Zoos in Florida

Brevard Zoo

• What is the focus of Brevard Zoo?
  • Brevard Zoo focuses on conservation through participation and education, allowing visitors to engage with wildlife in meaningful ways.
• When did Brevard Zoo open?
  • The zoo opened in March 1994 following a major community fundraising effort led by a dedicated group of individuals.
• Is there an alternative to walking around the zoo?
  • If some members of your group do not feel up to walking, they can take the train around the zoo to see all the exhibits.
• What unique experiences does Brevard Zoo offer?
  • Visitors can kayak around the zoo for a unique experience or feed animals, including giraffes and birds in the aviary.
• What animal encounters are available?
  • Those wanting to get up close with animals can enjoy:
    • Rhino Encounter
    • Lemur Rendezvous
    • Wild Encounter Tour
• What themed areas can visitors explore?
  • Animals are spread throughout different zones, including:
    • Paws on Play
    • Wild Florida
    • Caribbean Trail
    • Expedition Africa
    • La Selva
    • Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond
• What other activities are available at Brevard Zoo?
  • Visitors can enjoy more adventurous options, such as:
    • Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures
    • Keeper chats to learn about various animals

8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL, Phone: 321-254-9453, Map

Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary

• What is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary?
  • Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit animal sanctuary established in 2005 to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for local and exotic wildlife, primarily Big Cats, in Sarasota County.
• What types of animals live at the sanctuary?
  • Many of the animals are former pets that outgrew their welcome and require a forever home where they can live comfortably for the rest of their lives.
• How does the sanctuary raise funds for animal care?
  • To support the animals, the center encourages visitors to visit the sanctuary and attend various fundraising events that help provide for their upkeep.
• What animals can visitors see at the sanctuary?
  • Animal ambassadors include:
    • Tigers
    • Foxes
    • Sloths
    • Lemurs
    • Wolves
• Are special animal encounters available?
  • Yes, visitors may book special one-on-one animal encounters with some of the animals for a more interactive experience.

7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34232, 941 371 6377, Map

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

• What is the history of the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens?
  • The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens dates back to 1923, officially earning its botanical garden status in 2007.
• How many animals are in the zoo?
  • The zoo is home to more than 400 different animals, representing over 200 different species.
• What conservation efforts does the zoo participate in?
  • The zoo features a conservation facility designed to propagate the Eastern Indigo Snake, helping protect and sustain this species.
• What types of animals can visitors see?
  • The zoo houses a wide range of species, including:
    • Amphibians
    • Invertebrates
    • Birds
    • Mammals
    • Reptiles
    Visitors can see animals such as scorpions, endangered Indian rhinos, Florida black bears, and American alligators.
• Are there interactive animal experiences?
  • Yes! Visitors can enhance their experience at the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, where they can interact with and feed farm animals.
• What special encounters and activities are available?
  • Guests can participate in:
    • Daily keeper chats to learn about various species
    • Giraffe Feeding
    • Rhinoceros Encounters
    • Miniature Train Rides
    • Animal Carousel for kids
• What other attractions are available for kids and families?
  • Families can enjoy:
    • Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground for kids to cool off
    • Aerial Adventure Course for an adrenaline rush
    • Bungee Bounce and Wow Balls for fun activities

