Jungle Gardens, Botanical garden and park in Iberia Parish, United States
Jungle Gardens is a botanical garden and park on Avery Island spanning 170 acres (69 hectares). The grounds feature interconnected pathways winding through swamp areas, natural waterways, and subtropical vegetation.
Edward McIlhenny created the grounds as a private bird sanctuary on his estate before opening it to the public in 1935. Since then it has remained a protected natural space with ongoing conservation efforts.
A 900-year-old Buddha statue sits among the plant collections, connecting Eastern spirituality to Louisiana's natural surroundings. This creates an unexpected cultural meeting point within the swamp landscape.
The grounds are best explored on foot, with trails connecting all areas at varying difficulty levels. Wear sturdy shoes since some paths lead through wet terrain.
The grounds feature Bird City, a designated area serving as protected habitat for snowy egrets. Visitors can watch these white birds in their natural environment without disruption.
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