I was very excited to take my granddaughter to the zoo that my great grandmother, my grandmother, mother , me, and my daughter all went to as children, for the first time today . 6 generations of my family have supported that zoo
At the gate when we went in, their man at the gate insisted that we could not bring the refill cups we were planning to use all day for water , into the zoo. I begged him ''please, she's a baby, She needs her drink''. He could not have cared less.
I am So dehydrated . Today was one of the worst days of my life. Thirsty all day . i cant believe they had the audacity to do this to my 70 year old mother and 5 year old granddaughter , but this ends our support for Sanford Zoo.
I'm reporting them to the Better Business Bureau in the morning.. We did not see one single water fountain there and as far as i know , that, and not allowing us to bring in our refill cups, is illegal.
This ends 6 generations of support for Sanford Zoo. Greedy scum. We wont be going back.
As a volunteer for 22 years, I still enjoy being at our zoo. I tell everyone about our small, but incredible Herpetarium . The staff really enjoy their jobs, and share their knowledge with those who ask. It is shady even in our hot Florida summers. I always stop in the gift shop to see what is new. Being a butterfly enthusiast, I like to spend time in the Butterfly Garden. And I usually ask if people I meet are members, and if they use their membership when they visit the other AZA zoos and aquariums as they travel around our country.
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I love to watch the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens grow, and live up to its name. As a volunteer for over 18 years, I have seen the animal enclosures change so much, with the animals given the kinds of homes they are comfortable in, and which resemble their native habitats. For people that are disappointed in not seeing an animal, our keepers provide our animals access to dens if the animals show signs of stress. This is very important for their overall health. It is probably also one of the reasons the Central Florida Zoo has been successful in breeding some species where other zoos have not.
I have watched the boardwalks and concrete paths make moving through the zoo much easier - and I use a walker, so I know what that means to our guests with strollers and wheelchairs. The shady paths also have benches for those needing to take a break. And small children can usually see the animals without having to be lifted up to see over solid fences, as I have seen in other zoos. The gardens are changing and expanding all the time; there is always something new to see.
I visited the zoo before moving to Florida, and did not think I would ever return. We walked "in the wetlands", literally, on bark/mulch paths that were wet, and saw animal enclosures that needed to be replaced. But after moving to Florida, one day as a substitute teacher, I came on a field trip to the Central Florida Zoo. I heard that Jack Hanna had started his zoo experience as a director here. After having experienced 12 years as a docent at the Columbus Zoo, and knowing Jack, I knew what he had done there, and saw the possibilities for this small zoo. Everything I wanted to see happen, and more, has been accomplished, and more expansion and renovations are in the works. I can't wait!
I love the stress on conservation education that the staff teaches us to pass on to the guests. And the friendliness of the keepers is one thing I cherish. It is one thing I watch for, as we use our annual membership at other reciprocal zoos and wildlife parks. If I have a question and there is not a docent available, I try to ask a keeper. If they do not respond, I am disappointed, as I have never had a keeper refuse to answer my questions at the Central Florida Zoo. The lessons taught at the Herpetarium in the outdoor enclosure are wonderful examples.
My favorite thing to do as a docent is the Night Hikes for members, and the Wild Night camp-overs for scouts. Either giving a tour, or educating with an animal, in the zoo in the dark, is something I never got to do before. The responses from guests are wonderful!
I also love bringing friends and family, as they love our zoo, too. Our granddaughter especially likes the Splash play area, and the otters. It seems there is always something new to do at the Zoo!
The Central Florida Zoo is an AMAZING place! They help lots of animals, and they teach people the importance of conservation. I am in awe, they have really done a really good job preserving wildlife and allowing people to encounter wildlife that they might have never been able to see otherwise. This is the best place to go with your children (or just by yourself) for a nice day of learning and fun!
A hidden gem in an area filled that's filled with theme parks. The Zoo takes you back to Florida's beautiful scenery and let's you escape with some family fun that everyone will enjoy. My personal favorite was having the opportunity to hand feed giraffes!
