New out-of-this-world lantern display to light up this year’s festival at the Central Florida Zoo SANFORD, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2026) —The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, is reaching for the stars this year with an all-new solar system lantern display, sponsored by Pro-Tech Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to announce Pro-Tech as the sponsor of the new solar system display. A longtime supporter of the Asian Lantern
$10,000 award recognizes Zoo’s dedication to the care and rehabilitation of rescued sloths SANFORD, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2026) — The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been named a 2026NAVC Gives recipient, receiving a $10,000 award from the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) in recognition of the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care efforts supporting 13 sloths that arrived at the Zoo in critical condition earlier this year from Sloth World. The sloths arrived on April 24 in need of significant
A critically endangered Florida panther kitten with a big story is now calling the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens home. Earlier this year, the female kitten was discovered in the wild and closely monitored by biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as part of ongoing panther conservation efforts. At approximately eight weeks old, wildlife experts determined the kitten had been abandoned by her mother and was unable to survive on her own. FWC biologists
Halloween is going wild at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens as Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health Children’s, returns this October. The family-favorite Halloween party returns for three weekends of not-so-scary Halloween fun. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 17-18, 24-25, and October 31. Last admission is at 4 p.m. ALL-NEW THIS YEAR: Zoo Boo Bash will feature special character meet-and-greets throughout the event. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day,
Children ages 5-12 can explore, discover and have fun while learning about some of nature’s most misunderstood animals When: October 10 | 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL 32771 What: This Halloween season, kids can leave the grownups at home and go batty at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens! “Going Batty” Kids Night Out on Saturday, October 10, invites children ages 5-12 to discover the truth behind some of nature’s
As Clermont continues to experience rapid growth, VyStar Credit Union is expanding access to financial services with the opening of its newest branch at 4601 Collina Terrace in Plaza Collina. The new location marks VyStar’s second full-service branch in Lake County and will serve the growing number of families, businesses and communities driving the region’s continued growth. Through its newest branch, VyStar is deepening its investment in Central Florida by providing convenient access to personalized
This Halloween season, curious explorers are invited to grab a flashlight and venture into the darkness during Flashlight Safari: “Myths, Mysteries, and Monsters” at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. This special Halloween-themed Flashlight Safari will take a closer look at the world of cryptozoology — the study of creatures whose existence is rumored but unproven. From skunk apes to sirens, guests will hear the stories, examine the evidence and decide for themselves: Are they real, or just
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens as we close out the Sunset at the Zoo season, celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo reopens the Zoo at 5 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and special cultural experiences until the sun goes down. Last admission is at 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a lively celebration of Hispanic heritage, culture, and community
This holiday season, experience the beauty and tradition of Asian lantern festivals with your family, friends and co-workers at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of light and color, as you and your group stroll along the 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo filled with all-new, larger-than-life handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. This year’s displays will take guests on a
Event to take place select nights Nov. 13, 2026, to Jan. 17, 2027 SANFORD, Fla. (Aug. 4, 2026) — This holiday season, Orlando’s most dazzling tradition will once again illuminate the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The magical displays of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild will return on select nights from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Central Florida’s well-known grocery store, Publix, will also return as the festival’s presenting sponsor. “Each year, Asian Lantern
Get ready for wildly patriotic celebration of 250 years of the United States and the incredible animals that call America home! This Labor Day weekend, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is turning up the fun during Red, White & Indigo: Celebrating Wild America on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The all-new celebration brings together family fun, live entertainment, delicious food and inspiring conservation stories for a day filled with animal adventures. Throughout the day,
Join us at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the fourth Sunset at the Zoo of 2026, as we celebrate the traditions, stories and cultures of Native American & Alaska Native communities. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo reopens the Zoo at 5 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and special cultural experiences until the sun goes down. Last admission is at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature food
One year after capturing hearts after their miracle birth, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is saying goodbye to two very special residents, Anansi and Mahery. The Zoo's two female fosa sisters, born in May 2025, are moving on to another facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), as part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP), marking an exciting next step in helping protect one of the world's most threatened carnivores. Their departure comes after an
