Picture it. You and your family are enjoying a fun-filled day at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. After playing a while in the splash pad, you take on the shaded boardwalks, coming face-to-face with our endearing Mexican spider monkeys. While there, one of our dedicated zookeepers tells you their story.
Later, you stop by to see Ella and Guignard, our magnificent Florida black bears, who have a similar tale of being taken illegally from the wild.
These stories deeply move you, and you’re left wondering what actions you can take to make a difference. How can you contribute?
This is the impact we hope for with every Zoo guest on each visit. After all, our mission is to foster connections that motivate people to take action for wildlife.
As a nonprofit organization, the Zoo relies on individuals like you to fulfill that mission. Fortunately, there are several ways you can become involved at the Zoo! Continue reading to learn more.
Donate
Every time you purchase a ticket and visit us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, you make a difference! But, if you want to take that further, donations help us tremendously when it comes to funding programming, creating learning opportunities, caring for our animals and spreading our conservation message. These tax-deductible donations directly support our efforts to feed, care for and protect our planet’s animals while educating people right here in Central Florida. If you’re looking to create a lasting legacy, we certainly welcome that, too! We offer easy ways to make a memorial, tribute or planned gift.
Volunteer
At the Central Florida Zoo, there are so many ways to lend a helping hand…literally. We provide volunteer opportunities beginning at the age 13, from our fun Teen Team to volunteer opportunities tailored for recipients of Bright Futures Scholarships. For adults, we offer a Zoo Interpreter program, a Docent program and our Zoo Crew, each with different responsibilities and commitments to fit a variety of skills and schedules. We also offer chances for groups and corporate entities to volunteer. For offsite adventures, volunteers 18 and older can lend their services to the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation in Lake County to work with snake conservation. There’s a way for everyone to make a difference, be part of our Zoo crew and maybe learn something, too!
Adopt an animal
Each Zoo visit often leads to the discovery of a favorite animal. You might even find yourself wishing you could take one home! For those who form a special connection with our animals, we offer a way for you to symbolically adopt an animal and be part of its care. The proceeds from the adoption contribute to feeding and caring for your animal, as well as enrichment. Adoption packages make great gifts and bring meaning to your donation, and you receive benefits like photos of your adopted animal, a personalized adoption certificate, keeper notes and a stuffed animal.
Become a partner
Did you know that your company can earn year-long recognition and public awareness as a Zoo Partner? Sponsoring the Central Florida Zoo is a great way to build brand awareness and loyalty while also giving back to the community, especially if your company has a heart for animals and education like we do. There are many ways to sponsor the Zoo, like special events, community outreach, education programs, and conservation initiatives. You can even let us host your next corporate event so your guests can enjoy the beautiful view and access to Lake Monroe and Downtown Sanford. We’d love to work up the perfect partnership for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information, visit our webpage here.
Get an Annual Pass
Yes, making a BIG difference is that easy! If you love the Zoo and want to support our mission, consider making it official with an Annual Pass. Not only will you get to visit any time you like, you’ll also be first in line for special events like our amazing Asian Lantern Festival, get a variety of great discounts, and receive some reciprocal benefits at other arts and culture facilities. We love and appreciate our Annual Passholders, as their contribution and year-long support means we can further our mission. We offer the ability to gift passes, too! Check that out here.
At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden, we cannot express how grateful we are for the support from our community, no matter what that looks like. After all, we’re here for you…and there is No Zoo Without You.
We look forward to many years to come educating Central Florida about wildlife and moving conservation forward. Want to help? We hope this blog has inspired you. You can learn more about all the ways you can help here.
