Press Releases
Central Florida Zoo Plants Cypress Tree in Honor of "The Senator"
Sanford, FL (January 20, 2012) Steve DeCresie, horticulturalist, and employees at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens planted a cypress tree in honor of "The Senator," the 3,400 year old cypress tree that was recently destroyed by fire. The tree was planted on Monday, January 16, within hours of the news of the Senator fire.
The new tree is planted along the Florida Trek at the Zoo and is designated by a plaque honoring "The Senator."
"Steve and our employees are very sensitive to the natural environment and many have ties to Seminole County and were sad to hear of the demise of this ancient tree. The loss of this local treasure is an event we will always remember and we mourn the loss of this enduring symbol of Seminole County," said Joe Montisano, CEO.
The Zoo announced on its Facebook page the planting of the honorary cypress tree on Wednesday, January 18, and received 132 likes from the Zoo's many supporters.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO PARTNERS WITH THE ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVAL
Sanford, FL (January 16, 2012) Join the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens January 28 and 29 as they partner with the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Valentine Park in Orange City. The Manatee Festival will offer live entertainment with great shows from local performers, animal ambassadors from the Zoo, along with presentations by Zoo staff. There will also be loads of arts and craft booths and kids games, so everyone will find something to spark their interest. And, just when you get tired of that New Year’s diet, there will be plenty of festival foods available to purchase. Take the shuttle to Blue Spring State Park to see the magnificent manatees in their natural setting. Typically 100 or more manatees grace the festival goers each year by visiting the spring. So join the Zoo as we enjoy some good ole’ festival fun and check out the manatees at the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival. To learn more go to
www.themanateefestival.com.
Entertainment includes Disc-Connected K-9’s World Famous Frisbee Dogs, Bellydance ETC, Deltona Arts Center, Thom Chamber solo sax performer, Buba “Whoopass” Wilson and the Woopoffs with Jeff Howell from the “Monsters in the Morning” (Real Radio 104.1), Karegan Wodz solo signing artist, Joe “Survival” Caruso Blues Band, Heartbeat Boyz pop music boy band, Aissa Torres Deltona’s finest song and dance, and Squirrel Junction Country Music Band. There will also be Walk on Water Balls, SPCA Adopt-a-Pet, rides, face painting, and over 100 arts and crafts booths to enjoy!
Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival is located at Valentine Park West French Avenue just off Highway 17-92 in Orange City. From I-4 take exit 114 and follow the signs.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit
www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext. 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
FAIRWINDS Credit Union and the Central Florida Zoo Partner to Bring Rhinoceros Exhibit to the Zoo
Sanford, Florida (November 17, 2011) FAIRWINDS Credit Union has partnered with the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to bring the Rhinoceros Outpost exhibit to the Zoo. This interactive and educational exhibit will enhance the Zoo experience for all its guests and the 70,000 school children who visit the Zoo each year who may not have the opportunity to see a rhinoceros in the wild.
“Like FAIRWINDS, the Central Florida Zoo is a local organization with a rich history of serving the Central Florida community. We are excited to partner with such a respected organization and look forward to creating new opportunities together that will help benefit our community,” said Larry Tobin, FAIRWINDS CEO.
“We are grateful to have this opportunity to partner with FAIRWINDS to bring this exciting exhibit to the Zoo,” said Joe Montisano, Zoo CEO. “In our mission to give our guests and the community access to the wonders of the natural world and the plight of these endangered animals, we continually seek out partners whose vision is similar to ours and FAIRWINDS more than exceeds our expectations. We are thrilled to partner with FAIRWINDS and look forward to a long and beneficial relationship.”
About FAIRWINDS - FAIRWINDS Credit Union, headed by President/CEO Larry Tobin, is one of the largest financial institutions based in Central Florida, with assets over $1.5 billion, more than 143,000 members and over 500 employees. The financial cooperative established in 1949 is open to anyone living or working in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola, Polk, Brevard or Lake counties, including The Villages. Membership also is available to family of members who live outside the seven eligible counties. For more information, visit www.fairwinds.org.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Hosts if First Annual ZOOloween Experience!