Big things are happening at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens—especially if you're the tallest land mammal in the world! The Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two female giraffes from another AZA-accredited facility. Guests can now see the four-year-old female giraffes in the habitat's back area as they settle into their new home under the care of the Zoo's animal experts. Standing at an estimated 13 feet tall, they are little shorter than Gage, the Zoo's male giraffe. Gage will
Summer break may be winding down, but the adventure is far from over at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Families looking to squeeze in fun before settling back into school routines can take advantage of free admission. From Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, kids ages 12 and younger will receive free Zoo admission with the purchase of a paid adult ticket, giving families even more reasons to make unforgettable memories before summer officially comes to an end. The offer is only available at the
The Seminole County Chamber has been named one of three Communications Excellence Best in Show winners by ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, for its ChamberWORKS! video series. Started in 2025, ChamberWORKS! showcased several of the region’s most iconic brands, with Chamber President & CEO Rebekah Arthur spending time working at various jobs at each business. The companies featured were: Pet Rescue by JudyHollerbach’s German RestaurantCentral Florida Zoo & Botanical GardensInBloom
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is excited to announce the arrival of two cougar cubs that are already capturing the hearts of the Zoo’s animal care team. The approximately 10-week-old siblings, one male and one female, arrived at the Zoo from South Dakota after they were found without their mother when they were just two to three weeks old. The cubs were deemed too young to be released back into the wild, so the Zoo was contacted to provide them with a permanent home and the care they need
Music, culture, food and community will come together at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the third Sunset at the Zoo event of 2026. Join us Friday, July 24, as the Zoo celebrates Black & African American heritage, honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black & African American communities through music, art, storytelling, food and interactive experiences. Presented by Orlando Health, Sunset at the Zoo kicks off at 5 p.m. and allows guests to enjoy the Zoo during
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) continues its long-term effort to restore the Eastern indigo snake to its natural habitat with two recent releases in partnership with leading conservation organizations across the region. In late April and early May 2026, conservation teams released a total of 42 juvenile Eastern indigo snakes—21 at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) in the Florida Panhandle on April 28, and
Get ready to meet the G.O.A.T.s!The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is inviting guests to step inside its all-new Barnyard Walkthrough Goat Encounter, where visitors can brush, interact with and get up close to a lively herd of 12 Nigerian dwarf and pygmy goats. The Barnyard Walkthrough Goat Encounter is included with Zoo admission and will be available 1pm-3pm on Saturdays & Sundays beginning June 6 & 7. This hands-on, complimentary goat brushing experience allows guests to enter the
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is turning up the color, music and summertime fun during the second Sunset at the Zoo,presented by Orlando Health with additional support from the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center. On Friday, June 26, celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride during an evening of family-friendly fun, diversity, inclusion and community. Guests can explore the Zoo after hours while enjoying live music and entertainment, festive food trucks and treats, local vendors and interactive
We're sure you saw that the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives named ChamberWORKS as the best communications campaign for chambers. We love telling the stories of the iconic brands of our community and few are as iconic as the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. We know you have heard about how they have stepped up to be heroes, working day and night to try and save more than a dozen sloths. We are so grateful our zoo was able to act to ensure these gentle and adorable creatures
Looking for a Father’s Day gift that’s anything but ordinary? Treat dad to a wildly fun day at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and his ticket is on the house! On Sunday, June 21, fathers and grandfathers will receive free admission to the Zoo with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Families are invited to spend the day exploring incredible animal habitats, enjoying up-close encounters and making memories with the special guy in their life. Tickets are not available
Just a couple of hours ago, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives announced the winners of their annual communications awards. WE WON! ChamberWORKS, our video series showcasing the iconic brands of our community, was named the best communications campaign in the United States among chambers of our size. From the judges: "This campaign stood out for transforming traditional member spotlights into authentic, entertaining storytelling that showcased the people and work behind local
Guests can beat the heat this summer at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens as the Zoo transitions to new summer operating hours beginning Monday, June 1. The Zoo will now be open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to enjoy cooler morning temperatures while strolling along shaded boardwalks, exploring animal habitats, botanical gardens, animal encounters and the splash pad. Guests can also cool off inside while visiting the herpetarium or experience the indoor VR
Proceeds support the Zoo’s mission through animal care, conservation work, education programs and future growth When: Saturday, June 13 | 6-9:30 p.m. Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Wayne Densch Discovery Center & Courtyard What: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is turning back the clock for one unforgettable night of disco fever, dancing and dazzling ‘70s style as it celebrates 50 years at its current location with the Zoodio 50 Disco Party. Guests are invited to
