Who ever said animals had to be all in one place? Rather than at a zoo, animals are scattered all across Sarasota, at area attractions and in their natural habitats. Whether you're seeking an educational experience or looking to really get in touch with nature, animal lovers will find everything from flamingos to lions, tigers and bears in sunny Sarasota.

The Big Cat Habitat is known for its lions and tigers, but it's a safe place for all sorts of animals. You'll spot bears, birds, tortoises, coatimundies, which are similar to raccoons, monkeys and ever a liger, the adorable tiger-lion combo popularized by the movie Napoleon Dynamite. Kids that liked the comedy might especially get a kick out of a visit to see the liger.

Visitors can take a tour or even watch animal training. The sanctuary is located at 7101 Palmer Blvd. in Sarasota. Hours are 12:30-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Educational demonstrations begin at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children under 12.

For more information, visit http://bigcathabitat.org or call (941) 371-6377.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is filled with exotic animals and unusual creatures. Experience alligators, crocodiles, snakes, a prairie dog, beautiful, exotic birds and birds of prey. Perhaps best known for its gorgeous, free-roaming flamingos, unofficial Florida mascots, Jungle Gardens offers behind-the-scenes tours and opportunities to interact closely with the animals.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is located at 3701 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for children 3-12 and free for children under 2.

For more information, visit www.sarasotajunglegardens.com or call (941) 355-1112 ext. 306 or (877) 861-6547.

Mote Aquarium is filled with enchanting sea creatures, including a variety of fish, sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals including dolphins, whales and manatees, coral reef and much more. Not only does Mote offer exciting opportunities to see the sea life, it encourages education. Mote offers the ability to interact with some of the critters, as well.

Mote is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota. Hours at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission includes access to the aquarium, the marine mammal research and rehabilitation center and the Immersion Cinema. Adult admission is $17, senior admission is $16, admission for children 4-12 is $12 and children under 4 and members get in free.

For more information, visit www.mote.org or call (941) 388-4441 or (800) 691-MOTE.

If you're a bird watcher, put Crowley Museum and Nature Center on your to-do list. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound on the nature trails and boardwalk and from the observation tower. The tower, which is two stories, looks out over a marsh and the Myakka River. White pelicans, roseate spoonbills and wood storks are spotted in the winter. Bald eagles, red shouldered hawks and ospreys are also seen.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center is located at 16405 Myakka Rd., Sarasota. The hours are Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., October-May, and Friday-Sunday from 8 a.m,-2 p.m., June-September. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 and free for children under 5.

For more information, visit www.cmncfl.org or call (941) 322-1000.

Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park are known for camping, but also make great spots for wildlife observation.

Herons, ibises, eagles, ospreys, meadowlarks, ducks and hawks are just some examples of the types of birds you can spot at Myakka. Bird guides are there to help birders on the birdwalk from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. daily, November-April. A birding scope is also available for prime viewing. Download the park's bird list at www.myakkariver.org and see how many birds you can find.

Myakka River State Park is located at 13208 State Rd. 72, Sarasota. Admission is $6 per vehicle. The park is open from 8 a.m.-sunset daily. For more information, call (941) 361-6511.

Oscar Scherer State Park is known for the Florida Scrub-Jays that call it home. Bald eagles and other sorts of wildlife like bobcats, tortoises, deer, cotton-tail rabbits, raccoons and alligators can be spotted throughout the park. Animal lists and hiking trail maps are available at the park entrance.

Oscar Scherer State Park is located at 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Hours are 8 p.m.-sunset daily. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer or call (941) 483-5956.

Also be sure to check out the area's largest butterfly garden, as well as scenic nature trails, at Historic Spanish Point. Located at 337 N. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, the hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children 5-12 and free for children under 5.

For more information, visit www.historicspanishpoint.org or call the Visitors Center at (941) 966-5214.

Each area attraction offers educational opportunities. For residents or visitors eager to take classes or those traveling with groups, visit the attractions' respective websites for more information.

Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to spot fish, dolphins, gators and even manatees while out on the water in Sarasota. For information on boat rentals, kayaking and more, visit http://www.sarasotafl.org/play/outdoor-activities-and-parks.