The military has a long history with animals including using animal names like the F-11 Tiger early supersonic aircraft, the F-22 Raptor jet, and the H-1 Cobra helicopter. Many tanks in other countries feature animal names including Britain’s FV101 Scorpion, Germany’s Leopard series, and South Korea’s K2 Black Panther. South Africa has a fighting vehicle called the Ratel, the local name for the fierce honey badger. This Veterans Day weekend, Naples Zoo is providing free admission to active and prior service military personnel so they can enjoy seeing the living creatures that inspired those wild names.

Naples Zoo’s free admission for all active military and veterans runs all weekend long and beyond from Friday through Monday. Military personnel will receive free admission to Naples Zoo by presenting current military identification or a membership card in a veteran’s organization and matching name photo ID. Plus, adult and child guests in their party will also receive $2 off regular zoo admission during this time. It’s a great time for military and their families to come feed the giraffe herd, see the African honey badgers, and get close to the new cheetahs.