Central Florida Zoo: Walk on the Wide Side

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Family-filled fun awaits you at Sanford’s Central Florida Zoo. Get up and close and personal with many different kinds of animals and plant species. Afterward, enjoy exhilarating attractions. Here is what you need to know about visiting the Central Florida Zoo.

Meet the Animal Residents

Adults and children alike will enjoy meeting the residents of the Zoo. Take a moment to learn about the history, natural habitat, and behavior of these fascinating animals. Here are just a few of the animals you can expect to encounter:

• Amphibians – poison dart frogs, amazon milk frog, tiger salamander, etc
• Birds – bald eagle, macaws, hornbills, etc.
• Reptiles – snakes, crocodiles, alligators, geckos, iguanas, tortoises, etc
• Invertebrates – tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, etc.
• Mammals – bears, cougars, giraffes, alpacas, goats, donkeys, llamas, warthogs, rhinoceros, sloths, monkeys, lemurs, etc

Get in Touch with Your Inner Botanist

Later, get in touch with your inner botanist. Enjoy meandering through the different types of gardens throughout the Zoo, but be sure to keep an eye out for butterflies, hummingbirds, wildflowers, and more. Types of gardens include:

• Butterfly garden – In this garden, you can find annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that attract pollinators.
• Wellness garden – Learn about plants with a long-standing history of possessing culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties.
• Browse collection – Browse provides essential nutrients to many residents of the Zoo. These types of forages also encourage natural behaviors such as nesting. As you walk through the Zoo, be sure to take notice of the animals consuming their browse.
• Porcupines of the plant kingdom garden – This collection comprises species that have developed defense mechanisms such as spines, thorns, and prickles.
• Bromeliad collection – See first-hand various terrestrial bromeliads that can be found on the ground and trees.
• Fern collection – As you walk throughout the Zoo, notice the different fern varieties that are among the most ancient species of plants on Earth.

Exhilarating Attractions

The Central Florida Zoo is not just home to fascinating animals and plants but attractions for every age. However, some attractions are suspended for the safety of staff and visitors.

• Seminole Aerial Adventures – This high-in-the-sky obstacle course comprises zip lines, suspended disks, rope bridges, and many other challenging obstacles that are sure to get your adrenaline going and satisfy your inner thrill-seeker. Tickets start at $39.95 and should be purchased in advance.
• Bungee Bounce – Take an exhilarating jump in the wild and see the world around you in a whole new light. Tickets are $7 per person per ride.
• Carousel – Let your little ones get right in on the action by riding the animal of their choice. They can pretend they are in the Sahari with giraffes, swamps with alligators, or on the farm with ponies, to name a few. The cost is $2 per child.
• Tropical Splash Playground – Don’t forget to cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. Featuring streams, sprinklers, animal features, raining trees, a bucket dump, and much more, you are sure to feel as if you in the middle of the jungle. The best are is that this attraction is included in your regular zoo admission.
• Giraffe Feeding – Have the opportunity to feed the tallest mammal at the Zoo. Meet Rafiki and Gage up close in-person. This interactive exhibit costs $5 per person.
• Rhinoceros Encounters – Take advantage of the opportunity to meet the Zoo’s one-horned Indian Rhino, PJ, and learn more about this fascinating species. This attraction costs $20 per person.
• Barnyard Buddies – Get a taste of farm life. Interact with and feed farm animals from the palm of your hand, including goats, donkeys, pigs, and more! Tickets cost $2 per person.

Educational Opportunities

The Central Florida Zoo strives to provide educational opportunities for the community. Despite COVID-19 check out the website for available virtual and digital materials for visitors, parents, and teachers. After, check with staff to see if there are interactive activities available. Opportunities include:

• In-person and virtual outreach programs
• Educational video series
• Activity sheets
• Onsite and virtual programs for school

Plan Your Visit

Feel free to visit daily between the hours of 9 am – 3 pm. The Central Florida Zoo is located at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, Florida 32771. Please note that the Zoo requires face masks for those 13 years and older and strongly recommended for those under 13 years of age. If possible, please purchase tickets in advance.

Bonus Tip!

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