3755 W. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL, Phone: 407-323-4450 Map

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• What is Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the Disney parks in Orlando, focusing on connecting with animals while incorporating Disney’s signature storytelling and magic.
• What unique animal experiences are available?
  • For a behind-the-scenes experience, visitors can book special tours such as:
    • Caring for the Giants – an inside look at elephant care
    • Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience – a private safari tour
    • Wild Africa Trek – an immersive African wildlife adventure
    • Up Close with the Rhinos – a special rhino encounter
• What types of animals can visitors see?
  • Throughout the park, visitors will find a variety of animals, including:
    • African animals – rhinos, elephants, hippos, lions, invertebrates, gorillas, giraffes, okapis
    • Asian animals
    • Animals on Discovery Island
    • Horses and butterflies
    • Birds, including migratory species
• What animal encounters and shows are available?
  • Visitors can enjoy experiences such as:
    • Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
    • Live shows inspired by Disney movies, such as The Lion King and Finding Nemo
• What attractions and rides are available?
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom features an extensive list of attractions, including:
    • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
    • Kilimanjaro Safaris
    • Na’vi River Journey
    • Kali River Rapids
• How can visitors explore the entire park?
  • To see it all, guests can take the Wildlife Express Train, which connects different areas of the park.
• What is Pandora – The World of Avatar?
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom includes a special section dedicated to Avatar, known as Pandora, offering an immersive experience in the world of the Na’vi.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL, Phone: 407-939-5277

You have to see this adorable video of Hippos at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Gatorland, Florida

• What is Gatorland?
  • Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park in Florida, known as the "Alligator Capital of the World."
• What types of animals can visitors see at Gatorland?
  • Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as:
    • Florida panthers
    • Tortoises
    • Exotic birds
    • Snakes
    • Other reptiles and wildlife
• What unique attractions and experiences does Gatorland offer?
  • Visitors can enjoy:
    • Gator Jumparoo Show – Watch alligators leap for food
    • Alligator Breeding Marsh – View hundreds of gators in their natural habitat
    • Screamin’ Gator Zip Line – Soar over alligator-infested waters
    • Adventure Hour – Get up close to giant alligators
    • Trainer-for-a-Day Program – Hands-on experience with reptiles
• Can visitors interact with the animals?
  • Yes! Gatorland offers hands-on experiences such as:
    • Alligator feeding
    • Meet-a-Gator encounters
    • Petting zoo with smaller animals
    • Photo opportunities with alligators
• What activities are available for thrill-seekers?
  • Adventurous visitors can enjoy:
    • Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure – A wild, swampy ride
    • Screamin’ Gator Zip Line – A thrilling ride over alligators
    • Night Shine Tour – See alligators glowing at night
• Is Gatorland suitable for families?
  • Yes! The park has family-friendly attractions, including:
    • Gator Gully Splash Park – A fun water play area
    • Educational animal shows
    • Accessible walkways for strollers and wheelchairs

Gatorland , 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL, Phone: 407-855-5496

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

• What is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?
  • The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 117-acre zoo and botanical garden in Jacksonville, Florida, home to over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species.
• What types of animals can visitors see?
  • The zoo features a wide variety of animals, including:
    • African elephants
    • Lions and tigers
    • Giraffes and zebras
    • Gorillas and monkeys
    • Flamingos and exotic birds
    • Alligators and reptiles
• What are some unique exhibits?
  • The zoo has several themed exhibits, including:
    • Land of the Tiger – Features Malayan and Sumatran tigers.
    • Giraffe Overlook – Allows visitors to feed giraffes.
    • Great Apes Loop – Home to gorillas and bonobos.
    • Wild Florida – Showcases native Florida wildlife.
    • African Forest – Features elephants, rhinos, and exotic birds.
    • River Quest – A scenic boat ride through wetlands.
• Are there interactive experiences for visitors?
  • Yes! The zoo offers several interactive experiences, including:
    • Giraffe feeding
    • Stingray Bay – A touch pool with stingrays.
    • Wildlife carousel for kids.
    • Zoo Train – A fun way to explore the park.
• What gardens are part of the Jacksonville Zoo?
  • The zoo includes several beautiful gardens, such as:
    • Savanna Blooms Garden
    • Riverview Gardens
    • Asian Bamboo Garden
    • Wild Florida Botanical Trail
• Where is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens located?
  • 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 32218
    Phone: (904) 757-4463

370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL, Phone: 904-757-4463, Map

