Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens | Orlando

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is located in Sanford, Florida, just north of Orlando. This 116-acre zoo offers visitors the chance to explore wildlife from all over the world, while also enjoying a variety of engaging experiences, educational programs, and beautiful botanical gardens. Founded in 1923 and relocated to its current location in 1975, the zoo has become a central part of the region's community and wildlife conservation efforts.

Animals and Exhibits

The zoo is home to over 400 animals representing more than 100 species from around the globe. The exhibits are designed to educate visitors about animal behavior, biology, and conservation while also providing a chance to see exotic animals up close. Notable animal exhibits include:

African Savanna: This exhibit features giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other African animals. It allows visitors to learn about the wildlife of the African plains and their conservation status.

Asia & South America: The zoo houses species such as sloths, monkeys, and Asian tigers. The exhibit aims to raise awareness about the unique wildlife of these continents.

Florida Wildlife: This exhibit showcases native species from Florida, including alligators, panthers, and other local wildlife. It highlights the importance of preserving Florida's natural habitats.

Birds of Prey: This exhibit features owls, eagles, and hawks, providing insight into these important predators in various ecosystems.

The zoo focuses on animal welfare and conservation, with many species featured in breeding programs aimed at ensuring their survival.

Botanical Gardens

One of the standout features of the zoo is its Botanical Gardens, which covers several acres of the property. The gardens are designed to highlight the beauty of Central Florida's flora and offer a peaceful escape from the zoo's more energetic exhibits. Guests can explore various themed gardens, such as:

Tropical Garden: Showcasing the lush greenery and vibrant colors of tropical plants, this garden provides a tropical oasis in the heart of the zoo.

Butterfly Garden: This garden is specifically designed to attract local butterflies, providing a lovely space where visitors can see butterflies in their natural environment.

Azalea Garden: A seasonal garden featuring azaleas in bloom, creating a colorful and fragrant experience.

Palm Garden: This area highlights the diversity of palm species, showcasing the beauty and variety of these tropical trees.

The gardens are not only a visual treat but also a part of the zoo's educational efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Attractions and Experiences

The Central Florida Zoo is more than just a place to see animals. It also offers several attractions designed to make the visit even more exciting:

Seminole Aerial Adventures: This is a treetop zipline and obstacle course that provides an adrenaline-filled adventure for visitors of all ages. The course is suitable for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering stunning views of the zoo and surrounding forest.

Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground: This water play area is perfect for families with young children. It features fountains, water jets, and splash zones, providing a fun way to cool off on hot Florida days.

Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo: A favorite for younger visitors, the petting zoo allows guests to interact with domesticated animals like goats, llamas, alpacas, and pigs. It’s a hands-on experience that fosters a connection with animals.

Giraffe Feeding: One of the most popular experiences at the zoo is the opportunity to feed the giraffes. Visitors can get close to these gentle giants and even hand-feed them, making for a memorable encounter.

Rhino Encounter: Guests can also learn about the zoo’s resident rhinoceroses and participate in educational sessions about these amazing creatures.

Keeper Chats: Throughout the day, zoo keepers hold informative chats at various animal exhibits. These sessions provide insights into the animals' behavior, care, and conservation efforts.

Events and Special Programs

The zoo hosts a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year to engage visitors and raise awareness about wildlife conservation:

Brews Around the Zoo: This annual 21+ event features beer tastings, live entertainment, and animal encounters. It’s a popular event that combines fun and fundraising.

Colors, Creatures & Canvases: An interactive art event where guests can paint animal portraits and meet the animals that inspired them.

Homeschool ZOOventure Classes: Educational programs for homeschool students, focusing on different topics like biodiversity and animal behavior. These programs allow students to engage directly with the zoo’s animals and experts.

Storytime at the Zoo: A fun and educational storytelling event designed for young children. It’s a great way to introduce kids to animals and nature in an interactive setting.

Admission and Hours

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. General admission prices are as follows:

Adults (13–59 years): $21.95 online / $23.95 on-site

Seniors (55+): $17.95 online / $19.95 on-site

Children (3–12 years): $15.95 online / $17.95 on-site

Children (2 years and under): Free

Parking is free, and there are EV charging stations available via the FPL EVolution app.

Private Experiences and Animal Encounters

For a more personalized experience, the zoo offers a range of private encounters. These allow visitors to get up close and personal with specific animals, such as sloths, rhinos, and giraffes. These experiences are led by knowledgeable zookeepers and provide a deeper understanding of the animals’ care, conservation, and behavior.

Planning Your Visit

Given the variety of exhibits, attractions, and events at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, it’s recommended to plan for several hours to explore the zoo thoroughly. The zoo’s interactive experiences, such as Keeper Chats and animal encounters, also provide great opportunities for learning.

If you’re visiting with children, the Tropical Splash Ground and the Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo are excellent choices for younger visitors, while older guests might enjoy the zipline and animal feeding opportunities.

Conclusion

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is an exciting and educational destination that offers much more than just a chance to see animals. With its combination of animal exhibits, botanical gardens, adventure attractions, and educational programs, the zoo provides an immersive experience for families, nature lovers, and those interested in wildlife conservation. Whether you’re looking to explore the beauty of Central Florida’s flora or get up close with exotic animals, the zoo is a great place to spend a day in the wild!