Animals you can see at the Central Florida Zoo: New arrivals, babies and more

Get ready for plenty of new faces at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! Home to more than 300 animals representing over 150 species from around the world, the Sanford Zoo is a place where there’s always something new to discover. From fascinating wildlife you can see up close to adorable new arrivals and births, this year has brought even more excitement to the habitats.

Wondering about the animals you can see at the Central Florida Zoo? Visitors can encounter an incredible variety of wildlife, from big cats and primates to reptiles, birds and more. Located in Sanford, just outside Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo is a fun destination for families, animal lovers and anyone looking to get closer to the natural world. And with several new animals joining the Zoo this year, there are even more reasons to plan a visit and see who’s new!

New paws at the Zoo

One of the Central Florida Zoo’s newest arrivals is Peppercorn, an endangered Florida Panther. Discovered by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists at just 8 weeks old in Collier County in early March, it was determined that Peppercorn was abandoned by her mother. The vulnerable kitten weighed less than three pounds and was severely malnourished when she was rescued. Peppercorn received specialized care at the Naples Zoo, where she began her recovery. Today, she is over 30 pounds and calls the Central Florida Zoo her permanent home. While Peppercorn hasn’t made her public habitat debut yet, visitors can look forward to seeing her soon.

In addition to Peppercorn, the Zoo also recently welcomed adorable sibling cougar cubs. After being found abandoned at just two weeks old in South Dakota, Takoda and Juniper found their permanent home at the Zoo. Cougars are native to Central, South and North America and are known for their stealth, endurance and adaptability. This adorable brother-and-sister duo are a fun new addition for families looking for things to do with kids in Orlando. While they aren’t out in their habitat just yet, visitors can look forward to seeing them soon!

Tall new arrivals

families visiting the Zoo. The four-year-old females, name Daphne and Phoebe, stand about 13 feet tall and came from another AZA-accredited facility.

The new giraffes joined Gage in the giraffe habitat and are getting comfortable in their new space. For now, they’ll spend some time in the back of the habitat as they get to know their new home, with all three expected to be together later this fall. Once they’re fully settled, the new giraffes will also be part of the Zoo’s popular giraffe feeding experience. In the meantime, guests can still meet and feed Gage up close. For more information about giraffe feeding, click here.

Two new Fosa pups

There are two new little faces to see at the Central Florida Zoo! In May, Alina the fosa gave birth to two kits, just six days after the Zoo celebrated the first birthday of last year’s “miracle babies,” Anansi and Mahery. Now, Alina’s newest curious little ones are starting to explore their habitat and keeping Mom on her toes as they grow and play.

Fosas are native only to Madagascar, and fewer than 2,500 remain in the wild. The Zoo is proud to care for these unique and threatened carnivores and support conservation efforts through the AZA’s Species Survival Plan.

Stop by the fosa habitat on your next visit and see the newest members of the Zoo family.

Get closer to your favorite animals

The Central Florida Zoo offers multiple up-close animal encounters, giving guests the chance to get a closer look at some of their favorite animal friends!

One of the animals that families can look forward to meeting is PJ, the Zoo’s greater one-horned rhino. During a special encounter, visitors can get up close, touch and feed PJ and even take a photo with him. With only 4,000 greater one-horned rhinos left in the world, an up-close encounter with PJ is one of the most special animal encounters in Orlando. To book your PJ encounter, click here.

Guests can also take a moment to slow down and interact with Angel, the Aldabra tortoise. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to enter her habitat and learn more about tortoises from one of the Central Florida Zoo’s animal experts. Animal lovers may also get the opportunity to pet and feed Angel!

Barnyard Buddies is one of the best things to do in Orlando for animal enthusiasts of all ages. Guests will get the chance to get up-close and personal with the Zoo’s chickens, goats, harlequin sheep and llama. For an additional charge, guests can purchase food to feed some of the animals.

Conservation in action

A visit to the Central Florida Zoo is about more than seeing amazing animals. It’s also a chance to see conservation in action. The Zoo works to protect threatened and endangered species, preserve habitats and help ensure wildlife has a future both in human care and in the wild.

The Zoo participates in about 35 Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs. These collaborative programs bring accredited zoos and aquariums together to carefully manage animal populations, support genetic diversity and contribute to species conservation.

The Zoo’s conservation work also extends beyond its habitats through the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation, which focuses on breeding and re-establishing threatened species like the Eastern indigo snake and striped newt. Through these efforts, every visit helps connect guests with the importance of protecting wildlife and wild places.

Plan your visit to the Central Florida Zoo

Whether you’re looking for things to do with kids in Orlando, discover new wildlife or simply planning a fun day out, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has something for everyone and there’s always something new to see and discover. From adorable new animals and up-close encounters to Barnyard Buddies, there are plenty of reasons to make the Zoo your next family adventure. Take your time visiting the habitats, meet some of the Zoo’s newest residents and make memories the whole family will enjoy.

Tickets to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens can be purchased in advance online or in person at the gate. Plan your visit today and get ready to get closer to wildlife, discover new favorites and experience all the fun and animals at the Central Florida Zoo!