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Photo ©Patricia Esposito

RainForest Grove and The Pavilion
Events range from khaki casual with box lunches from the zoo's SUBWAY® restaurant up to black tie and silver service affairs with the caterer of your choice.

RainForest Grove spec sheet
The Pavilion spec sheet

RainForest Grove offers a natural living canopy of giant fig trees stretching out and surrounding your guests in this natural open air space.

And the short walk getting there is just as exotic. From your transporation drop off point at the north garden entrance, your guests will first see Australian kangaroos. Next along the natural paths are the Asian muntjac, a meat-eating deer that also sports tusks. From there, it's on to Tiger Forest where guests view Indochinese tigers, the rarest tigers in America. RainForest Grove is just around the corner and as guests walk in they'll be under the watchful eye of African lions. Inside RainForest Grove, your group can dine in a tented facility or under the stars.

Beyond Dining: RainForest Grove has also been used for luncheons during the day and wedding receptions. Space inside or outside the tent can also be used for silent auctions. More adventurous groups can even go vertical!

Seating Capacity: Capacity and seating layout

Specifications: The ground is covered in mulch and readily accommodates flooring and stages for presentations and musical entertainment. The area is gated off during the day for early setup time. Events can be open air or you can place tents up to 60' x 100'. Depending on the time of year, area tenting companies can also heat or cool. There are several excellent tenting companies in Southwest Florida for you to choose from that have experience tenting our facility. You can preview the RainForest Grove schematic or download it as a 1,200k PDF file.

Catering: Naples Zoo will gladly work with the professional caterer of your choice. Catering vehicles have close access from a perimeter zoo road. A separate catering prep space is located next to RainForest Grove.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located inside The ZOO Gift Shop, a leisurely 4 or 5 minute walk from RainForest Grove past the Indochinese tigers and Alligator Bay. A location is also available adjacent to RainForest Grove for a variety of rental restroom options. From standard to upscale and from individual restrooms to full trailers, local suppliers offer a wide selection.

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Photo ©Patricia Esposito

The Pavilion provides an area with a permanent structure for smaller groups around 100 guests. The Pavilion is located just inside the zoo's main entrance. Dining options have ranged from buffet lines of appetizers to complete served dinners with botanical centerpieces. Guests may enter directly through The ZOO Gift Shop or enjoy the wild beauty along the path from the north garden entrance viewing the kangaroos, muntjac, Indochinese tigers as well as Alligator Bay.

The Pavilion is located next to a large fig tree and Safari Canyon is just a few steps away.

Seating Capacity: Capacity and seating layout

Specifications: The Pavilion offers an area approximately 36' x 50' under a high metal roofed structure with ceiling fans and area lighting. The floor is solid and consists of paver stones and has been used for dancing. Concrete sidewalks or pavers connect The Pavilion with The ZOO Gift Shop and Safari Canyon.

The Pavilion is used by guests of the SUBWAY restaurant during the day. Seating consists of 16 large vinyl covered picnic tables providing seating for approximately 120 guests. With local rental companies or your own resources, a tenting wall or pipe and drape can be placed to cover the front of the SUBWAY restaurant building. This can make a perfect backdrop for speaking or musical performances. Rental companies can also tent the sides of the pavilion and provide heating or cooling.

Catering: If you wish to use rented tables, the picnic tables can be removed from the area at 5 p.m. for an additional fee. Catering access for The Pavilion is from the front parking area walking through a gate in the Cub Corral play area located adjacent to The Pavilion. As this is in use by day guests, setup may begin prior at 5 p.m. or possibly earlier with special permission.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located inside The ZOO Gift Shop located nearby.

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Photo ©Patricia Esposito

Other Exotic Locations: The garden can also offer additional locations for cocktail receptions and other gatherings along Lake Victoria or among the bromeliads in the Cypress Hammock. Very large groups may also be accommodated during specific times of the year on the South Lawn along Goodlette-Frank Road.

These and other locations are based on availability depending on the amount of access and setup required by outside vendors and are quoted at the time of inquiry based on the specific needs of your group.

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Zoo Presentations and Activities

Gallery of Event Photos at the Zoo

Zoo Map (160k Flash file)