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Book Central Florida Zoo Tickets
Highlight Animals at Central Florida Zoo
Experiencing the sheer variety of wildlife at Central Florida Zoo is something that will stay with you forever. With over 350 different animals that represent 100 plus species, expect to spot and interact with fiery scorpions, cool giraffes, and endangered rhinos among other rare animals on the planet and those native to Florida like the Florida black bear and the American alligator.
Amphibians
Visit the Herpetarium to catch those slimy shiny amphibians at work, a whole variety of them! We're talking cool poison dart frogs, tiger salamanders, the rare Amazon milk frog and the African bullfrog. Central Florida Zoo also houses amphibians in our Insect Zoo, and inside the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center.
Birds
If bird spotting excites you, wait till you're acquainted with the feathered residents of Central Florida Zoo. The sheer variety is astounding - prepare to enjoy the company of tropical parrots like the yellow-crowned Amazon, blue and gold macaw and birds of prey like the American Black Vulture and other unusual species the likes of silvery cheeked hornbill, ringed teal, tawny frogmouth and kookaburra among others.
Invertebrates
The creepy crawlies at Central Florida Zoo draw you rather than scare you away. From over a million different species of invertebrates that grace the planet, some of the rarest are found at the Insect Zoo, inside the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. Don't miss the giant African millipede, Mexican redknee tarantula, Asian forest scorpion and the Madagascar hissing cockroach.
Mammals
The mammals that take after the many characteristics of humans at the Central Florida Zoo come from around the world. You get the opportunity to meet and get to mammals like the local Florida black bear, cougar, serval, two-toed sloth, llamas and alpacas to much lesser known mammals like fossa, lesser spot-nosed guenon to the cotton-top tamarin and red-ruffed lemur.
Reptiles
The Herpetarium at Central Florida Zoo is also home to cold-blooded, you guessed it, reptiles. Some of the world's most venomous snakes, most native to Central Florida, crocodiles, lizards and tortoises are also found at this cooling-off spot. We're most pumped about the cottonmouth snake, radiated tortoise, gila monster, emerald tree boa, and orinoco crocodile. There's more where this came from, we counted over 6 types of turtles and tortoises and about 20 different snakes!
Activites and Attractions at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Aside from exploring wildlife and nature, you can get down to having some serious fun at the Central Florida Zoo. There are several activities and attractions - feeding animals to chilling in a splash ground - to take part in and the kids are guaranteed to have a ball!
Seminole Aerial Adventures/Ziplining
Take up an exciting challenge and learn how to navigate your way from tree to tree through this cool course. You will be given rope bridges, zips, suspended disks, and a variety of unique elements to make it through this cool challenge.
Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground
Included in regular zoo admission and open to all members, when you get giddy from all the heat, just jump in and cool off at this tropical splash ground! Equipped with features like streams, sprinklers and sprays, and raining trees, this is one of the more exciting attractions at the zoo, especially for the kiddos.
Carousel
It's impossible to leave the Central Florida Zoo without hopping onto and taking a spin on the Animal Carousel since it's located just outside the main gate. It's also the perfect photo-op for parents or teachers. Get your kid to pick their favorite animal to ride (ponies, giraffes, alligators) and click away!
Barnyard Buddies
Drop by the Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo and play with and feed cute farm animals like alpaca, chickens, donkeys, goats, and llamas. Get up close and personal and just have fun, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Giraffe Feeding
Another one-of-kind experience is feeding a giraffe at the Central Florida Zoo. Gage or Rafiki, the resident always-hungry giraffes will greet you and stretch their 18 to 20-inch long tongue to munch on a delicious treat right out of your hand!
Rhinoceros Encounters
The majestic and endangered greater one-horned Indian rhino, PJ awaits your greetings at the zoo. There's a limited number that can meet the celebrity at a given time, so make sure you book a slot quick! This has added costs.
Keeper Chats
The highlight of visiting the Central Florida Zoo is that you get to learn about wildlife from expert animal care specialists.
Things to See at the Botanical Gardens
For a whiff of fresh air and views of breathtaking and exotic flora, stroll through the Botanical Gardens at the Central Florida Zoo. Make friends with butterflies, hummingbirds and other garden visitors including wildflowers and medicinal plants.
Butterfly Garden
Described as truly magical, this garden was built to hold a specific variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees to attract rare butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. The flowers and plants here aid and support the life cycle of these visitors and hence are full of them!