If you are in Orlando, you HAVE to go to Central Florida Zoo! They offer something for all ages, not to mention you get the opportunity to feed the tallest land animal in the world! So many animals to see and my nephew absolutely loved the splash pad to cool off after the hot summer day. Definitely a must-go!
My family and I visited the zoo, and we had a fantastic time! The staff was friendly, the grounds were clean and well kept and there was so much to see. We cannot wait to go back, and all who are in the central Florida area, or come hear to visit I make sure they know to visit.
Central Florida's best kept secret. Talk about value for your money. So many fun interactive activities to do. I can't wait to take my grandbaby when she visits.
An amazing zoo. A lot of people don't realize that this in Orlando, but when we found it, we spent the whole day there exploring - our kids love it! Really cool butterfly area and you get to see a large variety of animals up close and personal - we'll be back for sure!
Absolutely LOVE the Zoo! It's the perfect destination and day out for any family. There are so many animals to see and interact with, plus there's a splash pad for the little ones to cool off on a hot Florida day. I was recently given a tour and it's inspiring how passionate the zoo team is. Their knowledge and excitement is contagious. I highly recommend a visit as there is always something new to do at the Zoo.
The Central Florida Zoo is a great place for a nice afternoon. There are a lot of animals to see and a lot of animals to interact with (some for an extra fee) such as giraffe feeding and petting zoo animals. The zoo also does a lot to help with breeding endangered animals. They just had an endangered lemur born.
We love the zoo!
Family of 12 (going on 14 ~ with two more grandchildren due this year!)
The animals are well cared for and the grounds are well kept. The staff are friendly and always willing to share their knowledge and passion for the animals. The different events hosted at the zoo are fun and educational. Our grandchildren love the splash area. We never miss a train ride and a spin on the carousel. Great place to take out of town visitors!
I went to this zoo just for a day visit and ended up upgrading to an annual pass when I left. The zoo is very interactive and the staff is very friendly and knowledgable. I have yet to go to a zoo where you can interact with Indian rinos.
Perfect place to take the family. We love the splash pad, children's garden, and of course all the animals!
Upon a recent trip to the Central Florida Zoo I was pleasantly surprised with all of the changes that have been made. The keepers and volunteers at the giraffe feeding were knowledgable and very helpful. They went out of their way to make sure that I had a great experience while still making the animals the priority. Because of this experience I also purchased the rhino encounter and was equally impressed with the knowledge and personality of the keepers.
Everyone that worked there was friendly and very attentive. There were also quite a few educators around the herpetarium offering activities for younger visitors and some personal encounters.
I will definitely be back and I've encouraged my friends to visit as well.
As a military family, we have moved quite a bit, one constant no matter where we are, is finding the local zoo and getting our yearly family membership. It helps our children now 5 and 4 have something to look forward to weekly as we settle in. Thank you Central Florida Zoo for helping make this area "home" to our family!
Next month I will celebrate my first year anniversary as a volunteer at the Central Florida Zoo, yet it seems like I just started yesterday! It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and I look forward to it every week. First & foremost, I love the animals - but I also love educating the public about them, seeing and feeling their excitement, and knowing that I have made a difference. It is heartwarming to hear so many positive comments from guests, many of them who have found us for the first time...and they literally come from all over the world! They are quite impressed with the natural beauty and serenity of our grounds, the variety of things to do while at the zoo, and the opportunities for interaction with our animals, keepers, and volunteers. There is nothing like a day at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Come and visit us!
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I just recently became a volunteer at the zoo and it is one of the best things I have ever done (wish I had started years ago)! The "zoo team" is passionate about all of our animals and loves sharing their knowledge and excitement. There are family-oriented special events year round, as well as countless programs just for kids (and some for adults, too). Everyone affiliated with the zoo is totally committed to its residents and its mission. Each time I walk into the zoo, I am immediately transported to "another world", one that is natural, beautiful and serene. It instantly lifts my spirits and makes my heart happy :-)
Don't miss this precious gem right here in Central Florida!