Sanford, FL (September 29, 2011) The Zoo will host its first annual adult Halloween event, ZOOloween, on October 22 from 7 p.m. to midnight. The event will include adult potions and concoctions, bizarre foods, zombie dancing, laser hunting for zombies, dead music by live bands, creepy carnival games, wicked costume contest, haunted laboratory, and ghost train. The wicked costume contest and haunting music selection will be hosted by VENUE13 DJ Paul Vaine and the lovely Tina. Cost of admission is $35 in advance, $40 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. Drinks will be available for $1.00 for beer and $2.00 for wine and mixed drinks and light appetizers will be served. Attendees must be 21 or older to attend this event.
“The Zoo is excited to bring this fun event to Central Florida,” said Zoo CEO Joe Montisano. “We saw a need for an affordable Halloween event that would appeal to the growing interest in Halloween activities.” We have also partnered with HorrorscapeS, a local full service media production company, to bring the latest in “horror” technology to the event.”
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces the Election of New Board of Directors
Sanford, Florida (September 28, 2011) The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announces the recent election of new board of directors Rebecca Myers, Andrew Asher, and Phil Tischer. 
Rebecca Myers is the chief legal and negotiating officer and corporate secretary for Rotech Healthcare, Inc. She is a member of the American Corproate Counsel Association, New York State Bar Association and Florida In-House Bar Association. She is also a volunteer at the United Methodist Church & Ohev Shalom Synagogue, Park Maitland School, Ronald McDonald House, Harbor House, and the SPCA of Central Florida.
Andrew Asher leads the law firm of Andrew L. Asher, P.L. In addition to his Zoo board responsibilities, Andrew also currently serves on the Trinity Preparatory Board of Trustees and is the chair of the committee on faculty and staff, and is the director of the Orange County Bar Association’s Galapagos Forever Foundation.
Phil Tischer is the chief operational officer of FAIRWINDS Credit Union. In addition to his board responsibilities at the Zoo, Phil also serves on the board of directors for the Center for Memory Disorders.
“The Zoo is pleased to have Andrew, Rebecca, and Phil serving as board members,” said Zoo CEO Joe Montisano. “Their level of dedication is sometimes difficult to find and we feel very fortunate to have such committed individuals on our board.”
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Previews the United Nations’ 2012 Year of the Bat
At the Palette in Sanford
Sanford, FL (September 27, 2011) Come join the Zoo on October 6, 2011, for a “Blind as a Bat” wine tasting at the Palette located in the Art Affair Gallery in Sanford, Florida. Wine tastings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for correct wine identifications. The cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for Art Affair Gallery VIP members.
Learn more about these fascinating creatures as we dispel myths, speak the truth, and watch for and listen to the bats emerging over Sanford. There will be a bat house auction along with a representative from the Central Florida Zoo available to answer any questions you have about bats.
“The Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and we are excited to participate in the efforts of the United Nations to bring awareness to the misunderstood bat population,” says the Zoo’s CEO Joe Montisano. “The Zoo will launch an educational bat program aimed at educating Central Florida residents about the plight of these necessary creatures. We are also members of Bat Conservation International (BCI) who are committed to saving these critically endangered animals. So look forward to 2012 as a year of many bat activities!”
About the Pallet – The Pallet is a beer and wine bar located in the Art Affair Gallery at 301 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. The Art Affair Gallery is dedicated to the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual art. The gallery provides opportunities for both emerging and established artists to exhibit their work within its vision of current national and international trends from varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The gallery welcomes all viewpoints and visual media in its exhibition schedule. Please call 407.878.2855or more information.
About the Year of the Bat- The UNEP Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) have joined together to celebrate the Year of the Bat beginning in 2012. The Year of the Bat is a two year-long global species awareness initiative undertaken by the Convention of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and The Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS).
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Announces the Arrival of Asian Camel
Sanford, Florida (June 9, 2011) The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announces the arrival of an Asian dromedary camel. The Zoo received the camel from the Bahia Shriners. The camel, “Sir Gus” has been with the Shriners for over 8 years and will now be on permanent exhibit at the Zoo.
