Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens launches monthly botanical garden tours
Something new has sprouted at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! The Zoo is excited to debut its new Botanical Garden Tours, held on the first weekend of every month. The guided, one-hour walking tours are led by the Zoo’s expert Horticulture Specialists and invite guests to explore the lush landscapes, blooming gardens, and learn about amazing plant-animal connections. “This is the Zoo as you’ve never seen it before,” said Bob Chabot, COO. “Our gardens are more than just
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170 Striped Newts Released In Northern Florida
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) joined conservation partners, including the Coastal Plains Institute and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for another successful striped newt release. 170 striped newts, hatched and raised at the Zoo’s OCIC, were released near the edge of the Apalachicola National Forest as part of their mission to re-establish the threatened species into its former range. Striped newts hatched at the
July’s Sunset at the Zoo celebrates Black & African American Heritage
Enjoy great food, music, and of course, see your favorite animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ third Sunset at the Zoo event of 2025! Join us Friday, July 25, as the Zoo celebrates Black & African American heritage with an evening full of community, culture and fun. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo kicks off at 5 p.m. and allows guests to enjoy the Zoo during the cooler hours of the day. Last admission into the Zoo is 7:30 p.m. In addition to seeing the animals
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Kickoff Weekend Celebration
It’s a golden celebration for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Join us as the Zoo celebrates 50 WILD years of conservation, education and unforgettable memories with a festive celebration kickoff July 4-6. “The Zoo has come a long way since opening our gates on July 4, 1975, with the help of passionate citizens, Seminole County’s donation of a low-cost, long-term lease of 106 acres, and visionary leadership from the Zoo’s first director, Jack Hanna,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride during June’s Sunset at the Zoo
Celebrate an evening of fun, diversity, community and inclusion at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Join us for the second Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Orlando Health on Friday, June 27 as we proudly celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Last admission into the Zoo is 7:30 p.m. In addition to exploring the Zoo during the cooler hours of the day, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, live music, food trucks, local
You’re Invited to PJ’s 14th Birthday Celebration at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
He’s large, lovable, and one of the Zoo’s most popular residents! Join us on June 14 at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to celebrate PJ the greater one-horned rhino’s 14th birthday! As a play on the birthday boy’s name, those who wear pajamas or rhino-themed gear to the Zoo and get $4 off admission at the gate, plus 1 FREE raffle entry for awesome prizes like a Rhino Encounter for 4, rhino artwork and other bonus giveaways! Additional entries may be purchased for $5 each. The
Dads, Grandfathers Get Free Admission To The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens This Father’s Day
This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift of wild adventures and quality time—without spending a dime on his ticket! All fathers and grandfathers will receive free admission to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Each free admission must be accompanied by a paid admission. Let the good times roar and make memories filled with fun and adventure as you explore the Zoo with the special guy in your life. Tickets are not available online. Offer must be purchased at the
The Hurricane Has Arrived At The Central Florida Zoo
Things are getting wild —and windy—at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A brand-new attraction has made landfall: The Hurricane Simulator! Guests of all ages can experience the thrilling force of a simulated tropical cyclone as powerful 78mph winds whip around you and the roaring sounds of a Category 1 hurricane. “We’re always looking for new ways to blend fun with education,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “The Hurricane Simulator delivers an unforgettable experience that also teaches
Sunset at the Zoo Kicks Off May 23
Get ready for wild fun all summer long at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Orlando Health, will kick off on Friday, May 23. May’s event will celebrate Native American & Alaska Native heritage. Guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, themed keeper chats & more. Entertainment is sponsored by TD Bank. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Last admission into the Zoo is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only
Moms, Grandmas Get Free Admission On Mother’s Day At The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
This Mother’s Day, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is giving moms and grandmas a wild way to celebrate—with free admission on Sunday, May 11! In honor of the amazing moms and grandmothers in our lives, the Zoo is offering them free admission accompanied by a paid admission. That means you can treat the mother figure in your life to a day of wild adventures, animal encounters, lush botanical gardens and more! Tickets must be purchased at the gate in order to claim the complimentary
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces New Sponsor For Sunset At The Zoo
Your 2025 summer plans just got wilder! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ popular summer tradition Sunset at the Zoo returns with Orlando Health as this year’s presenting sponsor. Sunset at the Zoo takes place on the fourth Friday of every month from May to September. This beloved summer tradition offers guests of all ages the chance to experience the Zoo after hours, with extra time to explore, enjoy themed cultural celebrations, and make unforgettable memories. “We are excited to
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces Pay Once, Visit Twice Deal
