About Our Zoo
Get up close with some of the most critically endangered species on the planet.
Meet the majestic gaze of a giraffe as he leans in to take the treat in your hand. Touch the armor of an Indian rhinoceros and get up close to our animals during our keeper chats. Experience all this, and much, much more, at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
With over 350 animals representing more than 200 species, we’re one of the only zoos in Florida where you can see, hear and even touch some of the most beautiful, unique creatures from all over the world.
Who We Are
For 50 years, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been a cornerstone of wildlife conservation, education, and community connection. Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, our Zoo is more than a home to incredible animals and vibrant gardens—it’s a place where generations have come to explore, learn, and be inspired.
Our mission is clear and heartfelt: Creating connections that inspire people to take action for wildlife. Every visit and every program we offer is designed to ignite a passion for the natural world. Guided by our vision of a world where all animals and people thrive together, we work to protect endangered species and foster environmental stewardship.
At the core of who we are, you’ll find our values: Welcome All, Be Our Best, Care Wholeheartedly, and Be Sustainable. These principles shape everything we do, from the way we care for our animals to the experiences we create for our guests.
Over the decades, we’ve grown alongside Central Florida, becoming a cherished destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Together, we celebrate the beauty of nature and inspire future generations to protect the planet we all call home.
As we celebrate 50 years at our current location, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here and look forward to the future with hope and determination. We invite you to join us in shaping the next chapter of our story—as a visitor, a supporter, or a partner in conservation.
A world where all animals and people thrive together.
- Welcome All – We all have something to offer and something to learn from each other. Empower all people to share their experiences and perspectives.
- Be Our Best – We strive for excellence. Be open to new ideas and to the change that makes us a stronger team and organization.
- Care Wholeheartedly – We prioritize the well-being of the animals, our team, our communities, and our planet.
- Be Sustainable – We care deeply about wildlife and conservation and are committed to sharing that passion with others. Strive to be more sustainable in each decision and action.
The Zoo is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that is an affordable family experience supported by private donations and gate admission. We are one of a small number of private, non-profit, Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos in the country and a great community resource that enhances the quality of life in Central Florida by offering a unique Zoo experience. We bring the world of animals to our guests who may never have the opportunity to see these animals in the wild, and we are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of animals worldwide.
In our efforts to educate the children of Central Florida, we offer premier educational experiences that reach nearly 100,000 students of all ages each year through our camps, programs, and community outreaches. As a popular tourist destination, we are given the opportunity to spread our message and sphere of influence to an unlimited and constantly changing audience outside the local community.
A Message
From The CEO