“The Bahia Shriners are very happy and pleased to be housing Sir Gus at the Central Florida Zoo. Sir Gus is an important member of the Bahia Shrine family and will help to promote the Shrine and the Zoo. The Shriners will continue to take Sir Gus to events and his new home at the Central Florida Zoo will allow more people to enjoy him. This partnership between the two non-profits will benefit everyone especially Sir Gus. His welfare has always been foremost in our minds and now he will be surrounded by experts in every field. We are excited to be working with the Central Florida Zoo to provide Sir Gus his new home. This is a great day for the Central Florida Zoo, Shrine patients and for Shrine-Masons,” said Happy Schuur, Potentate Bahia Shrine 2011.
“Gus is a great addition to the Zoo,” said Joe Montisano, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo. “We are excited about our partnership with the Bahia Shriners and are grateful for the opportunity to add Sir Gus to our Zoo family.”
“The wild status of this species is common and is found primarily in southwest Asia and north Africa,” said Bonnie Breitbeil, Director of Animal Collections at the Zoo. “There are also over 500,000 feral (wild, non-native) dromedaries on the continent of Australia.”
Arabian camels have been useful to mankind possibly as far back as 5500 BCE. Humans have not only used these animals for transportation, but as a source of wool, milk, meat, leather and their dung can be fuel for fire. Females normally have one calf after a gestation of 11 months. When the camel is brought to a water source after a long trip through the desert, it can drink up to 32 gallons (73 two liter bottles!) at one time. No other animal can ingest water that fast without becoming ill. The camels hump is made of stored fat which is not only used as food energy but oxidized into water in times of need.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS ANNOUNCES SEGWAY® X2 TOURS
Sanford, Florida (May 26, 2011) The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announces the addition of the Segway® x2 Tours. Family, friends and coworkers can effortlessly move around the Zoo on his or her individual Segway® Personal Transporter (PT) while seeing all of the animals the Zoo has to offer. Tours will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily by reservation only. The cost of the two-hour tour is $69 and includes Zoo admission. With the Segway x2, you can chart your own course. Its innovative design moves you over a variety of terrain. Deeply treaded tires, scratch resistant fenders and higher ground clearance give you a smooth, stable ride, and the durability you’ve come to expect from Segway.
“We are excited about our partnership with Segway®,” said Joe Montisano, CEO of the Zoo. “We are the first Segway® experience offered in Seminole County and know this will be a fun and educational experience for all who take the tours.”“We are excited to bring our innovative transportation technology to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and offer a unique, safe and fun guest experience,” said Wayne Mitchell, CEO of Segway Inc.
For more information, please stop by the Segway® Experience kiosk at the Zoo or send an e-mail to CFZTours@segway.com
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About Segway - Segway Inc. is the leader in personal electric transportation, developing products that transform the way you work, play and live. Since the introduction of its first consumer product, the Segway® Personal Transporter (PT), the company has established itself as a leader in the emerging small electric vehicle (SeV) marketplace. In addition to the iconic Segway PT, Segway offers a variety of products and services that continue to provide solutions for urban congestion and pollution while leveraging its in-house expertise in drive by wire, electric drive train, and Lithium-ion battery technologies. No matter the platform, Segway products allow you to experience and accomplish more with less. Segway markets a full line of zero-emissions Segway PTs for sidewalk and cross-terrain use that deliver impressive energy efficiency – equivalent to 450 miles per gallon.
The company’s line of Segway Robotic Mobility Platforms (RMPs) offers reliable, durable mobility solutions for robotic applications.Segway Inc., based in Bedford, N.H., has a worldwide distribution network of more than 250 retail points in 61 countries.
For additional information about Segway and to find retail locations, please visit www.segway.com or call 1-866-960-8575. Media materials and digital images are available at the Segway Press Center at www.segway.com/news.For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:Brenda New, Business Communications Manager407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens & WESH.com Announce the Name of New Cougar
Sanford, Florida (April 25, 2011) The Central Florida & Botanical Gardens, in partnership with WESH 2, announces the results of the Name the New Cougar contest. From the nearly 1,100 WESH.com viewer responses, Boone, meaning blessing, was the number one selection with 44 percent of the votes. The other choices included Tohon, meaning cougar in the Native American language, Shoshone, the name of a Native American tribe in Oregon, and Gosheven, meaning great leaper in the Native American language, came in at 32, 13 and 10 percent respectively. WESH.com conducted the online survey via their website www.wesh.com from March 22 until April 17.
