Central Florida Zoo

There is more to see and do at the Central Florida Zoo than ever before!

• Tropical Splash Ground - Water Playground
• Educational Classes
• Overnight Adventures
• Summer Camps
• Scout and Home Schooling Programs

The Zoo provides rental facilities for parties, weddings and business functions. For a unforgettable birthday party, consider the Central Florida Zoo! The zoo offers a unique environment for children's celebrations. Check the Calendar upcoming Annual Events at the Zoo, including the popular Red, White and Zoo, Zoo Boo Bash and Breakfast with Santa.

Prior to opening its doors as the Central Florida Zoo in 1975, the zoo has undergone a handful of name and location changes since it was first established as the Sanford Zoo in 1923. Currently situated in a 116 acre blackwater river floodplain swamp, a very important habitat along the St. John’s River, the Central Florida Zoo is dedicated to the environment and the animals.

Yes, Monkeys love to eat fresh roses! The Zoo’s plants are crucial to proper care of the animals. Check out the giant air plant, Tillandsia Utriculata, an endangered species, just one of 800 plant species sharing a home with the animals.

Exhibits:

Crikey!
Want to see some big teeth, long claws and threatening eyes? (And I don’t mean your spouse) Your Family should prey on the Alligator and Crocodile Exhibit with it's glass viewing deck.

Spider Monkey Exhibit – A favorite among zoo goers
Although there is more to a monkey than a tail, the tail deserves applause. A Spider Monkey’s tail is sometimes longer than the body. It is muscular and tactile and is used as an extra hand. When swinging by the tail the hands are free to gather food. A one arm stride can swing a monkey up to forty feet.

Aldabra Tortoise Exhibit.
The Aldabra tortoise is one of the largest tortoises in the world! Life Span is believed to surpass 100 years. It is believed that tortoises are the longest lived of all animals. Don’t miss this.

Coquí Exhibit
The Coqui’ frog is considered a symbol of good luck in Puerto Rico. Join the yearly celebration of the Hispanic culture with Fiesta del Coquí - honoring the history, folklore and traditions of Puerto Rico. This festival features the Puerto Rican Parrot. Guests will be able to delight in rich authentic cuisine and enjoy live musical performances, crafts, games and animal encounters.

Don’t Miss:

Elephant Encounter
A specialized behind-the-scenes encounter offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Touch the elephant trunks and feed this endangered species during this interactive tour. Maude and Mary are pleased to entertain with the help of their keepers.

Other Animal Demonstrations Include:

Every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting)

• 11:00 a.m. Elephant Demonstrations
• 11:30 a.m. Bird Show (Stage)
• 1:00 p.m. Bug Encounter (Discovery Center)
  Insects are the largest group of animals in the world. We could NOT live without them.
• 2:00 p.m. Elephant demonstrations
• 2:15 p.m. Primate Feeding Program
• 2:30 p.m. Feline Feeding Program
• 3:00 p.m. Reptile Demonstrations – Herpetarium or Aldabra tortoise

Next page > Camps, Volunteering, Education and Parties at the Zoo

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