Panther Glade

An Up Close Look at America's Large Cat in a Fun Educational Display
in Cooperation with the National Wildlife Federation®

Test your knowledge with True/False Flip Ups

Inside Panther Glade, you will step up to large glass panels to get a clear view of America's majestic and often misunderstood large cat. Known today as Florida panthers, these shy cats once roamed throughout the Southeast. Today, less than 100 of these cats remain in Southern Florida leaving an imbalance of nature throughout the East.

At this educational display, you'll learn the truth behind the rumors and myths. You can enjoy testing yourself and your friends and family on the flip-up "True or False" graphics. Many excellent photos of wild panthers and the efforts involved in their conservation tell the story of the panther. You'll also learn how they faced the same problems as Asia's tigers over the past century.

Best of all, you have the opportunity to help save this endangered mammal by supporting the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge or the National Wildlife Federation with information available at the exhibit.

Through the efforts of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission over the past two decades, we now know considerably more about these reclusive creatures and what it will take to help them recover and why that's important to people.

Our government created a protected area specifically for the panthers in 1989. Known as Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, it is a haven for these rare cats. Click to learn more about joining the support group for the Refuge and see how you can help panthers.

And right now, you can also learn more about panther conservation and their recovery from the National Wildlife Federation. Consider joining NWF and finding out more about protecting our natural resources right here at home.

The cats you'll see in Panther Glade are western cougars. They are the same species as the southeastern panther, but a different subspecies. They are about as closely related as a tiger from India is to a tiger from Russia.

Save the Panther Day
Each year, Naples Zoo hosts Save the Panther Day March. You'll meet Florida panther experts, enjoy fun activities for kids, and hear the latest updates on our state mammal! Sign up for our free e-newsletter and we'll let you know about all our upcoming events.

Help Fund Zoo Programs for Free
Many of your online purchases at places like Amazon.com and others can count for conservation. Start your shopping here and a percentage of sales is donated to Naples Zoo and its conservation programs.