Get ready for twice the fun, twice the animal encounters and twice the memories! For a limited time, guests at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens can take advantage of the Zoo’s Pay Once, Visit Twice deal—pay for one visit and return for a second day of wild fun at no extra cost. “One visit is never enough to take in all the wonders of the Central Florida Zoo,” said Richard E. Glover., Jr., CEO. "With this incredible deal, guests can return for another unforgettable experience without
Celebrate Spring at the Central Florida Zoo with Hippity Hop Adventure
Spring has sprung and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is ready to make your season egg-stra special! Hop on over for the Zoo’s annual springtime celebration, Hippity Hop Adventure on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last entry is at 3 p.m. This egg-citing event features something for everyone including: Treat trail stationsScavenger egg hunt throughout the ZooDJ dance party on the splashpadGiveawaysBarnyard Buddies + Giraffe feedingsArts & crafts And of course, the main
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes New COO
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is looking toward the future and strengthening its leadership team with the appointment of an industry veteran. With nearly three decades of experience in zoo operations, horticulture and conservation, Bob Chabot brings a wealth of knowledge to the role of Chief Operating Officer, particularly in Florida where he played a key part in shaping Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “We are thrilled to welcome Bob Chabot to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Celebrate Spring At The Central Florida Zoo With Hippity Hop Adventure
Spring has sprung and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is ready to make your season egg-stra special! Hop on over for the Zoo’s annual springtime celebration, Hippity Hop Adventure on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last entry is at 3 p.m. This egg-citing event features something for everyone including: Treat trail stationsScavenger egg hunt throughout the ZooDJ dance party on the splashpadGiveawaysBarnyard Buddies + Giraffe feedingsArts & crafts And of course, the main
Choo-Choo To The Zoo Returns This Spring Break
All aboard! The WILDLY popular Choo-Choo to the Zoo returns this spring break! SunRail and the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens are offering families this fun way to visit the Zoo, Friday, March 14 and then again, March 17 through March 21. Visitors can ride SunRail to the Sanford station and then hop on a free “Choo-Choo to the Zoo” themed shuttle which will transport them to the front gate of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in less than 15 minutes. Return shuttle times are
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Offers More Time To Enjoy WILD Fun This Spring Break
Spring break is about to get a little wilder! From March 14th to March 22nd, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will stay open an extra hour for Spring Break 2025. The Zoo will be open until 5 p.m. That means, guests will have an extra hour to soak up all the animal adventures, lush gardens, and unforgettable experiences the Zoo has to offer! When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., March 14 – March 22 Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL 32771 To
Over 600 Striped Newts Released In Northern Florida
Hundreds of tiny, spotted amphibians are making a big splash in the name of newt conservation. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC), Coastal Plains Institute, and partners recently released 644 striped newts within the Apalachicola National Forest as part of their mission to re-establish the threatened species into its former range. 282 of those striped newts were hatched and raised at the Zoo’s OCIC. Striped newts hatched at the OCIC are
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens unveils new habitat for Amur leopards
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is roaring with excitement with the opening of its new, expanded Amur leopard habitat. Zoo visitors may have noticed the transformation to the Amur leopard habitat over the past several months, with the addition of a new paved path that leads behind the African porcupine habitat. This path offers guests a closer experience with Amur leopards— Temur and Jilin. The exhibit is designed as a split habitat, allowing the two Amur leopards to remain housed apart,
Empowering Teens with Real-World Money Lessons: VyStar’s Financial Fitness Fair at the Kia Center
Hundreds of students across Central Florida participated in the VyStar Credit Union Reality Fair at the Kia Center on Saturday, February 1. The immersive simulation was designed to give teens a taste of adult financial responsibilities. Each participant was assigned a hypothetical salary, credit score and monthly expenses, then challenged to balance their budgets while navigating unexpected costs – like a broken dishwasher or a last-minute medical bill. "They had to make lifestyle choices based on their
Cheers to Brews Around the Zoo at the Central Florida Zoo
Sip and stroll around the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens during the wildly popular beer-tasting event, Brews Around the Zoo. On Saturday, April 12, the favorite adults-only event returns for an evening of craft beers, live music and wild encounters. Attendees can sample more than 35 craft beers as well as wine and seltzer selections while strolling through the Zoo from 5 to 9 p.m. Food will also be available for purchase. Early admission is available at 4 p.m., and there are also special
Teens and Parents, Don't Miss the VyStar Financial Fitness Reality Fair To Master Essential Financial Skills
The one thing teens and parents seem to agree on is the importance of knowing how to manage money. Financial knowledge is considered important to achieving life goals by 93% of teens and 97% of parents. The VyStar Financial Fitness Reality Fair will teach those important financial skills at a unique, free event designed to engage more than 200 teenagers (ages 13-18). This immersive simulation exposes participants to real-world financial challenges, with a focus on budgeting and creating financial
Central Florida Zoo, Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation to Host 4th Annual Indigo Blues BBQ