I have been doing special programs with the Central Florida Zoo for over 20 yrs. As a health educator and nurse, I worked with Zoo Walkers and mini health fairs and other such activities . As a lover of animals and a cheerleader for how great this little zoo is, I have gone out over the last 8 years and helped with the big events for children like Hip-pity Hop-pity and Zoo Boo nights . Children combine the fun of the holidays with learning about animals and nature. One of the most fun adult events is Zoo Brews Festival. Some years I've been a patroon other years a volunteer. No matter what role I am in, it is fun. It is one of the biggest evening events that really gets folks socializing around the conversations of animals, habitats, environmental efforts, and just staying aware of survival. They stay so active with all parts of the surrounding community. I have plenty of young scout friends that have camped out at the zoo or done night tours. We are so fortunate to have such a well run and forward thinking zoo.
As a volunteer for the Central Florida Zoo for the past 8 years, I have been afforded the opportunity to get to know and learn from the caring and knowledgeable staff, assist in educating the public on environmental issues and the wonderful animals that are members of the zoo family. The guests of the zoo have the opportunity to talk with the zoo keepers and docents and gain new insights on the plight of endangered species and how each person can participate in making our planet a safer place for not only our animal friends but for humans as well. Every species that is allow to go extinct, has a detrimental effect on the planet as a whole. We can all do our part and the zoo helps to make that happen!
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I volunteer pretty much every week with the giraffes and I love it! I enjoy spending time with them and talking about them with visitors. It's fun to watch children's faces as they feed a giraffe for the first time, and I enjoy visitors who ask a lot of questions and tell me about their own experiences with giraffes at their own hometown zoo.
Each passing week I am more impressed with the Central Florida Zoo. As a child I visited the zoo and have watched it grow. I love the kindness of the staff and volunteers and love watching them interact with guests. They have a wide variety of programs for children, programs for adults and teens, and special events for the public. It warms my heart when various friends tell me all the wonderful experiences they have when visiting. Makes me proud to be there.
I have been going to the CFZ for the past 25 years and have watched it grow from a small zoo, which a lot of people did not know existed back then, into the beautiful expanding zoo it is today. Visitors truly feel in touch with nature and they can see first-hand how much the zoo keepers truly care for the animals. As a giraffe ambassador, it is so rewarding when the guests thank me for talking with them, answering their questions while at the same time educating them about the giraffes as well as providing them with some fun facts. It’s great watching the little ones with huge smiles on their faces and hearing their giggles as they feed the giraffes. Our international guests are amazed with the beauty of the zoo and the opportunity afforded to them to interact with so many of the animals. When the guests have this personal, up close encounter, my hope is that they all will – in their own way – work to help preserve all species of animals. Being a giraffe ambassador is a truly rewarding experience, one which I will always treasure.
I have been a docent at the zoo since 2008. Each year I have donated between 800 and 1200 hours of volunteer time trying to educate people about wild animals. The time I have donated is the best time I have ever spent doing something I love. Working with the animals and talking about them to kids and adults re-energizes me about wild animals. It is one of the most self rewarding experiences I have ever had. If you love animals come join our group and help educate others on how important the animals are to our environment.
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I have been a Docent at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden for over 8 years. I'm sorry that at least one person on this site has shown their ignorance of what zoos are all about. The CFZ is one of the best run and best kept zoos I have ever seen. They do NOT force their animals to be on exhibit just to please the human race. The CFZ specializes in caring for endangered and threatened species. They are classified as that because of ignorant and non-caring humans. Everybody at the zoo cares deeply for the animals and they all work very hard to make sure the animals get the best of care. They don't work hard because the pay is great. It isn't. Every aspect of the animals care, whether it is their surroundings, comfort, environment, food, health, or mental state, is taken into consideration. The least important job of the zoo is entertaining people. While we try to do that in order to raise money to care and feed the animals our job is to protect the different species under our care and when possible to breed species that are threatened or endangered so the world will always be able to see and enjoy them. We also try to educate the general population about the animals through our education department which does a splendid job in doing just that. We travel to school, libraries, retirement centers, churches, summer camps and other events in trying to educate the general population. These same organizations also send groups to the zoo for educational purposes. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden is the best.
