Elizabeth's Secret Garden

  The Naples Zoo is  housed in the famous Caribbean Gardens. The zoo is a wonderful family visiting spot. They have many exhibits displaying exotic animals as well as shows. http://www.napleszoo.com/ Macaws have a long lifespan living up to 60 to 80 years! They are large and colorful. When it comes to choosing a mate they will stay together for life. Their diet includes ripe and unripe nuts, seeds, fruit, and even insects. Military Macaws are bright green with red at the front of their heads. They received their name because of their bright green color which quoted by experts “They look like they are ready to march in a parade.” This playful parrot flashed out his head feathers just as I shot the photo. This pacing “spotted cat” known as the leopard can be a skilled man-eater. It can reach speeds over 60 km! There coats allow them to blend in with surrounding leaves as they approach their pray. They are nocturnal hunters and eat antelope, pigs, and deer. The...

Flamingoes are well know for their beautiful pink color which actually is a result of their diet. They feed on algae, diatoms, and small crustaceans which are rich in carotene pigment. Not exactly appetizing, but amazingly for these birds it is what helped to produce the name flamingo which originated from the Latin word flamma, meaning ‘flame’. Both mother and father Flamingoes share the responsibility in raising their baby. They work together to pile up mud for building the nest in which the mother Flamingo will lay a single egg. The parents take turns in incubating the egg. After the egg hatches the young chick will have either white or gray plumage like the chick above. I can imagine him crying, “Mama, feed me, feed me!” Maybe you have thought of your own caption idea for the picture above. If you have I’d love to hear it. You may send me a comment and you may include your website. This native cardinal appears to have a inquisitive look. I spotted it while looking at o...

Gorillas make there home in Africa. Newborn gorillas weigh only about 3-4 pounds compared to 6-8 pounds of human babies. Gorillas can walk before they are nine months old. Until they can walk they ride on there mother’s backs piggy back style. Like human babies, they are mischievous and always anxious to explore. Gorillas are herbivores and have a diet that consists of leaves, shoots, roots, vines, and fruits. Apparently though they also like paper bags! I guess we learn something knew every day. Adult male gorillas are known as ‘silverbacks’ because of the distinctive silver colored hair on their backs. They are often referred to as the mountain gorilla. They average up to six feet talk compared to the females who are up the five feet tall. Silver backs are majestic and self sacrificing when it comes to protecting there group. Giving up life is a huge sacrifice for these gentle and shy animals. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Primates/Facts/FactSheets/Gorillas/default....

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is free and open every day of the year, except December 25. There are a variety of exhibits which you can view below. The Smithsonian’s Zoo was my favorite part of our trip and I highly recommend visiting it. Besides the outdoor exhibits, there are also more that are open throughout the day and have air-conditioning. This includes the Reptile Discovery Center, Invertebrate Exhibit, Small Mammal House, Bird House, and Amazonia.    In the picture is my brother Joshua and my sister Andrea. I am blessed to have them and for all the adventures we get to go and that I can now share with you! Visit their website at the following link: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/     I didn't know there was such a thing as a Sloth Bear until we visited the zoo. Despite their name, they are not related to sloths. They live in the forests of South Asia. Sloth Bears are very shaggy and usually emerge at night to search for a meal of insects and fr...

South Seminole Nursery and Farm sits on ten acres of land in the heart of Central Florida. My favorite part of the farm is the fact that it is environmentally friendly. For organic gardeners and farmers that is an important characteristic. Why settle for chemical pesticides when you can purchase organically grown plants that are safe for consumption. Another plus is that the nursery sells organic vegetables, fruit, and honey from bees at the farm! The food ranges from pineapple to corn and even local seminole pumpkins. I rely on South Seminole Nursery and Farm for most of my plants because of the variety they have and that they are organically grown. Website: http://sseminolefarmandnursery.com This is the future gift and snack store. It will even be air conditioned for those who want to cool off after shopping for plants. It will be opening most likely in October. My book and hand made bracelets will be featured in the store! Flowers and Fruit at the Nursery   ...