Enjoy a day of great blues music and mouthwatering BBQ at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, while making a difference. On Saturday, February 8, the Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) is celebrating the fourth annual Indigo Blues BBQ. This popular event will feature two live music sets from local favorite musicians The Smoking Jackets, a BBQ tasting trail available for pre-purchase, reptile presentations from expert staff, and so much more—all while supporting the Zoo’s
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces New Date For Rescheduled Sunset At The Zoo
Guests at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens can start 2025 with some extra fun! The Zoo will celebrate Hispanic Culture and Heritage with Sunset at the Zoo on Jan. 24, 2025. The event is presented by Verizon. The event was originally scheduled for September but was postponed twice due to hurricanes. Sunset at the Zoo allows guests to enjoy some extra-hours fun—with an added twist. The Zoo will close at 3 p.m. and reopen at 4 p.m. for Sunset at the Zoo. Guests can enjoy wild fun
Central Florida Zoo Offers More Nights To Experience Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix
There are even more nights to experience the magic of Central Florida’s favorite holiday tradition! This year, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has added more nights to its popular Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The event is extended select nights through Jan. 19, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m. “We are excited to offer more nights with more opportunities for people to enjoy this magical event and create memories,” CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “The extension through
Experience The Magic Of Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix On Special Sensor
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is offering a chance for everyone to experience the magic of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. On January 7 and 14, the festival will hold special sensory nights. With sensory-friendly modifications to create an inclusive environment, guests of all abilities can enjoy the lantern displays. The accommodations will include reduced lights and sound levels, offering an accessible experience for everyone. Two guest entry times will be
Santa To Make Stop At Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a special stop for two dates in December. Jolly old St. Nick will add a special touch of holiday magic to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The head elf will be there Dec. 13 and 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s the perfect way for families, especially those with kids to celebrate the season! Just like other nights of the festival, guests can stroll a 3/4-mile path around the Zoo and take
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens welcomes Orlando Sanford International Airport as new sponsor for Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is soaring to new heights with another sponsor of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The Zoo today announced that Orlando Sanford International Airport will sponsor two of the event’s iconic displays. The popular Central Florida holiday tradition runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on select nights Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 19, 2025. Guests can expect a whole new experience with familiar magic, featuring new, larger-than-life lanterns. Orlando
Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix, Now Open At Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular holiday traditions in Central Florida is now open at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Guests can see dozens of all-new, larger-than-life, hand-constructed lantern displays, plus an enchanting holiday section, at this year’s highly anticipated Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. Guests can celebrate the Year of the Dragon as they stroll a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo and enjoy dazzling lanterns illuminated by thousands of LED lights with
Veterans, Active Military To Receive Free Admission To Central Florida Zoo In Honor Of Veterans Day
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to honor the military community by offering free admission to all veterans and active military members Nov. 9-11. The annual tradition, which is sponsored by Orlando Health, celebrates those who have served and continue to serve our country. "We are incredibly grateful to our veterans and active military for their service, and show our appreciation through this event for the fourth consecutive year," said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. "We are excited
Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Plumbing Service Returns As Sponsor Of Popular Dragon Lantern At Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix
The spirit of the Year of the Dragon will be celebrated this year in an exciting way at this year’s Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to announce Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Plumbing Service is the sponsor of the popular dragon lantern. “The dragon lantern is always a showstopper, and it’s fantastic to have Pro-Tech sponsor it again this year,” said CEO Richard E. Glover Jr. “We’re proud to work together to make it a
Wekiva Island To Host Seafood Boil To Benefit Central Florida Zoo
Two Seminole County mainstays are coming together this November for a good cause. Wekiva Island is bringing back its Seafood Boil event with proceeds benefitting the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Attendees can enjoy a low country seafood boil with a pound of jumbo shrimp, steamed clams, potatoes, corn and sausage. Tickets will also include three pours of 3 Daughters Brewing beers. The event will run from 3 to 7 p.m. on a new date due to flooding from Hurricane Milton—Nov. 16. Tickets
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes St. Johns Rivership As Sponsor Of Cotton-Top Tamarin
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is setting sail with the St. Johns Rivership, as part of its mission for wildlife conservation. The Zoo is thrilled to announce St. Johns Rivership is the new sponsor of the cotton-top tamarin habitat. The Zoo’s habitat sponsorships help provide for animal residents’ needs and allow the Zoo to continue with its mission to inspire children and adults to act on behalf of wildlife. “We can’t thank St. Johns Rivership enough for their sponsorship of the
Central Florida Zoo’s Zoo Boo Bash, Presented By Orlando Health, Set To Kick Off This Weekend