The Zoo received the young male cougar on Tuesday, Feb 15 and was estimated to be around 8 months old. The cougar came to the Zoo from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the transfer was handled through the AZA Puma PMP coordinator. The Zoo believes this cougar is wild born and was found by the general public and given to a cat facility in Oregon, who in turn relinquished the cat to ODFW.
“We are very pleased with the responses we received from all the WESH.com viewers,” said Bonnie Breitbeil, Director of Animal Services. “Boone is a perfect name for our cougar and we invite everyone who participated in his naming to visit the Zoo.”
“With its rich history that spans many decades, The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a classic Florida attraction. We enjoyed partnering with them on WESH.com to help name their new baby cougar "Boone" and look forward to more projects like this in the future,” said Gabe Travers, Digital Media Manager for WESH.
“We would like to thank our partner, WESH.com for assisting us with this contest” said Joe Montisano, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo. “WESH.com has been a great partner in many of the naming opportunities that arise at the Zoo.”
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact: Brenda New, Business Communications Manager 407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
AZA Grants Accreditation To Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Sanford, FL (March 22, 2011) – The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens announced today that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.
“Not all zoos are the same. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one of the best in the world because it has met the highest standards in the world,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “It takes hard work and dedication to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Standards.”
To be accredited, the Central Florida Zoo underwent a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.
“If it were not for the Central Florida Zoo, many kids would have no first hand experience of wildlife,” Maddy added. “Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are centers of conservation and education, and the National Science Foundation found that zoo and aquarium education programs are highly effective at teaching people about science.”
The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation in areas such as animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. The inspection team prepares an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal Commission hearing, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext. 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
Maude Doing Well at Zoo Miami
Sanford, Florida (March 17, 2011) Maude, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ (Zoo) Asian elephant, recently moved to Zoo Miami and is adjusting well to her new elephant herd. She has joined two other Asian elephants, Nellie and Dahlip.
Zoo hoofstock keepers, Bernie Bartosch and Danielle Lints, remained in Miami for several days after Maude’s arrival to assist her with adjustments to her new environment. Maude has settled in quickly and was observed exploring her new home. Recent reports from the Zoo Miami keepers indicated the elephants are doing well, sharing food and exploring their exhibit together.
“We are very excited for Maude and happy to know she is doing well at Zoo Miami,” said Bonnie Breitbeil, Director of Animal Collections. “We hope you will visit Maude at her new home.”
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext. 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
Help us name our new cougar!
Sanford, Florida (March 16, 2011) The Central Florida & Botanical Gardens announces the arrival of a new cougar. The Zoo received the young male cougar on Tuesday, Feb 15. He is estimated to be around 8 months old.
The cougar came to the Zoo from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the transfer was handled through the AZA Puma PMP coordinator. The Zoo believes this cougar is wild born and was found by the general public and given to a cat facility in Oregon, who in turn relinquished the cat to ODFW.
“The cougar has adjusted very well to his move and can be seen on exhibit. He is a great addition to the Zoo and will enhance the educational experience for our Zoo visitors,” said Bonnie Breitbeil, Director of Animal Services. “We are pleased to be able to give this young cougar a home,” said Joe Montisano, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo. “The majority of our guests will never have the opportunity to see a cougar up-close and experience the thrill of seeing such an animal in the wild.” The Zoo, in partnership with WESH Channel 2, has asked for help in naming the new cougar.
Please visit the WESH Channel 2 website (http://www.wesh.com/news/27201268/detail.html) and vote for your favorite name. This naming opportunity will run through April 17, 2011.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world.
For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact: Brenda New, Business Communications Manager 407.323.4450 ext 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
AL SARABASA RECEIVES PRESTIGOUS ORITT AWARD BY THE CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Sanford, FL (March 11, 2011) – During the annual meeting of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Joe Montisano, CEO announced Al Sarabasa, President and CEO of D & A Building Services as the recipient of the Joseph A. Oritt Service Award. This is the first time for Mr. Sarabasa to receive this prestigious award.
