Animal Encounters
Meet PJ
Embark on a thrilling adventure at our Zoo where you can touch our greater one-horned rhino PJ, guided by our expert keepers. Learn about conservation efforts while connecting with this majestic creature, sparking a passion for the species’ protection.
$25
per person
Annual Passholder
$30
per person
Non-Passholder
About the Experience
Meet, touch, enjoy photo opportunities, and learn about our greater one-horned rhino, PJ. Ask our expert keepers any questions you have about PJ and his species.
Space is limited to five (5) participants per encounter.
Age Requirements: All participants must be 5 years old or older. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Please arrive at encounter check-in area at least 10 minutes before your scheduled encounter time. The encounter check-in area is located at the far left side of the rhino exhibit – look for the sign.
This experience is based on availability and can be purchased online in advance or in person at the Zoo admissions window upon arrival at the Zoo. Same-day encounters must be purchased before 11 a.m.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
11:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m. & 12:10 p.m.
There are only approximately 4,000 greater one-horned rhinos left in the world, and a portion of your purchase goes directly to support the International Rhino Foundation’s rhino conservation efforts around the globe.
Hand washing is required before and after the encounter.
Participants will receive a safety talk before the encounter occurs. Participants will be reminded during the encounter if they are not following those safety rules. The encounter can be ended by animal keeper staff if any participants do not follow the safety rules. This is for the safety and well being of our guests, our staff, and our animals.
Weather cancellations: Your encounter can be canceled due to inclement weather as determined by the animal care staff.
Other cancellations: As a working Zoo, there are times when unexpected things arise that require us to make last minute pivots to schedules. As a result, please be aware that encounters can be canceled at any time at the discretion of the animal care staff.
Animal voluntary participation: Animal care staff will follow our husbandry protocols to invite our animals to participate in any encounter, but the animal’s participation is voluntary. If the animal chooses not to participate in an encounter, we will provide a full refund.
Meet Angel
Meet, interact with, and enjoy photo opportunities with Angel, our Aldabra tortoise! During this unique experience, guests will spend time with one of the largest tortoise species in the world while learning from our expert Animal Care team about Angel, her species, and tortoise conservation.
$25
per person
Non-Passholder
$20
per person
Annual Passholder
About the Experience
Guests will enter the habitat, hear fascinating facts about Aldabra tortoises, and spend time getting to know Angel. If she is feeling social, guests may have the opportunity to give her some gentle neck scratches, one of her favorite things! Feeding opportunities may also be offered during the experience.
Space is limited to ten (10) participants per encounter.
Guests need to arrive at encounter check-in area at least 10 minutes before your scheduled encounter time.
Thanks to our friends at Kegler Family Foundation for helping us bring Tortoise Encounters to life.
Saturdays and Sundays
11 a.m.
Hand sanitizer will be available following the encounter experience.
Weather cancellations: Your encounter can be canceled due to inclement weather as determined by the animal care staff.
Other cancellations: As a working Zoo, there are times when unexpected things arise that require us to make last minute pivots to schedules. As a result, please be aware that encounters can be canceled at any time at the discretion of the animal care staff.
Animal voluntary participation: Animal care staff will follow our husbandry protocols to invite our animals to participate in any encounter, but the animal’s participation is voluntary. If the animal chooses not to participate in an encounter, we will provide a full refund.
Feed a Giraffe
At the Central Florida Zoo, guests of all ages can get up close with our giraffes. You’ll be awed by their size as they reach down to you and stretch a 15-inch long tongue to munch on a nutritious treat right out of your hand!
At this interactive exhibit, you will have the opportunity to meet Gage, Daphne, or Phoebe up close. It’s truly unforgettable!
Daily
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$6
per person (paid onsite)
Non-Passholder
$5
per person (paid onsite)
Annual Passholder
Barnyard Buddies
Stop by and visit with our chickens, goats, harlequin sheep and llama. This hands-on experience allows visitors to get up close with our Barnyard Buddies.
Feeding is available for certain animals in the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Petting Zoo for an additional charge, while supplies last.
Daily
1 – 3 p.m.
While supplies last
$5
per portion
Non-Passholder
$4
per portion
Annual Passholder
