Parrot Jungle Island

Parrot Jungle Island is located in Florida is one of the most amazing parks you can imagine. Although there are numerous levels of this park, we wanted to provide you with a good overview to show you just how spectacular Parrot Jungle Island is. It all started in 1911 when Franz Scherr from Austria came to the United States. A full 25 years later, Scherr decided to create something spectacular and unique. As a carpenter, he looked throughout the country to find the perfect spot. However, he married in Chicago, Illinois where he married and started his family. Working his trade, he got involved with construction but stayed only a short time when he moved to Florida.

During the Great Depression, the Scherr family was affected differently from most people. Rather than being consumed and taken under, this family lived off the land, enjoying tropics fruits and vegetables and preparing them for market to make money. Soon, Scherr bought a feed and supply store where he had an amazing idea to build a place where birds could fly free. Having several birds in his store, Scherr found they were friendly so he began to train them. Working with his friend, Joe DuMond who owned Monkey Jungle, he decided to start a parrot jungle.

With money he had saved, Scherr rented 20 acres just south of Miami for a mere $25 a year, which at that time was significant money. He moved his family and soon began the development part of the plan. Scherr’s family was confident the birds would simply fly away but he was confident they would not. He began a nature trail made through hammock land and coral rock, making sure the underneath flora was left alone. Then an entrance building was constructed. To open Parrot Jungle Island, 25 Macaws came from Texas, which quickly settled into their new home. Then in December of 1935, Scherr had 100 visitors, each paying .25 to see the birds, flowers, and trees up close.

Today, Parrot Jungle Island has expanded, turning into a massive home to 1,100 tropical birds, along with more than 2,000 flower and plant varieties. Best of all, visitors can enjoy an incredible show featuring what else, trained exotic birds, flying free. Although Franz Scherr died in 1973, his attraction continues to be one of the top tourist sites while in Miami, Florida. While the price has gone up over the years, the enjoyment you will experience is worth every dime.

In addition to the birds, flowers, and trees, the Parrot Jungle Island now features the Japanese Garden that started in the 1950s when a man by the name of Kiyoshi Ichimura started dismantling materials from Tokyo. With the objects and materials, Ichimura made the famous San-Ai-An Japanese Garden, which originally was located in the heart of today’s Parrot Jungle Island but has since been moved adjacent.

The incredible thing about this is that the City of Miami is so impressed with the garden that it has been deemed a permanent public park. Because of the location, when visiting Parrot Jungle Island, you can also spend some time walking through the mesmerizing Japanese garden with all its beauty. Keep in mind that some of the park is still under construction but when open, it will feature something for everyone to include seasonal holidays and festivals.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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