The garden contains 21 'Champion Trees,' which are officially recognized as the largest specimens of their kind in Florida.
The site originally functioned as a tropical fruit orchard started by Floyd and Jane Wray in the 1920s.
The sanctuary serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center, exclusively housing animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to injury or human habituation.
The Wray Home, located on-site, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The grounds feature a specialized 'Cycad Garden' that houses a prehistoric-looking collection of ancient plant species.
Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located in Davie, Florida, serving as one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. The site features a collection of over 3,000 species of rare and exotic tropical plants, including numerous champion trees that are the largest of their species in the state. The wildlife sanctuary serves as a permanent home for non-releasable native Florida animals, such as panthers, bobcats, otters, and eagles. Visitors can walk through a free-flight aviary that houses a large population of flamingos, ibises, and other wading birds. The property was originally established in 1927 as the Wray family home and citrus grove. A historic 1930s-era Wray Home Museum is preserved on the grounds, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century Florida lifestyle. The park utilizes irrigation systems that support diverse habitats ranging from rainforest settings to arid landscapes. The grounds include a narrated tram tour that provides an overview of the sanctuary’s history and natural features.
The elevated boardwalk within the free-flight aviary, which allows for close-up shots of flamingos in the water.
Prioritize the narrated tram tour early in your visit to understand the layout and history of the 60-acre property.
Bring insect repellent, as the humid, lush vegetation attracts mosquitoes throughout the warmer months.
Check the daily presentation schedule upon arrival to catch live wildlife educational encounters.
Avoid visiting midday during the summer peak if you are sensitive to high humidity and intense heat, as much of the park is outdoor walking space.
Open daily year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife; do not feed the animals or attempt to touch them.