Lion Country Safari

• What is Lion Country Safari?
  • Lion Country Safari is Florida’s only drive-through safari park, offering visitors the chance to see animals in a more natural habitat rather than in traditional zoo enclosures.
• How many animals are at Lion Country Safari?
  • The park features more than 1,000 animals, including a variety of exotic and native species.
• What animal experiences are available?
  • Visitors can enjoy:
    • Drive-through safari – See animals roaming freely.
    • Walk-through amusement park with animal exhibits.
    • Animal feeding experiences – Interact with select animals.
    • Petting zoo – Let kids interact with sheep and goats.
• What conservation efforts does Lion Country Safari support?
  • The park aims to be a leader in education, conservation, and animal care, providing safe and enriching environments for its animals.
• What boat and paddle experiences are available?
  • Visitors can take a Safari Queen boat ride to learn about spider monkeys and siamangs or use paddleboats to navigate the waters themselves.
• Are there water attractions at Lion Country Safari?
  • Yes! The park includes several water attractions, such as:
    • Water spray ground – A fun place to cool off.
    • Safari Plunge water slide.
    • Safari Splash – Features 23 interactive water functions.
• What non-animal attractions are available?
  • Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
    • Miniature golf
    • Carousel
    • Train ride
    • Maze
    • Flying Elephant Ride
• What is included with admission?
  • Every admission includes:
    • Entry to both the walk-through amusement park and drive-through safari.
    • Most amenities, including four to six shows or presentations daily.

Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL, Phone: 561-793-1084

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

• What is the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens?
  • Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a nationally-accredited zoo and non-profit charitable institution dedicated to education and conservation.
• What can visitors experience at the zoo?
  • Visitors can walk along paved paths covering nearly a mile, passing by gorgeous animals surrounded by tropical plants.
• What is special about the gardens at the zoo?
  • The exotic plants make up a historic garden that began in 1919, creating a beautiful and unique setting for the zoo.
• What animals can visitors see at Naples Zoo?
  • Guests can admire a variety of animals, including:
    • Bears
    • Pythons
    • Monkeys
    • Lions
    • Giraffes
    • And many more!
• How does the Naples Zoo contribute to conservation?
  • The zoo reaches over 350,000 guests annually with its mission of education and conservation. It also supports global conservation by:
    • Planting more than 25,000 trees each year in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
    • Donating over $1 million since 2015 to help protect wildlife worldwide.
• What special experiences can visitors participate in?
  • Visitors can take part in unique experiences such as:
    • Giraffe Feeding – A chance to feed and interact with giraffes.
    • Daily Shows and Keeper Talks – Special programs where animals make appearances and interact with keepers.
    • Reptile Rendezvous
    • Seated Safari
    • Meet the Keeper sessions.
• What special events does the Naples Zoo host?
  • The zoo offers seasonal and annual events, including:
    • ZOObilee
    • Zoo Gala
    • Various festivals and celebrations

1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL, Phone: 239-262-5409, Map

Palm Beach Zoo

• What is the history of the Palm Beach Zoo?
  • The Palm Beach Zoo has a history spanning over 50 years, evolving from a small collection of barnyard animals to a zoo housing more than 500 animals.
• What is the mission of the Palm Beach Zoo?
  • The zoo aims to inspire people to take action on behalf of the natural world and wildlife. It focuses on:
    • Supporting conservation initiatives
    • Providing education
    • Endangered species propagation
    • Committing to sustainable business practices
• Are there up-close animal experiences available?
  • Yes! Visitors can book special encounters with:
    • Sloths
    • Aldabra tortoises
    • Capybaras
    • Giant anteaters
    • Koalas
    • Flamingos
• What rides and attractions are available?
  • Guests can enjoy fun experiences, such as:
    • Safari Train
    • Wildlife Carousel
• What daily shows and talks does the Palm Beach Zoo offer?
  • The zoo hosts 11 daily shows and educational programs, including:
    • Wings Over Water
    • Wild Things
    • Howler Monkey Talks
    • Animal feedings and other interactive experiences
• Are there activities for kids?
  • Yes! Families can enjoy:
    • Play Fountain – A great way for kids to cool off on hot days.
    • Nature Play Pavilion – A fun and interactive space for children.

1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL, Phone: 561-547-9453, Map