Churchill’s 1946 Miami stop involved parrots, flamingos, and Texas turkeys

Parrot Jungle, Miami

Franz Scherr had a wild dream in 1936 – birds flying free without cages. The Austrian immigrant leased 20 acres in Florida for just $25 a year and opened Parrot Jungle.

His wife called it “foolishness,” but Scherr charged 25 cents per visitor and the park took off. Then in 1946, Winston Churchill showed up, gifting turkeys from Texas during his VIP tour.

Soon after, Scherr built Flamingo Lake, which later shot to fame in the Miami Vice TV show opening. The park moved in 2003, but those iconic pink flamingos still wait for you at what’s now called Jungle Island.

Austrian Gardener Dreamed of Birds Flying Free

Franz Scherr came to America from Austria in the early 1900s with little more than grit and gardening skills. He worked as a gardener across several states before settling in Florida during the Great Depression.

While others played it safe, Scherr had a bold idea most folks thought was crazy: a bird park without cages where colorful parrots could fly freely among visitors. His plan went against everything zoos did at the time.

He Leased 20 Acres for Just $25 a Year

In 1936, Scherr found 20 acres of thick hammock land in what’s now Pinecrest, Florida. The owner, Mary Louise Florence, let him lease the land for only $25 per year.

The spot wasn’t ready for visitors yet. Scherr spent months cutting through dense plants by hand, making paths where none existed before.

The natural tree cover created the perfect setting for his bird park, giving shade and protection for tropical birds without cages.

Nobody Thought His Bird Park Would Last

Parrot Jungle opened on December 20, 1936, with plenty of doubters watching.

The first 100 curious visitors paid 25 cents each to see what this Austrian immigrant created in the Florida wilderness.

Even Scherr’s wife wasn’t sold, reportedly calling his venture “foolishness” and doubting it would make money.

The modest start featured just a handful of colorful parrots and macaws perched on branches along winding paths.

Visitors Walked Among Exotic Birds and Plants

From 1937 to 1940, Scherr worked hard to improve the jungle feel.

He planted exotic flowers and tropical plants throughout the property, creating a lush backdrop for his feathered attractions.

The winding trails let visitors get close to birds perched freely in trees or on special stands.

Scherr started training macaws and cockatoos to do simple tricks, creating the first bird shows that became a trademark of the park.

The Park Survived Despite World War II Challenges

Parrot Jungle stayed open through World War II, even as travel limits and rationing made things tough. The park became popular with military personnel in South Florida who needed a break from training.

Scherr struggled to get enough bird feed during shortages and keeping up the property proved hard. Family members helped run operations as staff left for military service or defense jobs.

Winston Churchill Took a Break From World Politics to Visit

In 1946, an unexpected visitor changed Parrot Jungle’s luck.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, in the United States after giving his “Iron Curtain” speech, made time to tour the growing attraction.

Park staff welcomed the world leader, who seemed truly happy with the colorful birds and tropical setting. Churchill even gave turkeys to the park that he got as gifts during a stop in Texas.

Newspapers covered the visit, putting Parrot Jungle on the national map.

Pink Flamingos Found Their Perfect Home

After Churchill’s visit, Scherr planned a big expansion in 1947. He built the original Flamingo Lake, turning part of the property into a water paradise.

The first group of flamingos arrived soon after, their bright pink feathers standing out against the blue water. Visitors came to see these elegant birds wading through the shallow waters.

The lake quickly became the most photographed spot in the park.

The Scherr Family Celebrated Milestones at Flamingo Lake

By the 1950s, Parrot Jungle had grown into a true family business with Scherr’s children taking active roles.

The flamingo habitat meant so much to the family that two of Scherr’s children held their weddings there, with the pink birds as unique wedding guests.

The park added more exotic birds each year and created new shows to keep visitors coming back. Travel agents started listing Parrot Jungle as a must-see spot for Miami tourists.

Camera Crews Couldn’t Get Enough of the Colorful Birds

Through the 1960s and 70s, Parrot Jungle caught the eye of TV producers and filmmakers.

Camera crews often showed up to film the trained birds doing their famous routines, including the crowd-favorite parrot bicycle shows where macaws pedaled tiny bikes across tightropes.

Photographers loved the tropical backdrops and cooperative bird subjects.

Travel shows featured the park in segments about Florida attractions, spreading its name across America and overseas.

Miami Vice Made the Flamingos TV Stars

The 1980s brought Parrot Jungle’s flamingos unexpected fame when they appeared in the opening credits of Miami Vice.

The hit TV show used aerial footage of the pink birds at Flamingo Lake, making them instant celebrities as millions of viewers tuned in each week.

Visitor numbers jumped as fans of the show wanted to see the famous flamingos in person.

The park smartly embraced its newfound pop culture status, creating promotional materials that highlighted the Miami Vice connection.

Tour guides pointed out the exact spots where filming took place, giving visitors their own brush with television history.

The Birds Flew to a New Island Home

By the 1990s, the land in Pinecrest had become extremely valuable real estate, prompting tough decisions about Parrot Jungle’s future.

After 67 years at its original location, the park moved to Watson Island near downtown Miami in 2003. The relocation brought modern facilities and a prime spot between Miami and Miami Beach.

With the move came a new name: Jungle Island, reflecting a broader focus beyond just birds.

Though the location changed, many of the descendants of Scherr’s original birds made the journey to the new facility, continuing a legacy that began with one Austrian immigrant’s unusual dream.

Visiting Parrot Jungle, Miami

Parrot Jungle at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail offers a glimpse into Franz Scherr’s wildlife legacy and Winston Churchill’s famous 1946 visit when Flamingo Lake was created.

You’ll pay $49.99 for adults or $39. 99 for kids 3-9, with hours from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Historical displays show Churchill’s VIP visit, and you can book flamingo encounters. Parking costs $20 flat rate in the covered garage.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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