Archive
West Seminole Boulevard Road Closures
Beginning Monday, March 11, 2019, West Seminole Boulevard will be closed east of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ entrance as part of Sanford’s RiverWalk seawall project. The Zoo, along with Seminole Aerial Adventures, will remain open and maintain regular business hours throughout the construction. “We’re fortunate to be...
Matthew Eldridge
The Importance of Water
World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually by individuals and organizations across the globe. This year’s official theme is “Life below water: for people and planet,” emphasizing our important role in protecting that substance covering over 70% of our earth—water. Central Florida is inland of the famous beaches surrounding this...
Matthew Eldridge
Severe Weather Impacts the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
On Thursday morning, January 24, 2019, severe weather caused damage to trees and property at the Zoo. All animals and staff are safe. What is believed to have been a tornado moved through the Zoo in the early morning hours, causing several broken trees and leaving debris. Most damage was along the entrance road. Our […]
Matthew Eldridge
Boardwalk Replacement and Habitat Upgrades Continue at the Central Florida Zoo
On Monday January 14, 2019, the Zoo will begin its next phase of boardwalk replacement in front of the black-handed spider monkey habitat. The boardwalks from the South American mixed species exhibit to the perching hyacinth macaws will also be impacted throughout this process. Animals may be off habitat at times during the construction, which...
Matthew Eldridge
Cheetahs and the Ultimate Race
Cheetahs and the Ultimate Race Most people recognize cheetahs by their spotted coats, slender bodies and, of course, their speed! As the world’s fastest land mammal, cheetahs can accelerate to a top speed of 70 miles per hour—as fast as a vehicle on the highway! Their long tail is actually flat and can be […]
Matthew Eldridge
We’re Loco for Lemurs
We’re Loco for Lemurs! You probably recognize lemurs and associate them with King Julien and his infamous performance to Move It, Move It! This ring-tailed lemur is a hilarious character from Dreamworks’ franchise film, Madagascar—but did you know there are over one hundred species of these popular primates? Endemic to the...
Matthew Eldridge
Here for a While, Crocodile!
A new face is always exciting at the Zoo but we’re especially proud to be part of the much larger, global conservation efforts. Through a partnership with the Crocodilian Conservation Center of Florida (CCCF), we’ve welcomed Roberta—a seven-foot long Orinoco crocodile! These beastly reptiles are South America’s largest predator, growing up to...
Matthew Eldridge
Everyone’s Wingman
Everyone’s Wingman—Vet Tech Appreciation Week The Zoo is home to over 350 animals and a huge part of ensuring top-quality animal wellness is providing individualized health care. Most people understand a veterinarian’s role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of animals but few recognize the hard work and dedication it takes...
Matthew Eldridge
Awarded 2018 Volunteer Engagement Award for Innovation!
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens received the 2018 Volunteer Engagement Award for Innovation in its volunteer program at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ annual conference during the last week of September in Seattle, Washington. The AZA Volunteer Engagement Award recognizes institutions with outstanding achievement...
Matthew Eldridge
Reptiles—Repelling or Riveting?
R.A.D.! Happy Reptile Awareness Day! If you ask a “non-native” to describe Florida, you’ll probably hear about reptiles, especially ‘gators and crocodiles (Florida is the only place in North America crocodiles can be seen in their natural habitat)! We’re also home to fifty species of snake (only six are venomous), sea turtles,...
Matthew Eldridge