The Joseph A Oritt Service Award is presented to the individual or individuals who most exemplify the spirit of the late Central Florida Zoo board member, Joseph Oritt. As the award’s first recipient, Joe Oritt was honored for his many years of voluntary service to the Central Florida community and specifically the Central Florida Zoo. He was a model community volunteer who was known for his inspiration toward higher levels of achievement. The award epitomizes the character of Mr. Oritt as well as his hard work which was unselfishly and joyfully given. Mr. Oritt cared for wildlife and was willing to make contributions of self so that others could individually enjoy the animal kingdom through recreation and education.
“Al is a huge support of the Central Florida Zoo,” says Joe Montisano, Central Florida Zoo CEO. “He is always there to help with Zoo projects most recently with the renovation of our concession bathrooms. His insight and help in transforming an outdated building into something much more functional and aesthetically pleasing epitomizes his commitment to the Zoo. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden benefits greatly from the help and support of Al and D & A Building Services.”
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo, you may call the Zoo at 407.323.4450 or visit the Zoo’s Web site at www.centralfloridazoo.org. If you would like to visit in-person, the Zoo is located at 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford.
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS ANNOUNCES PLAN TO MOVE ELEPHANT TO ZOO MIAMI
Sanford, Florida (February 1, 2011) The Central Florida & Botanical Gardens announces it will be transferring Maude, the Asian elephant to Zoo Miami within the next month. Maude will share a home at Zoo Miami with two other Asian elephants and will become part of this elephant herd. “We have an obligation to all of our animals, and especially to Maude, to select what is in her best interest,” says Joe Montisano, CEO of Zoo. “After an extensive process and analysis of our options, we are confident this is best for her at this time.”
“Our staff has struggled over the past year with the decision to move Maude,” says Bonnie Breitbeil, Director of Animal Collections. “Maude has been a part of the Central Florida Zoo for nearly thirty years and the decision to relocate Maude was taken very seriously with the ultimate goal to do what is in the best interest of Maude. We have every reason to believe Maude will enjoy her new home at Zoo Miami and the companionship of their two elephants.”
In celebration of Maude and her move to her new home, the Zoo will host an “Elephant Send Off” party on February 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fun activities for the day include a bounce house, elephant arts and crafts, a big banner for all Maude’s friends to sign, elephant conservation booth, and an elephant-size cake for Maude to enjoy and one for her guests to share as well! Maude came to the Central Florida Zoo in 1983 from Busch Gardens in Tampa.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Shonna Green, Director of Communications
407.323.4450 ext. 115 or shonnag@centralfloridazoo.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO PARTNERS WITH THE ORANGE CITY BLUE SPRING MANATEE FESTIVAL
Sanford, FL (January 17, 2011) Join the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens January 22 and 23 as they partner with the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Valentine Park in Orange City. The Manatee Festival will offer live entertainment with great shows from local performers, animal ambassadors from the Zoo, along with presentations by Zoo staff. There will also be loads of arts and craft booths and kids games, so everyone will find something to spark their interest. And, just when you get tired of that New Year’s diet, there will be plenty of festival foods available to purchase. Take the shuttle to Blue Springs State Park to see the magnificent manatees in their natural setting. Typically 100 or more manatees grace the festival goers each year by visiting the springs. So join the Zoo as we enjoy some good ole festival fun and check out the manatees at the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival. To learn more go to www.themanateefestival.com.
Entertainers include Disc-Connected K-9s; Suehair’s Belly Dancing, Deltona Arts Center, Thom Chamber and Buba “Whoopass” Wilson. There will also be Walk on Water Balls, SPCA Adopt-a-Pet, rides, face painting, and over 100 arts and crafts booths to enjoy!
Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival is located at Valentine Park West French Avenue just off Highway 17-92 in Orange City. From I-4 take exit 114 and follow the signs.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext. 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens with the help of the PNC Foundation break ground on new Cistern Rainwater Collection System
Cisterns and programming at the Zoo funded through a significant grant provided by the PNC Foundation. SANFORD, Fla. — Jan. 18, 2011 - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, with the financial help of the PNC Foundation, held a ground-breaking ceremony today marking the construction of a new cistern rainwater collection system.
This eight tank, environmentally friendly system will be located at the Zoo behind the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center and will collect and store up to 2,400 gallons of rainwater that will be used for irrigation and general watering needs at the Zoo. Completion of the project is scheduled for March 2011.