You’re invited to the wildest Halloween celebration in town! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s fan-favorite, Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health, kicks off this weekend with lots of tricks, treats and not-so-scary fun for all! The annual Halloween party will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 19-20 and 26-27. Last admission is at 3 p.m. It was originally scheduled to start October 12-13 but was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. The family-friendly event will feature
Central Florida Zoo’s Zoo Boo Bash, Presented By Orlando Health, Set For Three Weekends Of Festive Fun
Calling all ghouls and goblins, you’re invited to the wildest Halloween celebration in town! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s fan-favorite, Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health, returns for three weekends of tricks, treats but not-so-scary fun for all! This year’s Halloween party takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. The family-friendly event will feature treat stations and fun activities. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress their best and
Asian Lantern Festival: Into The Wild, Presented By Publix, Returns For 5th Year At Central Florida
One of Orlando’s most enchanting holiday traditions is back for another year of magic at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! The dazzling displays of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild will return on select nights from November 15, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Central Florida’s well-known grocery store, Publix, will also return as the festival’s presenting sponsor. And in the Year of the Dragon, the popular dragon lantern will make its return to the festival! “We are excited to
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage And Culture During September’s Sunset At The Zoo, Presented By Verizon
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the last Sunset at the Zoo of 2024! On Sept. 27, the Zoo is proud to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The event is presented by Verizon. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Enjoy a variety of activities including themed storytime for kids and families, music and live entertainment, crafts, keeper chats and much more! Several vendors and food trucks are scheduled to be in attendance, and
Congratulations to our Seminole Business Award Winners
Last week, we celebrated success. We celebrated commitment. We celebrated hard work and determination. At the Seminole Business Awards we celebrated the businesses and organizations who are making a difference in our community every day. They are creating jobs and economic impact and giving back to non-profits who need our help. This year was a different experience as attendees were able to hear from our winners. They talked about their journey, their heartbreaks and what helped grow their
Support The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens With Your License Or Registration Renewal
During the month of September, customers at the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office are invited to donate to the Zoo When: September 1-30, 2024 Where: All six Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office (Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Sanford, Oviedo) What: Seminole County residents can help support the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens when they visit the Tax Collector’s Office. During the month of September, residents renewing their driver’s licenses or
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes New Otter
An otter-ly adorable new face is making a splash at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Recently, the Zoo welcomed a playful otter named Fern. She joins fellow otter, Molly, in the Zoo’s North American river otter habitat. Otters are incredibly intelligent and social, and Fern has quickly adapted to her new home with Molly. “Fern's arrival at the Central Florida Zoo not only provides an opportunity for fun, but also raises awareness about an important native species,” said CEO
Celebrate Native American & Alaska Native Culture and Heritage During August’s Sunset at the Zoo
Join us for a Native American & Alaska Native cultural celebration during our fourth Sunset at the Zoo event of 2024! The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and offers wild fun until the sun goes down. Enjoy a variety of activities including themed Storytime for kids and families, music and live entertainment, crafts, keeper chats and much more! Several vendors and food trucks are scheduled to be in attendance including, Honey B’s Ice Tree, O Sweet Minis, Fry Bread Truck and GoJuice. Concessions will also be
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Welcomes Five Guira Cuckoos
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens just got a little bit more cuckoo … in a good way, with some new feathered friends! Recently, the Zoo introduced five female Guira cuckoos to the South American Bird Habitat. These active and vocal birds tend to flock together, often spending time on the ground foraging for insects, as well as up in the trees. Guira cuckoos are relatives to the greater roadrunner and are excellent hunters. Sharing their habitat with the two Violet Turacos, and
The Finalists Are...
The Seminole Business Awards is just around the corner and don't miss your opportunity to celebrate the success of our local businesses! This year's event is completely revamped as five companies will be honored and featured during our program. You'll hear from their leadership and truly learn more about their vision, their impact and their secret sauce for success. First, a bit of tease on who could be recognized at the event with the list of the final twelve companies! Make sure you send a
VyStar Credit Union Continues Growth in Florida With Opening of First Branch in Lake Nona
Jacksonville, FL — VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce its Lake Nona location is now open at 12251 Narcoossee Road in Orlando, Florida. This is VyStar’s fourth full-service branch in Orange County and 21st in the Central Florida region. The Orlando – Lake Nona Area branch features VyStar’s innovative digital-forward design, which enhances how employees connect with members. This includes interactive touchscreen kiosks that provide helpful financial tools and allow members to quickly explore the latest
