The environment is hard on the soil. Regular humidity, ample rainfall and intense sunlight combine to promote microbial growth. The result is organic matter breaking down rapidly, with any remaining nutrients leaching through the sand and away from the roots of small plants.
Plants with
deep roots may be able to reach the muck layer, giving them an advantage. Fruit trees can reach deep, provide fruit for the animals, and offer shade when the sun is not directly overhead. Since the animals are indigenous, go with the plants that have supported their species for eons. Mango, date palms, dates, figs, olives, pawpaws, avacado, sweet cherry, all sorts of options.
For shallow rooted plants, the ground needs to be tended, with great volumes of organic material added regularly. A thick mulch will offer protection from the sun, slow the drying of the top layer of soil, and help to cool the soil. Still, the environment will be ideal for soil bacteria. They will have a field day, populating the soil and consuming everything. The advantage is the organic material is rapidly chelated for the plants being grown.
I'm in north Florida. I've got bamboo growing in the yard so thick I can't see my neighbor. Handy stuff. Takes no time or inputs, produces a continuous crop of straight sticks, useful for building animal cages, and can offer ample shade for animals, structures or people.
Vines do well. Catsclaw, virginia creepers, and wisperia will grow to cover an enclosure. Kudzu may be something to consider. Combined with bamboo, its a living wall.
For organic matter, compostable materials may seem to be highly available, but this is an animal hospital. Cross-contamination may be an issue to the operators. Saving the doo from a sick cockatoo might come back to sting you. For use on lawns or areas not used by the animals or their feed, the cross-contamination issue may be moot.
If
compost is the path being followed, it will need to be given enough attention to develop thermophillic activity. A big
boost will come from the daily tempertures well above 80 for much of the year. Curing the stuff should be for an extended period (1-2 years) to destroy parasites.
Florida soils are predominantly highly acid in the north, alkaline from seashells in the south. Plants that offer food for animals would need to be tolerant to the high acid/alkaline levels.
Lettuces and leafy greens do well in this environment. Rapid growth and the ability to pick some leaves and come again can offer a regular food source. Animals need vitamins and minerals just like people. Some animals will have issue with some crops. I'm guessing the animal care providers will have some knowledge on the subject and may be able to provide input.
With 60 inches of rain per year, rainwater harvesting would offer a copious water source. Groundwater is frequently contaminated with medications, hormones, and whatever else drains in from industrial agriculture, metropolitan pollutants or added by a treatment facility. Rainwater may be a fine source of clean water for sick or recovering animals.
The amount of sunshine that falls on the unshaded roofs of these structures could probably offer all the
energy this place can stand. Photovoltaic electricity is an option.
Solar hot water heating is especially cost effective, and if set up with foresight can reduce the cooling demand of some spaces.
