Despite being mainly associated with theme parks, Florida does offer other reasons for coming to the Sunshine State - Florida wildlife being just one of them. Florida takes its wildlife seriously and is home to many endangered species - mammals, birds, fish and insects - they all have a place in the eco-conservation work that is ongoing throughout the State. Although it is trying to ensure the safety and continuation of the endangered species it houses, Florida also encourages people - local and tourist populations alike - to take part in its programs in order to build public awareness of the plight of these creatures.

Whether it is the Florida manatees which are being encouraged to increase in number in the coastal areas, or the bald eagles and Florida panthers which can be found in the Everglades, there are plenty of opportunities to observe and record the beautiful wildlife that can be found in this area.

Even within the theme park arena, the wildlife can be enjoyed. This is especially good for families with small children who may not be up to a trek through natural wetland to sit quietly for hours in a mosquito infested boat waiting to see a particular species for a few minutes before making the journey back to the hotel! At SeaWorld it's possible to observe the serene Florida manatee floating gently in their safe environment whilst also getting up close and personal enough to pet a nearby dolphin. If it's dolphins that really light you up however, the best place to go would be Dolphin World where you can actually go swimming with these beautiful sea mammals as well as learn a lot about them. If you like things that are reptilian in nature, then a trip to Gatorland is a must for your holiday agenda - here you can take a walk through a cypress swamp, see plenty of wildlife including flamingos, snakes, and of course alligators. For floral enthusiasts a visit to the Cypress Gardens or Bok Tower Gardens is a must. The Cypress Gardens is a theme park which plays host to vast botanical gardens, whilst the Bok Tower Gardens is a National History Landmark which boasts moss-covered oak trees amongst its beauty perched on the highest point on the peninsula. If you prefer your wildlife eco-friendly, there are eco-tours which cater specifically for those who are enthusiastic about saving the environment.

Florida wildlife is in abundance. Whether it's in its natural habitat, or in a controlled environment, it's possible to observe and learn a lot about the wildlife of the State whilst still having a great holiday.

If you are interested in learning more about the conservation projects going on within Florida, visit http://myfwc.com/.

Related Links: Visiting Orlando, Life In Orlando