THERE’S ALWAYS MORE TO SEE AND DO AT THE ZOO!!
2012 Events List
Feb. 25, 2012
Snooze at the Zoo!
Arrival 7:00 p.m. / Departure 9:00 a.m.
$32 per person
For reservations call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org by Feb. 11, 2012. A special overnight adventure awaits you, beginning with a nocturnal animal encounter and then a venture into the Zoo for a special nightlife safari. Base camp is in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center where you will also enjoy an evening snack and a movie. In the morning, guests will enjoy a continental breakfast and a special morning Zoo tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be five years or older.
March 1, 2012
Summer Camp & Cub Club Registration Begins*
Bring your child to a whole new world of adventure. Explore our exciting summer programs including half-and full day camps for children ages 6-12. For children ages 2-5 we offer our exciting Cub Club preschool series. Summer camp registration begins March 1. Please check out the Zoo’s web site for information on summer camps and Cub Club registration.
You may register online (beginning March 1) or by calling 407.323.4450 ext. 123.
March 3, 2012
Hope & Help Center - Seminole County Health Fair
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Take a walk on the wild side with Wildlife and Wellness. This fun filled family day of adventure is a new health fair in Seminole County presented by the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida Inc, the Assistance Fund, and the Central Florida Zoo. Families learn about health and wellness while they discover exotic wildlife at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Families that complete the passport challenge are eligible for free admission into the Zoo. Wildlife stations, healthcare information and testing tents will be set up at the Zoo. From lemurs and leopards to life and learning, this fun and fur filled event will cover it all.
March 13, 2012
Snake Awareness Presentation*
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Members: $10.00
Registration required
Non-members: $15.00
Must be 12 years or older
Designed for homeowners to police officers, the Zoo’s Reptile Department is offering this program to help people properly identify venomous and non-venomous snakes. What to do (and what not to do) during an encounter and how to keep snakes out of your yard or how to attract them. Learn to separate fact from fiction and more!
The class will be presented in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. To make reservations, please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123.
Zoofari Spring Break Camp!
March 19-23
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 6-12
$155 Zoo Members / $175 Non Members
Before Care: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - $5.00 per day
After Care: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - $5.00 per day
Get ready for a wild adventure at the Central Florida Zoo! Campers will enjoy crafts, games and live animal encounters as they track animals on Zoofari. They will discover fascinating facts about animals and will be called on to become animal detectives when a mystery is discovered at the Zoo. They will search out clues as they travel around the Zoo seeing monkeys, leopards, kangaroos, and more. This is sure to be a journey into adventure!
March 27, 2012
Alligator Awareness Presentation*
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Members: $10.00
Registration required.
Non-members: $15.00
Must be 12 years or older.
Welcome to our state… you might see some alligators here! Alligator safety is an essential part of living in Florida. The Reptile Department at the Zoo is offering an informative and educational presentation on alligator safety and awareness for you and your family. Presented in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. To make reservations please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123.
March 30 & 31, 2012
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Join us for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at the Zoo for an overnight relay from 6:00 p.m. on March 30 until 12 p.m. on March 31 that celebrates anyone who has battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and empowers all to fight against this disease. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 136 for details. Or you can support the ZOO flock by adopting a lovely pink flamingo (the plastic kind) for $5 that will be placed throughout the Zoo grounds along with your message. Call 407.323.4450 ext 123 to adopt a flamingo in support.
Every Wednesday in April
Storytime at the Zoo
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Free at the Rainforest Pavilion
Enjoy animal stories along with a special visit from one of our Zoo animals. Programs are presented by the Orange County Library System Storytellers and are designed for pre-school age children. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 for information. (April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2012)
April 7 & 8, 2012
Hippity Hop Adventure
Sponsored by FAIRWINDS Credit Union
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hop along the Adventure Trail to find clues leading to the Easter Bunny. Win candy, prizes and surprises at Bunny Stops along the way. Be sure to meet the Easter Bunny. Kids receive free bunny tails to wear and enjoy crafts, a bounce house and more. For sponsorship opportunities or more information contact 407.323.4450 ext 136.
April 9 - 15
Bat Appreciation Week
Learn all about bats during Bat Appreciation Week at the Zoo. Look for different activities, games, displays and information about bats all throughout the Zoo. Also, Storytime at the Zoo on Wednesday, April 11, will be all about bats!