Joe Montisano, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo, and Wade Alliance, SVP and Central Florida market executive of corporate banking for PNC, led the ceremonial shoveling, discussed the environmental benefits of the system and highlighted the support.
“We have a responsibility to conserve our natural resources and to teach adults and children to have the same respect for the natural world,” Montisano said. “By following the lifecycle of a raindrop, we are able to provide a hands-on experience that will impact their conservation habits for a lifetime.”
In addition to the cistern system, the PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., will fund 32 community outreach programs beginning with a public school Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for four-year-old children and a Scream Green Cub Club program for children ages two through five. PNC will support the two programs as part of Grow Up Great, its early childhood education initiative.
“PNC and the PNC Foundation have a long history of strengthening and enriching the lives of the communities where employees work and live.” Alliance said on behalf of the PNC Foundation. “We are pleased to form alliances with successful community-based nonprofit organizations such as with the Central Florida Zoo to enhance educational opportunities for children and to promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives.”
Both the VPK and Scream Green Cub Club programs are designed to inspire and empower young children to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Interested parents or guardians should contact the Zoo for registration by calling 407.323.4450, ext. 125.
The Central Florida Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. The Zoo is committed to excel as a dynamic regional resource providing a unique interactive experience with the natural world.
About the PNC Foundation:
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through its signature cause, Grow Up Great, PNC has created a 10-year, $100 million initiative to enhance early childhood education and school readiness.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Electric Vehicle Chargers Coming to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Welcome to the future of vehicle plug-in power
Sanford, Florida (January 19, 2011) The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (the Zoo), in partnership with Get Ready Central Florida, is installing the first ChargePoint® networked electric vehicle charging stations in Seminole County and will be the first zoo in the country to install these charging stations for public use.
The charging stations will be ready for use in January 2011 and will be available free of charge. Customers will be able to see the availability of these networked charging stations on their Internet Browser, their Smartphone, and on the GPS displays inside the new electric vehicles, Customers can also get a text or email when their car is fully charged. Charging time will depend on the vehicle, how “empty” the battery is, and the charging voltage.
“We are excited about participating in this evolving trend toward electric vehicles. The Zoo has a strong commitment to conservation and a green economy and the installation of EV chargers supports this commitment,” says Joe Montisano, CEO of the Zoo.
The Zoo will install two dual voltage CT2100 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations from Coulomb Technologies, which can quickly charge the new electric vehicles entering the market today (e.g., Nissan LEAF & Chevrolet Volt) at 220V as well as charge neighborhood electric vehicles, electric bikes and scooters at 120V. Even though the charge is free, you will be required to activate the station. You can do this easily with an RFID enabled credit card, Coulomb ChargePass™ Card, the ChargePoint Smartphone applications, or you can call the toll free number on the unit.
NovaCharge, exclusive distributor for Coulomb Technologies in the southeast, and its Diamond Level partner, Palmer Electric will perform the installation. Palmer Electric is Central Florida’s leader in electric vehicle charging solutions and one of the oldest electrical services companies in Florida.
About Get Ready Central Florida - Get Ready Central Florida is a coalition comprised of Orange County Government, the City of Orlando, OUC–The Reliable One, and Progress Energy—with the goal of expediting Central Florida’s progress in preparing the infrastructure for EV transportation.
About Coulomb Technologies - Coulomb is the leader in electric vehicle charging systems and application services, with the ChargePoint Network, an open system driver network that first went live in January of 2009. The ChargePoint Network provides multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet Managers, Drivers, and Utilities, and ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations ranging in capability from 120 Volt to 240 Volt AC charging and up to 500 Volt DC charging.
About Palmer Electric – Palmer Electric is Central Florida's most trusted name for all your electrical needs since 1951. They have built and serviced 1000s of commercial buildings and over 100,000 homes. They provide 24x7 service for electrical repairs, lighting, fire alarms/inspections, security cameras, EV charging stations, energy efficiency, solar power, & more. Visit www.palmer-electric.com or call 1-877-732-1951.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and to engaging and educating our guests by sharing knowledge and celebrating our natural world. For more information regarding the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens visit www.centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450. The Zoo is located on I-4 Exit 104 in Sanford and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Central Florida Zoo contact:
Brenda New, Business Communications Manager
407.323.4450 ext. 117 or brendan@centralfloridazoo.org