Shell Factory and Nature Park Shell Factory and Nature Park News

[Smaggledagle]

The Shell Factory and Nature Park is an 18-acre (just the zoo portion) facility located in North Fort Myers, Florida. There are 400+ animals inside the park which include bare-tailed woolly opossum, common palm civet, tayra, fishing cat, dromedary camel, monk parakeet, ring-necked dove, keel-billed toucan, Eurasian eagle-owl, Mali uromastyx, American alligator, Sudan plated lizard, Central American tree boa, Everglades rat snake, frill-necked lizard, and Colorado river toad, among others.

On March 22nd, it was reported that the zoo is getting ready to start a new fundraising campaign to rebuild/renovate most of its exhibits.

Shell Factory & Nature Park survives, thrives

On May 10th, the zoo announced that (0.0.4) Nigerian dwarf goats were born.

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On May 30th, the zoo announced that its (0.0.1) domestic cow (breed not specified) is back on exhibit.*

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On August 10th, the zoo announced that their (0.1) Grant's zebra named Anne Curry/Annie has passed away.

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*According to the comments, the cow is pretty hit-and-miss.

 

[SusScrofa]

The Woolly Opossum actually passed away a good few months back.

Shell Factory was an interesting experience. Some real rarities here, but also a number of really ugly and grimey-looking enclosures. The zebra was restricted to too small of a pen and they kept their owl inside a little sealed-up house all the time. Some spaces were actually ok, however. They have a very small but decent looking walkthrough aviary, though only filled with common species like peafowl and Monk Parakeet. There is a clean and good-sized enclosure for agouti and a few exotic birds and a nice yard for their Agile Wallaby. Its definitely a roadside, but its probably one of the better ones (admittedly a low bar, though).

I wish them luck in their renovations.

 

[TinoPup]

The Woolly Opossum actually passed away a good few months back.

Shell Factory was an interesting experience. Some real rarities here, but also a number of really ugly and grimey-looking enclosures. The zebra was restricted to too small of a pen and they kept their owl inside a little sealed-up house all the time. Some spaces were actually ok, however. They have a very small but decent looking walkthrough aviary, though only filled with common species like peafowl and Monk Parakeet. There is a clean and good-sized enclosure for agouti and a few exotic birds and a nice yard for their Agile Wallaby. Its definitely a roadside, but its probably one of the better ones (admittedly a low bar, though).

I wish them luck in their renovations.

I completely disagree on it being one of the better roadsides, I'd put it at the opposite end.

 

[SusScrofa]

I completely disagree on it being one of the better roadsides, I'd put it at the opposite end.

Ok, then. Have you been? Better than keeping tigers and bears in concrete cages. Not much of a bar like I said, but it is what it is unfortunately.

 

[TinoPup]

Ok, then. Have you been? Better than keeping tigers and bears in concrete cages. Not much of a bar like I said, but it is what it is unfortunately.

I haven't, but I've looked at plenty of photos and videos. There are very, very few places left that keep large carnivores in concrete cages.

 

[zoo_enthusiast]

I haven't, but I've looked at plenty of photos and videos. There are very, very few places left that keep large carnivores in concrete cages.

What’s your definition of “large carnivores”? I’ve visited in June, and the largest carnivores I recall were species like caracal, fishing cat, raccoon, or tayra

 

[TinoPup]

What’s your definition of “large carnivores”? I’ve visited in June, and the largest carnivores I recall were species like caracal, fishing cat, raccoon, or tayra

I was referring to their comment about tigers and bears.

 

[SusScrofa]

Worth mentioning that the nature park is indefinitely closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. According to this article from early November, the owners said the facility will be closed for a minimum of 6 months. A GoFundMe is currently set up to help with the cost of repairs.

 

[Smaggledagle]

On April 17th, 2023, the zoo announced they reacquired Egyptian fruit bats which are now on exhibit.

Shell Factory Nature Park

On May 18th, it was reported that the zoo is still renovating after Hurricane Ian, even though it reopened to the public on December 27th, 2022. It was also reported that (0.0.2) Indian peafowl hatched.

https://www.fox4now.com/the-shell-factory-battling-through-on-post-ian-recovery

 

[toxodon]

They are closing their doors
Iconic Shell Factory & Nature Park announces closure after 86 years in North Fort Myers

 

[SusScrofa]

They are closing their doors
Iconic Shell Factory & Nature Park announces closure after 86 years in North Fort Myers

Thanks for this update. I wonder if Hurricane Ian did them in. The destruction in that area of the gulf coast was severe, and an outdated little roadside would have a tough time surviving the impact. I do remember when I visited a while back there was a lot of construction going on in the park. And they spent the time gathering all the funds to reopen after Ian only to close 2 years later.

US zoo closures in 2024 (so far):

1. SeaQuest Littleton (CO)
2. Sierra Safari Zoo (NV)
3. Texas Reptile Zoo (TX) - as a publicly open facility
4. Grapeland Safari (TX)
5. R Lazy J Ranch (AZ)
6. Shell Factory & Nature Park (FL)

 

[Dhole dude]

They are closing their doors
Iconic Shell Factory & Nature Park announces closure after 86 years in North Fort Myers

Good riddance! This had to be one of the worst zoos I’ve ever visited, and there were scarcely any exhibits that I would consider up to modern standards. Most of their outdoor exhibits were quite small, and their reptile house looked as if it would collapse at any moment. Hopefully all of their animals are able to find new homes at more reputable institutions!