My son was selected for the Teen Team Program at Central Florida Zoo in 2015 and has found the experience rewarding, educational and inspirational. The Staff at the Central Florida Zoo are outstanding ! My teenage son is not a morning person but waking up to go and volunteer at the Zoo is never a challenge! He has learned so much about conservation, zoology, customer service and compassion and now is committed to studying zoology at University ! The Zoo is well maintained and the inhabitants are well cared for – my son gave us a private tour this weekend and he was smiling from ear to ear the entire time, even in the rain!
I have been a volunteer at Central Florida Zoo for almost a year and it has been the most amazing and rewarding experience. We strive to give guests a positive experience and interaction with the animals as well as providing education about them and the struggles they are facing in the wild. The day to day conservation efforts are incredible and being able to share this and my knowledge to others is truly rewarding. I love my job of being a giraffe ambassador and watching families light up with the interaction and learn new facts about the giraffes they can then go on and share to others. The zoo continues to grow week by week and when you step inside it brings you to a whole new world, a natural world full of joy and life.
I have been a volunteer at CFZ since February 2014. It has been one of the best experiences of my life. It is so rewarding to experience the care, concern and efforts toward conservation that every member of the zoo exhibits in everything that they do. To see the smiles on the families faces, and to be able to educate is really a gift!
I have been coming to this zoo since my children were young (over 20 years). It's amazing to me how much it has grown and progressed into the place it is today. My daughter was chosen to be on the Teen Volunteer Team and has flourished and loved every second of her time there. We will continue to visit and enjoy this constantly growing facility.
I have been coming to this zoo for many years. It started out small and as the years have gone by it has expanded a great deal. In my opinion it is now up to par with the bigger zoo's around. The addition of many animals throughout the years have made this zoo a great zoo to come to. Keep up the good work.
In March I became a volunteer at the zoo to help visitors feed giraffes and educate visitors about the giraffes. I love it! It's fun to meet new people and to see their reactions to the giraffes and hear their giraffe-related stories. And it's wonderful to watch the giraffes and get to know their individual personalities. Seeing them makes my day!
Such a great place. It's clean and the folks that work and volunteer there are amazingly knowledgeable. It's a great place for families, my kids & I have enjoyed it so much. It is nice to see the animals are clean & being cared for properly.
I love this zoo. It is in a lovely natural setting. Lots of giant oak trees - the real Florida. Such a welcome change from theme parks. The staff are amazing. A volunteer had an opossum out in the park for show and tell. Later we saw two zookeepers working with a baby porcupine. We were allowed to get real close and ask lots of questions and took some great pictures. I have been to zoos all over the country including the San Diego zoo. The Central Florida Zoo is a smallish zoo but full of experiences I've not had before. Also has a great petting zoo and a splash zone to play in the water to cool down.
This is one of the best zoos we have ever visited. There was such a variety of animals & activities which makes this the perfect destination for any member of the family. It was also very clean and well organized.
I have to say, visiting Florida for the first time was an absolute joy but my experience to the Zoo was the BEST! Everything from the exotic animals to the helpful service made it such an amazing adventure. One person in particular needs to be mentioned. Jennifer Brightman was excellent customer service at its best. She was not only helpful but naturally sweet with her approach and answered all of my questions. Coming from Texas, I was super excited to see the marine life but only saw Otters, which is my favorite animal. Even though there weren't any at the Zoo Jennifer was so knowledgable in the dolphins it blew my mind! Long story short, I would return to the Central Florida Zoo in a heartbeat. What a great time I had and all thanks to the staff and cute animals, kudos! Especially Jennifer.
