Jungle Gardens

Avery Island is lushly vegetated and support a rich variety of wildlife.  Tropical gardens have been cultivated and its beauty is a sight to be seen.  Below is a very old live oak with spanish moss hanging from its branches and a palm tree in the foreground.

The wildlife is very visible during the late spring and summer seasons.  There is always a choice of getting up close and personal or staying a safe distance.  The alligators below are young, neither are more than about 2-3 feet long.

As you drive along the paths you can spot other wildlife basking in the sun.  There are two turtles lounging on a rock in front of the drain pipe.

Other plants on the island include bamboo forests that are very dense and provide protection for the wildlife.

Mr. McIlhenny was sent this gift known as "The Bouda".  It is an unusual attraction at the island but gives a Far East  illusion to the island.
 

Bird City is another attraction of the island.  Mr. McIlhenny preserved this area for the snowy egrets that were on the verge of extinction.  Below are the specially-built, pier-like structures provided for the birds to nest in all year long.
 

The variety of plants and wildlife that live on the island make this a very special place to visit.  People from all around the world visit these gardens throughout the year.