Special showcase

Flamingo Gardens hosts Featured Creatures weekend

Local dads enjoyed a special treat at Davie’s Flamingo Gardens as part of Featured Creatures weekend.

The Everglades wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden welcomed Underground Reptiles and Wild Animal World to host animal presentations. They provided one-on-one encounters for patrons to interact with a lemur, skunk, tortoise, Burmese python, bearded dragon, alligator, dwarf crocodile, turtle, chameleon and more. Dads got in free with a paid admission during Father’s Day weekend.

“We wanted something for the fathers that is fun to do with their kids,” said Cori Glick, director of special events. “Our gardens are fantastic, but we want to have other stuff for them to see. The dads love it because they are into the reptiles and the snakes. They get their kids into it, so it’s a good experience.”

Jim Creamer came for the first time to Flamingo Gardens with wife Christi and children Kylee and Christopher. They enjoyed getting to hold snakes and tree frogs.

“It was a fun day,” Creamer said. “We always try to do something different. A highlight of the day was eating the cricket.”

The edible bug station was open for those brave enough to try, and there also were arts and crafts.

Leo Staats also came with his family.

“It has been years since I’ve been here,” he said. “I grew up down the street, so I’ve been going here since I was young. It’s great.”

Mike Holston of Underground Reptiles said he enjoys being part of such interactive events.

“When someone takes the photo with one of the reptiles and blows it up to put on the fridge, that means a lot to me,” he said. “That’s why I pick all the animals that I know will be good with kids. … People like to spend time with their dad and share memories to-

day.”

Carlos Jusino was glad he finally made it to Flamingo Gardens with daughter Sarah, who is an animal lover and been there on field trips.

“She has always been saying, ‘Daddy you have to go,’” he said. “Today was the day. It has been very interactive. I was very impressed with what they do for the community and Florida overall in taking care of the animals.”