ooking for a unique summer experience without the scorching daytime temperatures? Discoverthe Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens when the sun goes down during Flashlight Safari, presented by Verizon. Join us on June 20 and experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at night during this exciting nocturnal adventure featuring a guided flashlight tour. The evening begins with check-in at 7:30 p.m. inside the Discovery Center, where guestswill have the opportunity to get up close with
A favorite Central Florida summer event is back at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for more fun and adventure! Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Orlando Health, returns bringing after-hours adventure, culture and community vibes to your summer nights. The Zoo’s popular event takes place on the fourth Friday of every month from May to September. This beloved summer tradition offers guests of all ages the chance to experience the Zoo after hours, with extra time to explore, enjoy themed
Get ready to celebrate the planet in a big way! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is throwing a Party for the Planet – the ultimate celebration of wildlife, nature and community. Part of a global conservation celebration led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Party for the Planet connects guests of all ages with meaningful actions they can take to protect animals and wild places both locally and around the world. Guests can meet conservation organizations, learn about ways
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has accepted the donation of 13 sloths, giving the animals the best possible chance for long-term survival under expert care. The sloths are currently in quarantine, where they are being assessed by the Zoo’s veterinary team. They will remain in quarantine for at least 30 days, with their nutrition and overall health closely monitored by professional animal care staff and medical teams. The sloths – both Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is celebrating the incredible moms and grandmas in our lives with a wild day of fun, for free! On Sunday, May 10th, the Zoo is offering them free admission with the purchase of a paid admission. Enjoy a day of wild adventures, animal encounters, lush botanical gardens and make this Mother’s Day unforgettable! Plus, the Zoo is open until 5 p.m. on weekends through Memorial Day so that’s an extra hour of adventure. Tickets must be purchased at the gate
A wild day at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens just became one of the best deals in town for seniors! The Zoo is rolling out a special weekday discount, inviting seniors to enjoy the Zoo at half the price. From Monday, April 13 through Friday, May 22, seniors can receive 50% off admission on weekdays. Tickets must be purchased at the gate to claim the discount. Valid I.D. is also required. The Zoo is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it an ideal outing for seniors to enjoy
Keep the adventure going even longer at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, thanks to extended weekend hours this spring! The Zoo is extending its weekend hours starting April 4 through May, opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The expanded schedule also includes Memorial Day, giving guests even more time to enjoy a full day of animal encounters, outdoor adventure and wild fun. Guests can also take advantage of an all-new experience at the Zoo. Zoo Insider Tours offer
Hop into Spring at the Central Florida Zoo’s Hippity Hop Adventure! Annual event to take place April 4 with all-new experiences including “Plush Animal Vet Check” When: Saturday, April 4 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL 32771 What: It’s time to hop on over to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for an egg-citing time! The Zoo’s annual springtime celebration, Hippity Hop Adventure will
VyStar Credit Union today celebrated the opening of its new Hamlin branch at 5026 Hamlin Groves Trail in Winter Garden’s Hamlin Town Center located within the rapidly growing Horizon West master‑planned community. The branch marks VyStar’s fifth full‑service location in Orange County and strengthens the credit union’s commitment to serving Central Florida families and businesses. “Central Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, and Hamlin is at the center of that
Your Spring break plans just got wilder! The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is extending its hours so families can enjoy even more time exploring wildlife and nature. From Friday, March 13 through Saturday, March 21, the Zoo will offer Spring Break Extra Hours, staying open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That’s an extra hour to experience everything the Zoo has to offer, including scenic pathways, wildlife from around the world, the splashpad and more! Spring Break at the Zoo offers a great
It’s time to hop on over to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for an egg-citing time! The Zoo’s annual springtime celebration, Hippity Hop Adventure will be held on Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last entry is at 3:15 p.m. The egg-stra special event is a wonderful way for families to come together and celebrate the season. Guests will enjoy themed features including conservation-friendly treat stations, a Zoo-wide scavenger hunt and a DJ dance party on the splashpad. Plus, the
Experience the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens like never before! Starting February 14, guests can get the inside scoop with the launch of Zoo Insider Tours. These all-new guided experiences bring guests closer to everything they love about the Zoo and the stories they don’t hear on a typical visit. The unscripted, interactive tours are led by knowledgeable Zoo staff and volunteers, and take small groups of up to 10 guests on a customized journey through the Zoo, where no two tours are