I have visited this zoo with my family and had a blast. It's one of my all time favorite zoos. My favorite part was being able to feed the giraffes and learning intricate details of the creatures through a volunteer Jennifer. I tell all my friends about this place and can't wait to visit again !
I am volunteering at the zoo at the present time but in the past I had the opportunity to bring my students on field trips to the Central Florida Zoo. These field trips were wonderful educational excursions that were very beneficial for my students. The children learned while enjoying hands on activities presented by the enthusiastic, knowledgeable docents.
I love going to the Central Florida Zoo. It has plenty of trees which provide much needed shade during the hot months. The Splash Zone keeps the children happy and cool! I can walk around the zoo at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed to see everything. I really enjoy the night tours that are offered twice a year. It's amazing to watch the nocturnal animals moving about and to occasionally listen to the sounds they make. Did you know that a cougar doesn't roar? (I love hearing Boone!) The zoo is a local attraction that my whole family can enjoy!
I am a former volunteer and staff member at this Zoo, and being a part of this organization was one of the best experiences of my life. Everyone there is very dedicated to caring for the animals and doing the best they can to educate the public about them. This zoo might not be as large or have all the resources of those in some major urban areas, but there is a high degree of professionalism on the part of staff and volunteers, and the education programs are top notch.
I have been a docent for ten years and it has been the best experience of my life. Everyone has the same mission of education and preservation!
Such a great place. It's clean and the folks that work and volunteer there are amazingly knowledgeable. It's a great place for families or even just on your own.
I volunteer both as a docent and as an intern at the zoo. I enjoy working with the visitors, the people who work there, and, of course, the animals who reside there. The zoo holds true to their mission to educate and to participate in breeding programs for endangered animals. I am proud to be part of this organization.
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I began volunteering here because I loved the idea of working with animals. What I didn't realize until later was the impact I had on children when I taught them some of the things that I have learned. An organization like this makes kids eager to learn more and to care about the welfare and preservation of endangered animals.
My family visited here because of a volunteer we knew worked here. We were surprised how clean and friendly the staff was. It's not the biggest zoo, but they have some great animals and facilities. We had a great time and the staff was eager to show us the innards of what zoos add really like. It's worth the visit!!!!
I recently visited Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and will never forget my fabulous experience. The volunteers, docents, and keepers were very informative providing me with knowledge of all animals that I never knew before visiting the zoo. I had a breathtaking time being able to take part in the Giraffe feeding encounter getting up close to these amazing animals, along with the White Rhino encounter. Strolling through the botanical gardens with luscious flowers and Florida nature, I learned about all the native plants and flowers to Florida, with seeing butterflies happily enjoying their botanical garden. Although the zoo is smaller than some I’ve been to, it was filled with great knowledge in addition to exciting adventures such as the Zip-line in the trees I experienced. Being an annual pass holder, I am able to enjoy the zoo as much as possible and informed of all exciting events to come. I’m very excited to go to the Zoo Boo Bash this weekend, just right before Halloween to see all the costumes, and enjoying the activities that come along with it. I recommend you check this place out
I really enjoyed my visit to this zoo. I was recommended by a helpful volunteer, Jennifer, and would pass the recommendation along to anybody interested in visiting a smaller, but intimate environment for the animals. All the volunteers and staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and I was pleased to not have to deal with massive crowds like I have with other zoo experiences. And I can't get enough of that giraffe exhibit.
Been going to the zoo for years for special events. Am now a family pass holder and visit with the kids. It is always clean and the staff friendly.
You can easily see the dedication of the staff and docents with general upkeep and animal interactions. Will be renewing pass on another month.
This zoo is getting some A-list animals! It is not a super-zoo, size wise, but I observe a fun day for families and animal lovers alike! I never visited before becoming a volunteer. I have 12 years of theme park experience, so I know that razzle-dazzle and hours in line makes for a stressful outing. Come, chill with our (okay, I am possessive!)
