The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens sits just north of Orlando in Sanford, Florida, tucked along the shores of Lake Monroe. What began in 1923 as the small Sanford Municipal Zoo, stocked with animals donated by the local fire department, grew into a full-fledged AZA-accredited facility after relocating to its current 116-acre site on July 4, 1975. Seminole County’s donation of the land made the move possible, and the zoo has expanded steadily ever since.
Today the zoo is home to several hundred animals representing well over 100 species, including Amur leopards, a greater one-horned Indian rhinoceros, cheetahs, and Masai giraffes. It draws about 300,000 visitors annually and has held AZA accreditation since 1986, reflecting its ongoing role in conservation programs for endangered species like the Indian rhino and the eastern indigo snake.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Sanford, Florida
- Opened: 1923 (current site since July 4, 1975)
- Size: 116 acres
- Species/Animal Count: Several hundred animals, over 100 species
- Annual Visitors: About 300,000
- Famous For: Giraffe feedings, rhino encounters, and the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground
What to See and Do
Visitors can get hands-on with giraffe feeding experiences and a rhino encounter with PJ, the zoo’s greater one-horned Indian rhino, ride the Little Florida Railroad, or cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground during warmer months. The Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center and ZooLab, which opened in 2005, give guests a closer look at smaller animals through hands-on exhibits, and the zoo also hosts its seasonal Asian Lantern Festival each fall and winter.
Conservation and Accreditation
The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1986, a status that requires meeting strict standards for animal care and conservation work. It participates in Species Survival Plans for endangered animals including the Indian rhinoceros and clouded leopard, partners with Florida wildlife agencies on amphibian monitoring, and runs an offsite breeding program for the threatened eastern indigo snake.
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Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens FAQs
Where is the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens located?
It’s in Sanford, Florida, just north of Orlando along Lake Monroe.
How big is the Central Florida Zoo?
The zoo covers 116 acres and has been at its current site since July 4, 1975.
Does the Central Florida Zoo have elephants?
No. The zoo’s last Asian elephant, Maude, was transferred to Zoo Miami, and elephants are not part of the current animal collection.
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Photo: Zrowny / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.