JUNGLE GARDENS

Avery Island is surrounded by water and marshes, but this "island" is actually the top of a huge salt dome buried deep in the ground. It was here that the first rock salt deposit on the mainland was discovered in 1862. Five 180 million year old salt domes line the Louisiana coast. They were formed by coal accumulations in the Gulf, due to the heat of the sun and the salinity of the water. Don't miss this beautiful park with its lush tropical vegetation. In addition to trees, camellias, irises, lotuses, orchids, chrysanthemums, azaleas, giant bamboo, banana trees, papaya trees, pink grapefruit trees and orange trees, you will see many animals from the surrounding swamps and hills: turtles, raccoons, alligators, also deer and brown bears if you are lucky, and especially thousands of protected birds; waders and white egrets gather in a sanctuary, nicknamed Bird City. Today, more than 2,000 egrets, roseate spoonbills and other wading birds build their nests here each year, on a bamboo structure designed especially for them. Don't forget your binoculars, you will see the young in the nests and, three meters below, splitting the duckweed, from time to time big worrying eyes... It is possible to follow a tour (individual or in group) guided by a bird specialist, with prior reservation.