Being a Volunteer at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, I am able to work and promote the education of all our animals throughout the zoo. It's so amazing to educate the young and old about the amazing animals our Zoo has to offer. Having people come from all over the world and expressing their amazing time at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens versus the major Orlando theme parks in regards to our great animal encounters and education we have to offer is beyond astonishing. Not only can you enjoy the love for animals you can also experience the beautiful Botanical Gardens we have on site that are filled with joyous butterflies, bumblebees and many other amazing natural creatures. Our Zoo is constantly growing and expanding with lovely new animals and great fun for everyone. I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone for a much lower price than our local competitors. You can experience many other thrilling adventures such as ZOOMAIR Adventure Park featuring an amazing ZipLine route, the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo, Little Florida Coastline Train and Carousel Ride, among many other fun opportunities! Don't forget to stop by the amazing gift shop that is very reasonable and filled with amazing books, toys, stuffed animals, among many other great items, along with food you can purchase for our barnyard friends! You should definitely check this zoo out, it is always a wonderful time that you'll create an everlasting encounter and desire to return!
We were extremely impressed with the Central Florida Zoo. It was very clean. We have a friend that volunteers there and we got some inside peeks. How some of the animals are fed, etc. We were treated to up close experiences we might not have otherwise got to see. Everyone was so friendly and we will go many more times. It is very peaceful. Love all the trees. My son and grandchildren loved the new addition of the zip line.
I have been a Docent at the Central Florida Zoo for 23 years. This is the best zoo I have been too. I have had numerous visitors come up and exclaim how wonderful it is. They tell me that they would rather come to the Central Florida Zoo than go to the busy hectic theme parks. We are located in Lake Monroe Florida, and is very close to the Sanford Orlando International airport. Many people come here while waiting to fly out to other destinations. Since we are so close to the airport, people said that they came because it was so close to the airport and they didn't have time to go anywhere else. But, they said that once they got here they were very impressed and glad that they came. They say that the zoo is so quiet and peaceful with all of the surrounding trees and quiet atmosphere, and just watching the wonderful animals seemed to calm them down from a very exhausting trip that they were on. I have had people from all over the world come up and tell me how wonderful the zoo is. So, if you have the time, come and visit with us, you won't regret it. The price is right, you don't have to spend a fortune like you do at the theme parks. Hope to see you at the zoo.
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I have been a Docent at the Central Florida Zoo for 22 years. I have watched this zoo grow from a tiny zoo to a magnificent zoo. The animals are so well cared for by the keepers. They care so much for the animals, and we are all greatly saddened when an animal dies. This is a very caring zoo. The drive into the zoo is so beautiful, all the trees and greenery. The zoo itself is surrounded by Florida vegetation and not all of the concrete that you see in other zoos. It is a natural habitat for the animals. It is a small zoo, but I would rather come to this zoo than a huge zoo. Everybody is very friendly, especially the keepers and the Docents. The education staff is very helpful and friendly. The education program at the zoo is top rate. The special events are top rate also. The zoo is expanding and getting new animals all the time. A lot of people that I have talked to said that they would rather come to this beautiful, peaceful zoo than to go to the big theme parks in the area. The zoo has a zip line, a splash pool, and a petting area. They have night hikes, special events like for Halloween, Easter, and many others. I would recommend this zoo to everyone.
Loved visiting I started volunteering at this zoo. It is really beautiful, relaxing environment. Getting a yearly pass is a great value, and there are many activities all year long.
Pat D.
This zoo is an awesome place to visit! The layout is great & the staff is very friendly. This zoo has events all of the time & they are always fun. My favorite thing to do at the Central Florida Zoo is feed the giraffes! There is also a zip line course & carousel at the front of the zoo. I highly recommend making a trip!