April 14, 2012
Brews Around the ZOO
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
An International Tasting of Food, Wines & Beer
Stroll through the Zoo and sample a wide variety of unique craft beers from around the world. You’ll also be able to enjoy delectable wines, regional cuisine, authentic international music, and encounter many animals from around the globe. For sponsorship opportunities, tickets prices, or more information contact 407.323.4450 ext 136. Must be 21 or older to attend.
April 21, 2012
Reptile Ownership Class for Kids
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Members - $10.00; Non-members - $15.00
Registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This really radical reptile class for kids and their parents is an exciting opportunity to learn what it takes to be a responsible reptile owner. Meet with the Zoo’s Reptile Keeper and learn about enclosure set-up, husbandry, health issues, and feeding. Experience the thrill of meeting several different reptiles up close, as well as a few amphibians. The Reptile Department at the Zoo is offering this great opportunity to help parents and kids decide if owning a reptile is the right choice for you. Presented in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. To make reservations please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123. Zoo admission not included.
April 21
Wild Night Camping Adventure!
Arrival 4:00 p.m. / Departure 9:00 a.m.
$17 per person
For reservations call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org by Apr. 7, 2012. Spend a WILD NIGHT at the Zoo with a special overnight camping adventure at the Rainforest Pavilion. Includes an exciting flashlight tour of the Zoo, a continental breakfast and campers will also have an opportunity to reenter the Zoo in the morning before any one else arrives. Reservations and payment required by Sat. April 7, 2012. $17 per person. Campers must be five years or older. Space is limited so call soon!
Every Wednesday in May Storytime at the Zoo
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Free at the Rainforest Pavilion
Enjoy animal stories along with a special visit from one of our Zoo animals. Programs are presented by the Orange County Library System Storytellers and are designed for pre-school age children. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 for information. (May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2012)
May 11, 2012
Drive ‘em Wild Golf Tournament*
DeBary Country Club
Join us for our annual golf tournament benefiting the Zoo. Besides a wonderful day of golf, other highlights include continental breakfast and lunch, longest drive contest, raffle, closest to the PIN, trophies for 1st and 2nd place and a Most Honest prize! Sponsorships are available and go quickly. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 112 for reservations and information.
June 9, 2012
Night Hike at the Zoo!*
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Zoo Members $15 adults / $10 children (ages 5-12)
Registration required Non Members $20 adults / $15 children (ages 5-12)
Must be five years or older
Experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at night during this exciting nocturnal adventure! Enjoy light refreshments in the Discovery Center and up close animal encounters. Fascinating night life will come to light as we venture into the Zoo for a guided flashlight tour and explore the Zoo after dark. This is a great program for families, but because it lasts until 10:00 p.m., children must be five years or older to attend. To make reservations please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 or register online.
June 12, 2012
Snake Awareness Presentation*
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Members: $10.00
Registration required
Non-members: $15.00
Must be 12 years or older
Designed for homeowners to police officers, the Central Florida Zoo’s Reptile Department is offering this program to help people properly identify venomous and non-venomous snakes. What to do (and what not to do) during an encounter and how to keep snakes out of your yard or how to attract them. Learn to separate fact from fiction and more! Presented in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. To make reservations please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123.
June 19, 2012
Alligator Awareness Class*
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Members: $10.00
Registration required.
Non-members: $15.00
Must be twelve years or older
Welcome to our state. You might see some alligators here! Alligator safety is an essential part of living in Florida. The Reptile Department at the Zoo is offering an informative and educational presentation on alligator safety and awareness for you and your family. Presented in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center from 7:00p.m.—9:00p.m. To make reservations please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123.
June (TBD)
Seminole Harley Owners Group Bike Run
Join the Seminole Harley Owners Group as they host their annual ride to support the Central Florida Zoo and our American Eagle exhibit.
Details forthcoming.
June 30 and July 1, 2012
Red, White and ZOO
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 4th and the Central Florida Zoo’s 37th Birthday with live music, games, food, children’s crafts, face painting, magic, waterslide, and Zoo animal encounters. For sponsorship opportunities, tickets or more information contact 407.323.4450 ext 136.