Gift the wildest ticket in town this holiday season! Tickets are now on sale for The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Brews Around the Zoo and this year, there’s even more to toast. The beloved craft beer and beverage festival has traditionally been a one-night-only celebration, but due to popular demand, it’s going wild with a brand-new daytime session. The favorite adults-only event is expanding to two days of fun for 2026 featuring craft beers, live music and wild encounters. The
While parents are planning date nights and searching for Valentine’s Day reservations, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has the perfect solution for families. On Saturday, February 14, the Zoo is hosting a special Valentine’s-themed Kids Night Out! Designed exclusively for children ages 5–12, this four-hour, supervised drop-off program gives parents a stress-free night out and gives kids a wildly fun Valentine celebration of their own. The Wild About You! evening kicks off at 6:30
Due to popular demand, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is giving adults an extra night to experience the glow—without the kids. The Zoo has added an additional adults-only night to its Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix on January 6, offering guests 18 and older an after-hours evening filled with illuminated wonder. The festival delivers a one-of-a-kind nighttime atmosphere designed for date nights, friend outings and anyone looking for a unique way to kick off
Gift the wildest ticket in town this holiday season! Tickets are now on sale for The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Brews Around the Zoo and this year, there’s even more to toast. The beloved craft beer and beverage festival has traditionally been a one-night-only celebration, but due to popular demand, it’s going wild with a brand-new daytime session. The favorite adults-only event is expanding to two days of fun for 2026 featuring craft beers, live music and wild encounters. The
Why wait until midnight to celebrate? Light up your New Year’s Eve with a unique twist at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. On Wednesday, December 31, in addition to its general hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Zoo will open for special hours from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a magical evening filled with color, music and festive fun. It’s the perfect way for families, especially those with smaller kids, to start off the
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is making wild adventures more accessible for families across Central Florida. The Zoo is now a proud participant in Museums for All, a nationwide initiative that expands access to quality museum and cultural experiences for individuals and families receiving SNAP benefits. Guests who present a valid SNAP EBT card will receive reduced daytime General Admission of just $4 per person to the Zoo, opening the gates to unforgettable animal encounters, lush
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is inviting everyone to share in the magic of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. On December 3, 2025 and January 13, 2026, the festival will offer special sensory nights. The accommodations will include reduced lights and sound levels, offering an accessible experience for everyone. Two guest entry times will be offered – 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Final entry at 7:30 p.m. “At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, we are
One of Central Florida’s most beloved holiday traditions is back and brighter than ever! The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, is now open at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, dazzling guests with all-new, larger-than-life, hand-constructed lantern displays. This holiday season, guests will step into a magical world of ocean-inspired landscapes and mythical creatures as they stroll the 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo, from graceful ice dragons and unicorns to a new
Next time you visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, you can take a moment to enjoy not only the beauty but the healing power of nature. The Zoo officially opened its newly renovated Wellness Garden, sponsored by AdventHealth, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, where visitors can experience the natural connection between plants, health and well-being. “We’re grateful to AdventHealth for partnering with us to renovate our Wellness Garden; a space where learning and wellness grow
The popular dragon lantern is making its grand return at this year’s Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to announce Pro-Tech Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric is the sponsor of the popular dragon lantern. “The dragon lantern has become a true centerpiece of the Asian Lantern Festival, and we’re thrilled to have Pro-Tech back to help bring it to life in an exciting new way this year,” said CEO Richard E. Glover Jr.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is proud to honor the military community by offering free admission to all veterans and active military members Nov. 8-11. The annual tradition celebrates those who have served and continue to serve our country. Veterans can also take advantage of a buy-one-get-one offer for up to six tickets (three purchased, three free) to make memories with family and friends Nov. 8-11. The offer is valid for all active duty and current guard/reserves as well as
One of Central Florida’s most dazzling holiday traditions is back at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens—and now’s the best time to grab your tickets! Guests who make their reservations now for the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix, can save big. From October 1–31, general admission tickets are just $24 each or $78 for a Family 4-Pack—a savings of more than 18 percent. Annual Passholders save even more with presale pricing at $20 per ticket or $70 for a Family
his holiday season, experience the beauty and tradition of Asian lantern festivals with your family, friends or co-workers at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens highly popular Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, presented by Publix! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of light and color, as you and your group stroll along the 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo filled with all-new, larger-than-life handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. This year’s dazzling event