Before I start my Blog would like you to check out an event in Mt. Dora next Sat. and Sun:
– The Sanford Zoo relocated to new facilities on the shores of Lake Monroe in downtown Sanford. Visitors enjoyed watching playful spider monkeys on ‘Monkey Island’ and lion vocalizations could be heard throughout downtown Sanford. Sanford City Hall presently occupies this corner site.
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/history/
It was just a couple of years ago that I went to Sanford (FL)
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Park
now let’s get this straight:
A ZOO is a facility with usually indoor and outdoor settings where living, typically wild animals are kept especially for public exhibition— called also zooological garden, zoological park
While A BOTANICAL GARDEN is a garden often with greenhouses for the culture, study, and exhibition of special plants
Thanks Webstter
Anyway It had been years since my last visit when I finally returned to the park and I was happily surprised by the lovely park that awaited me. I have gave back several timers since and even brought a Meetup Group there.
Oh and one of the reason I continue my efforts is that every time I visit when I talk to other guest so many of them look around and say how much they like it—but most of them tell me it’s the first time I’ve ever came here and for that alone I decided to feature the zoo on my blog so others could enjoy their FIRST TIME EVER there as well. And I want more people to say that and even more to come back for repeat adventures
– With the support from a group of dedicated citizens, and the donation of a 106-acre piece of land from Seminole County, the Central Florida Zoological Park opened at its current location along Lake Monroe, with Jack Hanna as Director.
and YES they have air adventures: https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/attractions/saa/
Rides
Little Florida Coastline Train —. When I was there the train was being repaired
Animal Carousel
Rides are located at the entrance to the Central Florida Zoo, near the Admissions Window.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday – Friday / 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekends
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/attractions/rides/
Open daily 9:00 AM to 5 PM
Parking is free
Last ticket sold at 4:15 pm, last entry into the Zoo at 4:30 pm.
For information on admissions and other helpful items:
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/visit/admission-hours/
Annual Zoo Membership Benefits
- FREE admission to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens throughout the year.*
- Bring a guest to the Zoo for just $10.
- 10% discount on purchases of $5 or more in the ZOOfari Outpost Gift Shop.
- Discount on Birthday Parties at the Zoo.
- 10% discount on regular admission at Seminole Aerial Adventures.
- Discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums in the United States.
- Save on selected special events as well as education programs.
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/visit/admission-hours/annual-pass/
– The first animal hospital was constructed on Zoo property that included an operating room and laboratory.
This is the description for my last zoo picture—check it out.
You may want to ask what exactly are these decorations all over and why am I seeing them
and no it’s not all decor—there is much of the natural
and there—are lots of live creatures to see including lizards and snakes in the Reptiles House including that mushy looking guy here
– The Reptile House was reconstructed and opens with 45 venomous and non-venomous snakes, lizards and amphibians.
This sign pretty much describes the main direction of it all
What is the Asian Lantern Festival?
The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is the only event in Central Florida celebrating the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals celebrated throughout Asia for centuries. This inaugural event was created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China.
So the picture you’re seeing here is part of the transformation and part of the 30 large illuminated sculptures of everything from animals, to plants as well as traditional Chinese elements. In addition to these beautiful illuminations there are local foods and beverages, live music and artisan crafts.
While I was there I met a lovely Chinese lady and her children and she was explaining to me how the Dragon which tends to be evil and dangerous in our culture, in her country is considered a very good creature and a bringer of good luck and good life.
For more information including cost:
The Asian Lantern Festival is a separately ticketed event and is not included with regular Zoo
admission.
Check here
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Asian-Lantern-Festival-FAQ-1.pdf
– The Central Florida Zoo becomes an accredited member of the American Zoo & Aquariums Association, today now known as the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).
and there’s even more to do this Holiday Season:
WILD ART & WINE
We’ve been inspired by the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, happening right here at the Zoo!
Join us Tuesday, December 10 for Wild Art & Wine. You’ll see the lanterns along the entry path* to the Zoo and we’ll be painting a gorgeous canvas themed around these gorgeous elements while meeting animals up-close, drinking wine, and enjoying hors-d’oeuvres.
*Tickets to the Asian Lantern Festival are not included or required for this event.
Food, wine, and art supplies are included.
Must be 21 or older to attend.
Time:
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited so register today!
For prices and more info:
And how about Feeding the giraffes
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/attractions/giraffe-feeding/
– The Animal Adventure Petting Zoo opened.
so may great things—and creatures to see both the slow moving
and the fast resting
– A network of elevated boardwalks was constructed providing visitors enhanced viewing of animals and better access for those in strollers and wheelchairs.
come and see those that fly
and those that pace
– The Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center and ZOOLab open. The buildings feature classroom and hands-on instructional space, as well as a multi-purpose banquet room for available for private meeting and event rentals.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I love the zoo and I’d like you to come for a visit and see if you agree with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m not getting any payment for this—I went with a friend recently and was reminded how much I enjoy it and wanted to share that enjoyment—in a place that is restful and yet fun—where you can do all manner of thing or just set and watch your favorite animal or bird or reptile wander about.
– The Zoo officially announces its botanical garden status and becomes the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The same year, the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground opens to the delight of visitors of all ages.
Gardens throughout the Zoo
Butterfly Garden
Health and Wellness Garden
Browse Collection
Spines, Thorns and Prickles Garden
Bromeliad Collection
Fern Collection
2011
– Two hundred volunteers show up at the Zoo to help build a KaBOOM children’s playground in one day. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
My favorite event of the day was when we sat at the enclosed seats above the rhino—who was cooling off in a pool of water at his enclosure—-a mom and her little boy came by and he looked down and made a very good assumption and told his mom to look at the hippo—she corrected him telling him it was a rhino—but you could tell from the look on his face he hadn’t corrected her out of respect–after all it’s not rhino’s that spend their time submerged in water….life can be confusing can’t it!!!!!
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/attractions/rhinoceros-encounters/
– The Zoo receives a young mated pair of clouded leopards to continue our breeding success as part of AZA’s Species Survival Plan program. A new home is built for our North American River Otter pair, featuring a guest viewing panel.
– Jahi and PJ, two young male Indian greater one-horned rhinos, become part of the Zoo’s animal collection.
– Giraffes become part of the animal collection at the Zoo for the first time. Giraffe feedings are offered and volunteer Giraffe Ambassador assist guests in learning more about these amazing animals.
– The Zoo unveils an interactive educational habitat, featuring two young Florida Black Bears!