I visited this zoo many times before I became a volunteer. It's a wonderful zoo with a lot of animals you don't often see in other zoos. The staff is super knowledgable and its a great place for kids.
Have been bringing my grandson Griffin to the Central Florida Zoo since he was just under 2. He's 6 now and just loves it. From feeding the animals to learning about them from dosans it is his favorite place to hang out and learn. Even took him to the one in Jacksonville and he said "Mimi I like our zoo better". Friendly faces and great spaces make this a regular for us.
This is our second year having a membership at the Central Florida Zoo. It has been a pleasure watching it grow. We have a preschooler and toddler and while the zoo is not the biggest zoo in the state it fits so perfectly into our community and provides a great experience for the kids to explore without it being an overwhelming long day. We go bi-weekly and I never have a problem making sure the kids learn one new thing every visit thanks to the amazing staff willing to answer questions. Great place to visit!
From 1998 until 2002 I worked at the Central Florida Zoo. The only reason I left was due to moving with family to Alabama. I frequently tell people that the zoo is the only thing I miss about Central Florida. I can remember going to the zoo back in the 60's when it was still in downtown Sanford, along the waterfront. It has come a long ways since then. Although I have not been back to visit I keep up with the changes and updates via Facebook and Website. I still believe it is one of the best small zoos I have ever seen. As a former employee I can tell you, without hesitation, that the staff truly cares about the animals.
This should not even be called a zoo it was awful most of the animals was not on site and those who were was in hiding ....Whats the point the kids were not impressed at all. D NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY
As a member of the Seminole Harley Owners Group (SCHOG) we have proudly held a fundraiser for over 20 years to raise funds to help support the eagle exhibit at the zoo. It is a great zoo that benefits all of Central Florida in a way that theme park zoos cannot. We will continue our annual support.
I have a grand parents pass that we use on a regular basis. My grandkids love the zip lining for even the smaller ones and the splash pad as well as the animals. I got one for my daughter so that she could take the kids during the summer and on weekends and they never get tired of going. It has grown so much over the years and I am proud of being a member.
We have been visiting the Central Florida Zoo for over 30 years and I have loved watching it grow and change, always for the better! I have 2 Autistic sons and this is one of the places that we go to on a regular basis. We love taking our lunch to picnic before we go in, or as a special treat the boys enjoy buying lunch at the concession stand during our visit. The petting zoo is always a hit !
The zoo is one place that I can take my boys, my grown children and my grandchildren and know that they all will enjoy their visit!
We are annual members of this zoo, and take our 15 month old daugter almost every week. They have very friendly staff and volunteers who take their time explaining things to the children, a great petting zoo area, storytime every week, and night hikes for the older kids. There is also seasonal holiday activities, a carousel and train our daughter loves, and a nice splash pad. This zoo is an integral part of my daughter's childhood experience, and we are so fortunate it is near us and so pleasant to visit. We plan on being members for many more years to come!
I love zoos, especially large ones in big cities. But this smaller zoo is a real gem that we visit several times each year. There's always something new since the dynamic staff and large group of volunteers are quite innovative. Spooky Halloween theme is coming up next. You can see large and small animals, including some beautiful big cats and Gus the giraffe. Many babies in the Nursery. I think there are two baby hippos now. This is a great zoo to bring the young ones with many activities for just about any age. There are many hands-on activities presented by very knowledgeable and dedicated people who also do structured programs. I've learned to like to touch snakes and talk to birds that talk back. There's a very good splash park and some zip line adventures; adult type and one designed for young children (our 5-year old had a great time. I can highly recommend this zoo and the wonderful "family" that are your hosts.
The staff are wonderful and really informative about explaining the animals and their habits. My family loves coming to this Zoo and we have been for over 8 years now. They are always doing different things to keep it new and inviting and the Zoo is always clean and tidy and the animals all look happy and well taken care of!
I love this zoo! The animals appear to be well cared for and the staff is always pleasant. My daughter loves the splash pad , and our family can't wait to do more events there as we just became annual pass holders.
