Escape into the wild at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! The Zoo was first established in 1923 as the Sanford Zoo, when a rhesus monkey was given to the Elks Club in Sanford by a traveling circus. Today, the Central Florida Zoo is home to more than 350 animals representing more than 100 species.
The Sanford attraction along Lake Monroe is perfect for families, animal enthusiasts and anyone seeking an unforgettable and unique adventure. Guests can enjoy up close encounters with animals, such as feeding a giraffe, touching a greater one-horned rhino named PJ, and interacting with animals in a hands-on experience at Barnyard Buddies. Have questions about your favorite animals? Check out daily keeper chats led by the Zoo’s expert animal care specialists, where guests will learn cool facts about species from all around the world.
Beyond the animal exhibits, guests can stroll along the Zoo’s shaded boardwalks and enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens that showcase Florida’s native and exotic plant species.
A day at the Zoo isn’t complete without a hoping on the train! Take a ride on the Champion Miniature Train around the Zoo’s property through natural Florida landscaping, across realistic crossings and back into the depot near the entrance to the Zoo. Kids will have a blast making a splash at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. The cool oasis features streams, sprinklers and sprays creating the perfect place for kids of all ages to beat the heat. Looking for even more adventure? Swing through the trees using rope bridges, zips and suspended disks on the Seminole Aerial Adventures Zipline Courses. Take flight and view the world from above while navigating through the trees and obstacles that will challenge your body and mind.
Education is a cornerstone of the Central Florida Zoo’s mission. The Zoo offers a variety of programs designed to inspire and educate visitors of all ages about wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship through summer camps, school and group programs and community outreach.
The Central Florida Zoo also hosts wildly fun events throughout the year, including the very popular summer series, Sunset at the Zoo. Gates reopen at 5 p.m. for guests to enjoy exploring the zoo, with music, food and more until the sun goes down! Tickets are only $6 when purchased in advance or grab a family four-pack with four tickets, four hot dogs and four drinks for just $44. The next Sunset at the Zoo takes place August 23. For more information, visit centralfloridazoo.org/sunset.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and is filled with encounters and attractions, sure to make any visit memorable! For more information and purchase tickets, visit centralfloridazoo.org.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is part of Orange County Library’s Local Wanderer, a culture pass program that offers free tickets to educational experiences throughout Orange County. Visit ocls.info/wander to check out your passes today!
