A day trip to the zoo is an exciting adventure for both adults and kids! When you’re looking for something a little different than the typical theme park day or popular attractions like Icon Park, you may want to consider getting in touch with nature during your stay in Orlando!
There are numerous animal, wildlife, and outdoor parks for you to visit in and around Orlando. Read on for the 10 best zoos in Orlando you must see while you’re here:
1) Animal Kingdom at Disney World
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is a celebration of all things living! While this is one of Walt Disney World’s theme parks in Orlando, you’ll find attractions like the Kilimanjaro Safaris that will take you outside to explore the savannah. There’s even the Maharajah Jungle Trek, a self-guided journey through trails where you will see reptiles, tigers, birds, and more!
As we’re sure you already know, this park is more than just a “zoo”! You can go on rides, meet your favorite Disney characters and dine in top-notch restaurants. Learn more about Animal Kingdom and the seven themed areas: Africa, Asia, DinoLand USA, Discovery Island, Oasis, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
2) Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Many people are surprised that there is no zoo in central Orlando — however, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden is just a short drive north of downtown Orlando! Within its walls are over 100 different animal species and even more specimens of flora and fauna.
Animals residing at the zoo run the gamut; they range from exotic and endangered species such as the Indian rhino to local creatures. Snakes and insects sit alongside cheeky monkeys and black bears within their enclosures.
3) Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo is a different kind of attraction, priding itself on being a “small zoo that does big things!” You get a different, more personalized feel in this intimate animal sanctuary. Be sure to take the kayak trip for a very reasonable $10 where you can float down the river past grazing herds of cattle and giraffes. If you don’t want to travel on water, they also have a train experience to take you around the zoo. How cool is that?
Other experiences at Brevard Zoo include giraffe feedings, rhino encounters, lorikeet and cockatiel feedings, a lagoon where you can swim with sheepshead and stingrays, along with a tree climbing adventure!
4) Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
This center focuses explicitly on the conservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey! Audubon uses science to guide its research, measuring ecosystem health in the Florida area. This data is vital to maintaining their survival and is used to protect any land and water areas that may harm these fantastic creatures.
Their preservation efforts include a focus on raptor conservation! The Bald Eagle was actually removed from the federal endangered species list and this state’s imperiled species list, so their rehabilitation program is more critical than ever. You can even adopt your own Bald Eagle if you would like to!
5) Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit organization focusing on animal rehabilitation in Orlando! They estimate that the refuge rehabilitates 4,000 animals annually in the Florida area. No animal is turned away, and any that cannot be released back into their natural habitat become permanent residents at the park.
As well to the animals living there, they also have numerous educational tours and events. Something is always available, from family holiday events to dinner and shows.
6) The CARE Foundation
The CARE Foundation is a rescue center for exotic animals. Operating as a not-for-profit, it provides a home to over 200 creatures that cannot be released back into the wild. Think bears, big cats, reptiles, and monkeys!
As well as viewing its many full-time residents, you can participate in a plethora of educational experiences! They have community and public education resources, guided tours, and corporate presentations available.
7) Reptile World Serpentarium
Over 80 species of snake, iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, and lizards are waiting to greet you at Reptile World Serpentarium! It is a very hands-on experience. You can hold snakes, feed turtles and baby gators, or watch the snakes having lunch.
Twice daily, the park has a Venom Extraction Show where cobras, rattlesnakes, and coral snakes have their poison removed. All of the extracted venom is used by scientists in production of anti-venom for anyone unlucky enough to get bitten.
8) Showcase of Citrus: Petting Zoo & More
The Showcase of Citrus offers a unique take on animal encounters! Known as Florida’s fresh air attraction, it is a working farm with an attached petting zoo. However, it offers a lot more, allowing you to pick your own citrus, visit an active gem mine, and even take a monster truck tour!
9) Wild Florida
Wild Florida is located in the headwaters of the everglades, making it the perfect way to see the state’s natural beauty! It has an alligator park that houses over 200 local and exotic animals. Panthers, bobcats, lemurs, white tailed deer and porcupines all call it home.
Airboat rides and even a drive-thru safari are part of the attraction. Gator shows happen throughout the day with a boardwalk and children’s play area, allowing your kiddos to burn off some energy.
10) Gatorland
Gatorland prides itself on being the alligator capital of the world! More than 2,000 gators live in the park. Crocs, birds, cats, and snakes also make this spot their full-time residence. One of the most spectacular sights is the rare leucistic alligators in the white gator swamp. You can also visit the hatchlings and watch live gator shows. If you feel adventurous, take the zipline over the fearsome reptiles themselves!
Visiting Zoos in Orlando
Now you know the zoos in Orlando, you can schedule them into your travel itinerary! Getting them all in may not be possible, but you can pick and choose the best ones based on what interests you the most.
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