August 17, 2012
Homeschool ZOOventure Classes (registration begins)
The Zoo offers ZOOventure classes targeted to homeschool students. The students will be inspired and challenged as they experience our living classroom for these interactive programs. Limited class size allows for personal attention and up close wildlife encounters. A complete list of 2012-2013 classes will be available online beginning August 17, 2012. Classes are held September thru May. To register please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 at least two weeks in advance or visit our website (after August 17) to register online.
September (TBD)
Fiesta del Coquí
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Come to the Zoo for the annual “Fiesta del Coquí” and party with the coquí with live music, crafts and activities, demonstrations and much more celebrating the Hispanic culture. Enjoy fabulous regional cuisines, dance to the sounds of local bands, and be entertained by local dance groups, all celebrating this tiny frog of Puerto Rico. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 136 for information.
Every Wednesday in October
Storytime at the Zoo
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Free at the Rainforest Pavilion
Enjoy animal stories along with a special visit from one of our Zoo animals. Programs are presented by the Orange County Library System Storytellers. Storytime is designed for pre-school age children. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 for information. (October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2012)
October 16, 2012
Reptile Ownership Class
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Members - $10.00;
Non-members - $15.00
Registration required Must be 12 years or older
Thinking about getting a reptile as a pet? The reptile ownership class is designed for beginning and intermediate reptile owners or anyone considering getting a reptile as a pet. The program will include information on making a responsible choice when choosing a reptile such as health issues, husbandry, feeding, and enclosure set-up. Amphibian care will also be included. The Reptile Department at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is offering this great opportunity to help you decide if owning a reptile is the right choice for you. Presented in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center. To make a reservation please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123.
October 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2012
ZOO Boo Bash
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town during ZOO Boo Bash. It’s a safe, fun, and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Kids are invited to bring goodie bags and wear costumes for trick or treat stations. If you forget your costume, face painting will be available. Take a haunted hayride, visit the Pumpkin Patch for a fun photo, and learn about the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. For more information, call 407.323.4450 ext. 136.
- Costume Contest: 1:00 p.m. each day
- Animal themed costumes - one for under 3 years of age and one for 3 to 12 year olds
- Non-animal themed costumes - one for under 3 years of age and one for 3 to 12 year olds
- Group costumes
October 20, 2012
ZOOloween
7:00 p.m. to midnight
BRAVE ENOUGH? Join us for a fright-filled evening with adult potions and concoctions, bizarre foods, zombie dancing, dead music by live bands, wicked costume contest, haunted laboratory, and ghost train. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more information please call 407.323.4450 ext 136.
Every Wednesday in November
Storytime at the Zoo
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Free at the Rainforest Pavilion
Enjoy animal stories along with a special visit from one of our Zoo animals. Programs are presented by the Orange County Library System Storytellers. Storytime is designed for pre-school age children. Call 407.323.4450 ext. 123 for information. (November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2012)
December 1, 2012
Members’ Only WILD Night!*
Spend a WILD NIGHT at the Zoo with a special overnight camping adventure at the Rainforest Pavilion. Including an exciting flashlight tour of the Zoo, and a continental breakfast, members will also have an opportunity to reenter the Zoo in the morning before any one else arrives. Reservations and payment required by November 17. $17 per person. Campers must be five years or older.
To make reservations please call 407.323.4450 ext. 123. Space is limited so call soon!
December 8, 2012
Breakfast (or Brunch) with Santa*
Join us this holiday season and enjoy breakfast or brunch with Santa at the Zoo! There will be lots of fun holiday cheer and activities for the whole family. Share your holiday wishes with Santa and enjoy up-close animal encounters. Everyone will get to make a special animal enrichment and join the Zoo Keepers to watch as the animals receive their special holiday gifts. For more information please call 407.323.4450, ext. 123 or email education@centralfloridazoo.org.
Other activities and programs at the Central Florida Zoo:
Animal Demonstrations:
Every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting)
| 11:30 a.m. |
Bird Show (Stage) |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Raptor Encounter (Animal Adventure Deck) |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Hoofstock Feeding/Encounter |
| 2:15 p.m. |
Primate Feeding Program |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Feline Feeding Program |
| 3:00 p.m. |
Reptile Demonstrations – Herpetarium or Aldabra tortoise |