Central Florida Zoo

Rainbow lorikeet

“Rainbow Lorikeet” by Cyndy Sims Parr

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens located in Sanford, Florida is a popular attraction while visiting Orlando. First established as the Sanford Zoo in 1923, was relocated on July 4th, 1975 with over 400 animals to see. Also popular to view especially to the school age groups, is the Massey Services Insect Zoo, if you like bugs you won’t want to miss this, where you can view a large variety of bugs. The Zoo also has one of the largest collections of venomous snakes & non-venomous reptiles in the Southeast in the state of the art Herpetarium. Also inside the Zoo is the Zoom Air Adventure park, opening at 9am with last admission at 4:30pm; weather permitting. You can swim at the Wharton Smith Tropical Splash Ground, which is free for Zoo members and is included in regular Zoo admission. They offer free parking, picnic areas, snack bars and gift shops, child strollers and adult wheelchairs are available for rent as well. You can also purchase annual ride passes where you may ride all year long with the Little Florida coastline train and Animal Carousel, individual rates are also available.