Health & Wellness Garden
The rare, medicinal plants make up this gorgeous area. Herbs and shrubs with a long history of healing, health promotion and medicinal value including culinary and aromatic herbs await you here.
Browse Collection
A rather interesting section, browse actually refers to carefully grown plant material used by the zoo to enhance the animal’s diet and stimulate natural behaviors such as nesting and foraging. You will spot animals enjoying their browse as you walk through, especially at the otter habitat.
Spines, Thrones & Prickles Garden
This garden is where you will spot cool plants that have built defense mechanisms to fight being eaten. To learn more about these plants that defend- basically spines, thrones and prickles, visit the “Porcupines of the Plant Kingdom Garden”.
Bromeliad Collection
A rather unique, colourful and large group of plants, you will find Bromeliads of different kinds - terrestrial (growing on the ground) and epiphytic bromeliads (growing on trees) throughout the Central Florida Zoo.
Fern Collection
Spot an extensive and varied variety of ferns, plants that grow from spores all around the zoo.
Plan Your Visit
Timings
Getting There
Facilities
Park Rules
Nearby
Stay
Everyday: 9AM to 4PM
- The zoo's parking lot is accessible from 8 am to 5 pm. Parking is free.
- The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- Zoo remains closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Address: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, Florida 32771
- You can drive to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens from Orlando, Volusia County, Brevard County and Lake County.
- The closest train station is Debary.
- Bus line 46W stops near Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Large walkways enough to accommodate strollers, family groups, and mobility devices, while maintaining appropriate social distance.
- The zoo is sensory inclusive and provides free sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, cue cards, fidget tools, and other resources for individuals with unique abilities.
- The school programs cater to students with accessibility requirements, including mobility and learning difficulties. Sign language interpreters, and touch tours for the blind are available.
- You can also rent manual wheelchairs at an additional cost on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Service or assistance animals are permitted into the zoo. No pets allowed.
- Dining facilities are available at the in-house eatery, Graze.
- Visitors can enjoy meals at picnic tables located on the Concessions Deck.
- Wearing masks is not mandatory but advised.
- Smoking and vaping isn't permitted for the safety of all.
- No selfie sticks allowed inside the zoo.
- Cameras including mobiles and DSLRs or GoPros are not permitted over any habitat barriers.
- Do not feed animals at any cost. They follow special diets.
- No pets allowed. Only service animals.
- No outside food, beverages or alcoholic beverages allowed. Cups with disposable lids and straws are not permitted.
- No coolers, radios, frisbees, roller skates, skateboards, or wheeled shoes are permitted inside the zoo.
- Do not throw any objects on premises and do not sit children on railings or fences.
- Dress appropriately, and in family-friendly attire.
- Go on a bike tour by booking a Limo Cycle Ride or rent a boat at Boat Tree Marina to enjoy some sport in Sanford.
- Visit Sanford that has several hiking trails and parks.
- Orlando city is known for being the home of Mickey Mouse, Shamu, and the Minions at Universal Studios.
- You can also visit The Kennedy Space Center that is located at a reasonable distance away.
Budget: Altamonte Springs Hotel and Suites
Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Sanford
Luxury: Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
All Your Questions about Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Answered
Where can I purchase tickets to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
You can purchase your Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens tickets online at a discounted rate here.
What is the best way to buy tickets to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens ?
The best way to buy tickets to the Central Florida Zoo is by comparing ticket prices online and making a purchase online.
Where can I purchase cheap tickets to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
You can purchase your admission tickets to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens at great discounts here.
Are there elephants at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
Yes, there are two elephants at the Central Florida Zoo. You can spot them at the Elephant Encounters.
How long is Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116 acre zoo.
What activities are at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
There are many fun activities for the whole family to take part in at the Central Florida Zoo. From exploring Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, where children have a chance to feed and interact with farm animals to taking an adventure through the treetops on Seminole Aerial Adventures, you can even feed a giraffe or meet an Indian rhinoceros, and cool off with a dip at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.
How long does it take to walk around Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to walk around and enjoy the whole zoo with children. Adults only can complete a trip in an hour and a half.
What is Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens famous for?
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is known for its rare wildlife of over 350 different animals from over 100 different species and its exotic flora and botanical gardens.
What are the exhibits at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens?
Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo, Rhinoceros Outpost, Elephant Encounters, Insect Zoo, Petting Zoo, Giraffe Exhibit, Florida Black Bear Exhibit, Herpetarium, and the Bear Awareness Exhibit.