I have been volunteering at the Central Florida Zoo since I was 13 years old... and I am now almost 30. The CFZ gave me my first real taste of responsibility and job experience, as well an opportunity to interact with and understand our non-human animal counterparts. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with our guests and teaching them all that I know about our zoo and wildlife. The friendships that I have made at the Central Florida Zoo have been life-changing, and I'm blessed to have these people and animals in my life. It is my home, and a place where I feel a connection that I truly can't describe. I catch myself at times out in the park (usually holding the green-winged macaw!) and realize that I have a smile on my face for no apparent reason. The zoo has come such a long way from even when I started, and I'm proud to be a part of an organization that has so much love for its animals, the environment, and our community.
We have been bringing our children to the CFZ since 1984 and now their children are experiencing the fun and wonderful world of animals! This zoo is truly a hidden gem which reflects the non-theme-park Florida in a natural setting. As a volunteer I take a great deal of pride in sharing our zoo's history and teaching the students who visit about the diverse animals we have on display.
I was a keeper at CFZ for fifteen years and am back as a volunteer. I have seen how much it has struggled and how far it has come thanks to the dedication of its staff and volunteers. The look of awe and the smile on children's faces when we do a program tells me how important our zoo is.
I have been visiting the zoo since I was a small child and it was located in downtown on the waterfront. I have been volunteering there for the past 15 years. I love every minute of it! I enjoy working with the keepers and talking to our guest about the animals.
The Central Florida Zoo has been an important and special place for our family to visit over the last decade. We value the educational opportunities our children have experienced including the wonderful summer camp programs. We will surely be lifetime members.
I love the fact that the zoo is so family-friendly, especially for those with small children. It is wonderful to be able to visit a local zoo and not have your children trampled by eager tourists.
The Central Florida Zoo has helped more people to understand the importance of animal conservation than any other local facility, including Animal Kingdom. The personal interactions and caring staff really helps to hit the message out of the park.
As the Executive Director of the Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau, tell our visitors why they should visit the Central Florida Zoo is easy - all of the reasons are the same ones that I visit the Zoo and take friends and family there when they are visiting from out of town.
Our Zoo is such a great value for the money, is clean and so easy to get to - located off of I-4. The Zoo makes guests feel as they are in "Old Florida" as everything is outside, surrounded by the hanging cypruss trees that are so well known in Florida. It is a great destination for families with small children, as the splash grounds are included in the admission price. And, for visitors wanting more, the Zoo has an exciting Zoom Air Adventlure Park, a laser tag area and now segway tours of the Zoo are available also. I am proud of our Zoo and what it means to our citizens to have it here - I urge everyone to visit and enjoy the great memories that can be made there.
All of the Zoo staff speak with such reverence when describing working with the animals that your heart wants to join in the event. These people are totally dedicated to this Zoo, some for over 20 years!
The Central Florida Zoo has been a wonderful resource for our entire community, but more personally, for our family. We have supported the Zoo in various fashions for over 10 years and now our daughter is volunteering through their
I have lived in Seminole County for nearly three years and every experience that I have had at the Zoo, have been ones that have always been memorable. Each and everytime that I go to the Zoo, with my husband on the weekend, for a Board or other community meeting, to take someone visiting from out of town there, or just to stop by with a bag lunch and eat at a picnic table when I am in the area, I see something different. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful Zoo that takes visitors back to
christinac 01/21/2014
Thank you for visiting the Zoo. It seems we did not exceed your expectations during your visit, which is always our goal. You should know that weather affects the animals just like it does us humans. We have been experiencing a rather cold January and some of the animals chose to stay in their dens when the weather turns cold, and we allow them to do that as we want our animals to be happy and comfortable. Others however, like the Amura leopards, become more frisky and active in the cooler weather. We do indeed have hundreds of animals here at the Zoo and we encourage you to return when the weather is more mild.