"Home to more than 1,300 animals and the David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, this zoo has operated since the 1930s and focuses on rescuing and treating manatees while also working to preserve native Florida wildlife like the Florida panther. The institution contributes to international conservation programs for species including macaws, African elephants, okapi, Bornean orangutans, and African penguins, and offers an annual unlimited-visit ticket plus seasonal themed events." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines