[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.7.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A day trip to the zoo is an exciting adventure for both adults and kids!<\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Animal-Kingdom-in-Orlando-at-Disney-World-1.jpg” alt=”Animal Kingdom in Orlando at Disney World – 1″ title_text=”Animal Kingdom in Orlando at Disney World – 1″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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!<\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span>Learn more about Animal Kingdom<\/span><\/a> and the seven themed areas: Africa, Asia, DinoLand USA, Discovery Island, Oasis, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Central-Florida-Zoo-Ring-Tailed-Lemurs-2.jpg” alt=”Central Florida Zoo – Ring-Tailed Lemurs – 2″ title_text=”Central Florida Zoo – Ring-Tailed Lemurs – 2″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many people are surprised that there is no zoo in central Orlando<\/a> \u2014 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Brevard-Zoo-Kayaking-Experience-3.jpg” alt=”Brevard Zoo Kayaking Experience – 3″ title_text=”Brevard Zoo Kayaking Experience – 3″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n Other experiences at Brevard Zoo<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Audubon-Center-for-Birds-of-Prey-Bald-Eagle-4.jpg” alt=”Audubon Center for Birds of Prey – Bald Eagle – 4″ title_text=”Audubon Center for Birds of Prey – Bald Eagle – 4″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This center focuses explicitly on the conservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey! Audubon<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Back-to-Nature-Wildlife-Refuge-in-Orlando-Bobcats.jpg” alt=”Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando – Bobcats” title_text=”Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando – Bobcats” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n As well to the animals living there<\/a>, they also have numerous educational tours and events. Something is always available, from family holiday events to dinner and shows.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/The-CARE-Foundation-Monkey-in-Orlando-FL-Tufted-Capuchin-6.jpg” alt=”The CARE Foundation – Monkey in Orlando FL – Tufted Capuchin – 6″ title_text=”The CARE Foundation – Monkey in Orlando FL – Tufted Capuchin – 6″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The CARE Foundation is a rescue center for exotic animals. Operating as a not-for-profit, it provides a home to over 200 creatures<\/a> that cannot be released back into the wild. Think bears, big cats, reptiles, and monkeys!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Reptile-World-Serpentarium-Orlando-Cottonmouth-7.jpg” alt=”Reptile World Serpentarium – Orlando – Cottonmouth – 7″ title_text=”Reptile World Serpentarium – Orlando – Cottonmouth – 7″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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<\/a> for anyone unlucky enough to get bitten. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Showcase-of-Citrus-Safari-Ride-and-Petting-Zoo-in-Orlando-8.jpg” alt=”Showcase of Citrus – Safari Ride and Petting Zoo in Orlando – 8″ title_text=”Showcase of Citrus – Safari Ride and Petting Zoo in Orlando – 8″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Showcase of Citrus<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Wild-Florida-Orlando-Airboat-Rides-9.jpg” alt=”Wild Florida Orlando Airboat Rides – 9″ title_text=”Wild Florida Orlando Airboat Rides – 9″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wild Florida<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/myvillakey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Gatorland-in-Orlando-Florida-Alligator-10.jpg” alt=”Gatorland in Orlando Florida Alligator – 10″ title_text=”Gatorland in Orlando Florida Alligator – 10″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#ed782f” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#93272C” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#191F27″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n1) Animal Kingdom at Disney World<\/strong><\/h2>\n
2) Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/h2>\n
3) Brevard Zoo<\/h2>\n
4) Audubon Center for Birds of Prey<\/h2>\n
5) Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge<\/h2>\n
6) The CARE Foundation<\/h2>\n
7) Reptile World Serpentarium<\/h2>\n
8) Showcase of Citrus: Petting Zoo & More<\/h2>\n
9) Wild Florida<\/h2>\n
10) Gatorland<\/h2>\n