planning your visit

Hours. As listed on the zoo's website, Iguanaland is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, with the box office closing at 4:30 p.m. The FAQ lists closures on January 1, Thanksgiving and December 25. Tickets are sold through the website, and pricing and discount categories are listed there.

Getting there. The getting-here page directs visitors from I-75 to exit 164 toward Highway 17 North, then about 1.5 miles on Highway 17 North to a right turn onto Bermont Rd, and about 7 miles further, with the zoo on the left. Parking is free in the lot in front of the zoo, according to that page.

Food and pets. The FAQ states there is no full-service cafe, but cold bottled drinks and pre-packaged snacks are sold. Guests may bring their own food and drinks, and alcoholic beverages should not be consumed on site. Pets are generally not permitted because of stress to the animals, though trained service animals are welcome.

Weather. According to the FAQ, the zoo stays open in rain unless there is extreme weather and offers rainchecks if weather affects a visit.

Contact. The zoo lists 941-844-5350.