Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Aims to Raise $300,000 by June 30 for COVID-19 Recovery
Zoo still needs help reaching $2.5 million goal after spring closure SANFORD, Fla. (February 11, 2021) — Even as COVID-19 vaccines roll out, businesses everywhere are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic. The Central Florida Zoo is no different. The Zoo recently celebrated a milestone in its No Zoo Without You sustainability campaign, but it still needs help. With incredible support from the community, the Zoo is proud to announce today that it has raised more than $2 million of its $2.5 million
Red Ribbon Week and Central Florida Zoo Fundraiser
Seminole Science Charter School, as part of our year-long emphasis on character education and making healthy choices, we will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week at SSCS from Oct. 26- Oct. 30. This year’s theme is: Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. This theme serves as a reminder that we are all empowered with shaping the communities around us through positivity, courage and strength. Each day of RRW has a theme, character focus and special dress option (above is “Dress like your favorite animal to kick off
Central Florida Zoo Offers New Single-day Admission Discounts
SANFORD, Fla. (October 5, 2020) — Everyone enjoys a fun, safe day at the Zoo with friends and family—and now more special groups can save! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is now offering discounts on single-day admissions for healthcare workers and college students, as well as increased discounts for military members and teachers. “The Zoo is a fun and affordable place for all residents of Central Florida and beyond to visit,” said Dino Ferri, CEO. “These discounts are a way to say thank you
''The Match'' Golf Tournament Raises Much-Needed Funds for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
SANFORD, Fla., June 26, 2020—On Wednesday, June 24, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens was presented with a check for $13,000 by former Sanford Mayor, Jeff Triplett, General Manager of Mayfair Country Club, Pete Sands, and Mayor of Longwood, Matt Morgan. During the Zoo's closure, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Pete Sands of Mayfair Country Club challenged then-Sanford Mayor, Jeff Triplett to a 9-hole game of golf. The Match was promoted through social media and followers were
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces Sustainability Campaign
SANFORD, Fla., June 16, 2020—The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announced a new sustainability campaign to help combat financial losses in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. The "There Is No Zoo Without You" sustainability campaign launched today with a public plea for support. Though the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has reopened to the public, following a two-month closure to help stop the spread of COVID-19, community support is being sought to bridge the gap of more than
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Enters ?Phase 2 of Reopening
SANFORD, Fla., June 8, 2020—As part of Florida’s Phase 2 reopening of the state, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has made updates to their modified operations. Zoo operations will continue to be modified, following federal and local guidelines, to ensure the safety of Zoo visitors, annual pass holders, staff, and animals. Modifications will include limiting in-park attendance to 50% capacity, required online timed ticketing for all guests, additional barriers around certain animal habitats, and
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to Reopen to the Public on Wednesday, May 13
SANFORD, Fla., May 11, 2020—As part of Florida’s Phase 1 reopening of the state, following federal and local guidelines, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be reopening to the public on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 10 AM. Zoo operations will be modified until further notice to ensure the safety of Zoo visitors, annual pass holders, staff, and animals. Modifications will include limiting in-park attendance to 50% of outdoor capacity, required online timed ticketing for all guests, one-way
Seminole County FL - MAY 8 COVID-19 UPDATE
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL (May 8, 2020)- Seminole County Office of Emergency Management has been under a Local State of Emergency (LSE) since March 2, 2020, and continues to monitor COVID-19. There are currently 410 confirmed cases in Seminole County, 402 of which are Seminole County residents; there have been ten COVID-19 deaths in the County. The County’s confirmed cases range from age six months to 100 years. Updates can be found at prepareseminole.org and on the County’s social media channels. ALLIED
Seminole County Chamber Joins National Effort to Assist Cultural Faciilities
This week, the Seminole County Chamber joined forces with 39 other chambers around the country to urge Congress to include cultural organizations, like the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Society, in their appropriations for COVID-19 relief. "Our non-profits operate like any other business and have had to shut their doors like so many others," says Jason Brodeur, president/CEO, Seminole County Chamber. "We need to help them, their employees and the service they provide remain long after this pandemic has
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Iconic Entrance Artwork Slated for Removal
SANFORD, Fla., April 9, 2020—As part of Phase III of the City of Sanford’s RiverWalk Project, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ iconic entrance artwork will be removed this week. The two concrete structures flanking the Zoo’s entrance road will be dismantled to make way for the next phase of the RiverWalk construction project, which will include roadway improvements and construction of the trail. In 2009, the illuminated front entrance artwork was completed by former Zoo primate keeper and
Zoo Temporarily Closed Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns
SANFORD, Fla., March 14, 2020—Based on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health, and in close consultation with the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be temporarily closed to the public, effective immediately. "The health and safety of Zoo guests, staff, volunteers, and animals is our highest priority," said Dino Ferri, the Zoo's CEO. "We are actively working with federal,
Hippity Hop Adventures Returning to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
SANFORD, Fla., March 10, 2020—Celebrate Easter at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens during Hippity Hop Adventure, presented by VyStar Credit Union. “We are proud to be able to continue the tradition of hosting this wildly popular, family-friendly event at the Zoo,” said Dino Ferri, the Zoo’s CEO. “Through our partnership with VyStar Credit Union, we are able to extend this year's event to the entire weekend.” This year’s Hippity Hop Adventure will feature treat stations throughout the Zoo that
Sunset at the Zoo returns to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
SANFORD, Fla., February 25, 2020—The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is bringing back its wildly popular adults-only evening event, Sunset at the Zoo. On the third Thursday of each month from March through October, adults - 21 and over - can enjoy happy hour at the Zoo. “The Zoo completely transforms in the evenings," said Dino Ferri, the Zoo's CEO. "From the adults-only atmosphere to all the animals and entertainment, Sunset at the Zoo has become a great place for a monthly meetup with friends or
Spring Break and Summer Camp at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
SANFORD, Fla., February 13, 2020—Parents looking to fill in children's school-break schedules can get a head start by registering them for camps at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. "Zoo camp is a great hands-on learning experience while school is out," said Dino Ferri, the Zoo's CEO. "It's a fun opportunity for the kids in our community to be outdoors, meet lots of animals, learn about the Zoo, and make memories." From March 16 through March 20, the Zoo is offering spring break camps for
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to Offer Exclusive Beer Pairing Dinner as part of Brews Around the Zoo 2020
SANFORD, Fla., February 6, 2020—The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be hosting the Taste of the Wild Beer Pairing Dinner, as part of Brews Around the Zoo, Presented by Wayne Densch, Inc. This limited seating dinner, will feature an eclectic menu from Blue Springs Brewing head chef Brian Lamparski. This multi-course meal will be paired with specialty beers from Blue Springs Brewing in Orange City. The Taste of the Wild Beer Pairing Dinner will take place at the Zoo on Friday, April 10 from 6:30
Brews Around the Zoo Returns to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
SANFORD, Fla., February 4, 2020—Brews Around the Zoo, presented by Wayne Densch, Inc., is returning to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for its 13th year on Saturday, April 11, 2020 from 6 PM to 10 PM. Over 1,800 guests are expected to attend this adults-only night at the Zoo featuring 16 beer stations with over 30 different craft beers, live music, and special animal encounters. Tickets for the event include beer samples. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets will go on sale Monday,
