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The Central Florida Zoo

Annual Events at the Zoo

By , About.com Guide

Amazing, colorful Coquí

Amazing, colorful Coquí

Photo © Central Florida Zoo
Here is a taste of the many annual events celebrated at the zoo. Be sure to include the holiday fun times with the Halloween Zoo Boo Bash where you will come face to face with red spitting cobras and enjoy a winter holiday fun Breakfast with Santa.

When registration is required call 407/323-4450, ext. 123.

Upcoming Events Include:

January 24, 2009
Flora & Fauna Fling
6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
A magical evening in celebration of the environment with dancing and awards for Keep Seminole Beautiful. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and one free drink ticket with purchase of ticket. Tickets $20 each or 2 for $35. Cocktail attire requested. For tickets contact Keep Seminole Beautiful at 407.234.7283.

February 14, 2009
Sex and the ZOO
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Jungle Love! Experience the wild side of romance at the Central Florida Zoo this Valentine’s Day. This adult oriented evening will include reserved seating and a romantic dinner.

March 1, 2009
Summer Camps, Classes and Cub Club Registration Begins
Please check out the Zoo’s Web site for information on Summer Camps and Classes and Cub Club registration.

March 7, 2009
Green Gardening: Natives in the ground will bring natives from the sky
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Learn (more) about landscaping with native, drought resistant/tolerant plants that entice native songbirds and butterflies to your garden. A gardening activity to take home will be a part of the presentation. For price and reservations, contact 407.323.4450 ext. 127.

March 28 & 29, 2009
Hope and Help Center’s Sanford Stroll
Come experience a family fun day at the Zoo with the Hope and Help Center as we enjoy entertainment, music, food and raising money for a great cause. All proceeds benefit the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida in their effort to fight HIV/AIDS in Central Florida.

April 4, 2009
Brews Around the ZOO
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. An International Tasting of Food, Wines, Beer
Stroll through the Zoo and sample a wide variety of unique Anheuser-Busch beers from around the world. You’ll also be able to enjoy delectable wines, regional cuisine, authentic international music, and encounter many animals from around the globe. Must be 21 or older to attend.

April 11 & 12, 2009
Hippity Hop Adventure
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hop along the Adventure Trail to find clues leading to the Easter Bunny. Win candy, prizes and surprises at Bunny Stops along the trail. Be sure to meet the Easter Bunny. Kids receive free bunny tails to wear and enjoy crafts, a bounce house and more.

April 18, 2009 ZOO
Roo’s Birthday Bash!
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Come out to the Central Florida Zoo to celebrate ZOO Roo’s birthday and enjoy crafts, face painting and a magician. While you’re here, jump on over to the Horizon Homes of Central Florida Australia exhibit and catch a glimpse of the ‘roos and ‘mus. If you haven’t already, you’ll be able to meet ZOO Roo the mascot for the Horizon Homes of Central Florida’s Australia exhibit. For information contact 407.323.4450 ext. 136.

April 25, 2009
Party for the Planet
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Come learn how the Zoo is leaping into action to save frogs and other endangered animals around the world. The Zoo will be showcasing conservation efforts and giving you tips and ways you can participate.

April 25, 2009
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Call the American Cancer Society at (407) 843-8680 for details.

Every Wednesday in April & May
Storytime at the Zoo
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Free in the Rainforest Pavilion
Enjoy animal stories along with a special visit from one of the Zoo animals.

June 13, 2009
Elephant Birthday Bash
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join the largest ladies in the Zoo as we celebrate Maude’s 36th birthday and Mary’s 63rd birthday. Enjoy games and crafts, as well as join Maude and Mary with birthday cake for everyone including the birthday girls.

July 4 and 5, 2009
Red, White and ZOO
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 4th and the Central Florida Zoo’s 34th Birthday with live music, games, food, children’s crafts, face painting, magic, waterslide, zoo animal encounters and a watermelon eating contest with Maude and Mary.

August 22, 2009
Black Tie on the Wild Side
6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Have a wild night with the Zoo and a few of our animals! Enjoy a silent auction, dinner, and dancing all to benefit the Central Florida Zoo. Details are being made to create a wonderful occasion for the typically sold-out crowd!

September 26 & 27, 2009
Fiesta del Coquí
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Come to the Zoo for the annual “Fiesta del Coquí” and party with the coquí with live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and much more celebrating the Hispanic culture. Enjoy fabulous regional cuisines, dance to the sounds of local bands, and be entertained by local dance groups, all celebrating this tiny frog of Puerto Rico.

Every Wednesday in October & November
Storytime at the Zoo
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Free in the Rainforest Pavilion
Enjoy animal stories along with a special visit from one of the Zoo animals.

October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31
ZOO Boo Bash
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Trick or treat in the wildest neighborhood in town during the Central Florida Zoo’s ZOO Boo Bash. It’s a safe, fun, and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Kids are invited to bring goodie bags and wear costumes for trick or treat stations. Face painting will be available. Take a haunted hayride, visit the Pumpkin Patch for a fun photo

November 14, 2009
ZOO Betcha Casino Night
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Let the good times roll when you join the Central Florida Zoo for their annual Casino Night. Try your hand at Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Bingo and Texas Hold ‘em, enjoy live entertainment, fabulous food, all to benefit the animals at the Zoo.

December 12, 2009
Breakfast (or brunch) with Santa
Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. and Brunch: 11:00 a.m.
Call for pricing and availability.
Meet Santa at the Central Florida Zoo. There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family.

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