Central Florida Zoo Archives - On the Go in MCO

Indigo Bluegrass BBQ at the Central Florida Zoo

The second annual Indigo Bluegrass BBQ at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) will take place on February 11, 2023.

The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at the OCIC, with parking at Cassia Community Center, 29245 Florida Highway 44 in Eustis.

The country casual event will allow guests to get outside and enjoy the sounds of the popular Lake County group, Blackwater Creek Bluegrass Band.

A delicious selection of barbecue favorites will also be served by OakWood Smokehouse & Grill.

During the event, beer will be provided by Wayne Densch, Inc., and wine will also be available.

“This event was so much fun last year that we knew we had to do it again,” said Dr. James Bogan, the director of the OCIC. “It allows guests to get away from everything for a day of great food, great music, and great company. Plus, we couldn’t do the work we do every day without this support. Attendees can help save a species.”

Proceeds from the event support the OCIC’s mission to re-introduce the eastern indigo snake—a threatened species native to the longleaf pine ecosystems of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida that has been affected by habitat loss. The OCIC also works to reintroduce the striped newt.

The OCIC is the only captive breeding facility for the eastern indigo snake with the sole purpose of releasing the offspring into regions where the population has been extirpated.

The group has released more than 300 snakes at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs, Ravines Preserve in Bristol and Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest.

Attendees are asked to park at the Cassia Community Center and will be shuttled to the event site. The sponsor for the event is Publix Super Market Charities.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two and are available here.

Central Florida Zoo Hosts Asian Lantern Festival

One of the most anticipated and beloved holiday events of 2021 is back for another year of magic at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The Zoo today announced that the dazzling displays of Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild will return on select nights from November 18, 2022, to January 15, 2023. And this year, a new name will be up in the light. Publix has been announced as the festival’s presenting sponsor.

Central Florida Zoo Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild Holidays

“This is a cornerstone event for us at the Central Florida Zoo,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “It’s dazzling, fun and educational. It’s a true community event, and partnering with Publix just made sense. We’re excited to have them and thrilled to offer those in Central Florida the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular event again.”

The festival features dozens of larger-than-life, hand-crafted lanterns that are lit by thousands of LED lights, resulting in a gorgeous display of color, light, and sound that celebrates traditional Asian lantern festivals.

The lanterns are situated on a 3/4-mile loop around the Zoo, providing a truly unique take on a holiday lights show that will leave attendees clamoring to come back again and again with friends and family.

This is the third year for the festival, which started in 2019 and was not held in 2020. Last year, almost all nights of the event hit capacity. Nearly all of the lanterns will be new to the festival this year, so past attendees will have plenty to capture their senses.

This is the first year Publix is sponsoring the event.

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild Series coming to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “At Publix, we have a history of caring for our customers, associates and communities. We are excited to sponsor an event for the entire family to enjoy this holiday season.”

The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Central Florida Zoo – Zoo Boo Bash 2022

This October, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be filled with Halloween fun that’s on the wild but mild side!

The fan-favorite Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health, is back and right on time for all the monsters, princesses, and goblins to gather for a wild but not-so-scary Halloween celebration.

This year’s party takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates, October 22-23 and October 29-30.

The family-friendly event will feature treat stations and fun activities. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress their best and show off their costumes.

“Halloween is such a great time to make lasting memories for families,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “The Zoo is already a go-to spot in the community, and we take pride in being able to offer this fun and affordable event that has become a seasonal tradition.”

Zoo Boo Bash is included with Zoo general admission. For the Zoo’s Annual Pass Holders, admission is $5 per person named on the card.

“Orlando Health is thrilled to support the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Zoo Boo Bash for the fifth year in a row. Our team members and their families look forward to this event each year and we value the ongoing partnership with the Zoo in its conservation, education, and community engagement efforts.” said Shawn Molsberger, Senior Vice President, Orlando Health and President, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital.

Guests can purchase tickets online here for guaranteed admission

Central Florida Zoo Fan Favorite Returns

All aboard! Something exciting is coming down the tracks at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The Zoo announced today that it has a new train and that attraction will open in Fall 2022. The community mainstay is currently working to make updates and improvements to the tracks and crossings and is working with state and other independent inspectors for approvals on the attraction.

“The upcoming launch of our new train is one of the biggest announcements I have the honor of making this year,” said Richard E. Glover, Jr., the Zoo’s CEO. “Our train was always a favorite for kids and adults alike, and we’re excited to bring a new train for the community to enjoy.”

The streamliner carries guests on a loop around the Zoo’s property, through some natural Florida landscapes, across realistic railroad crossings and into the train depot near the Zoo’s entrance. The Zoo’s train, called The Champion, was built last year and is a one-quarter scale model of its namesake, an Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner that started providing daily service from New York to Miami in 1939.

Glover said the Central Florida Zoo is able to offer the new train attraction to the public thanks to support it received from several outstanding sponsors, including Wharton-Smith Inc. and VyStar Credit Union.

“We could not be more thankful for their support,” Glover said. “We couldn’t have made this happen without them.”

More details about the train, including an opening date, pricing, and ticketing information, will be available soon.

For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Family Sunsets Return to Central Florida Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ popular all-ages event, Family Sunset at the Zoo, is back, offering everyone a chance to enjoy the community institution in a whole new light.

The event takes place every fourth Friday from May to September. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and comes alive with all sorts of fun until the sun goes down. Family Sunset features music at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, inflatable games, and some of your favorite animals along the shaded boardwalks.

Dates for Family Sunset are as follows:

May 27 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
June 24 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
July 22 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
August 26 – 5p.m. – 8 p.m.
September 23 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The last admission is at 7:30 p.m. for each event. Tickets are $6 per person when purchased online and $8 per person when purchased on-site. The event is separate from daytime admission and is not included for Annual Passholders.

Guests can also bundle and save with the Family 4-Pack for $40, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four regular fountain drinks to fuel the whole family for fun.

Guests can purchase tickets here.

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in MCO and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Central Florida Zoo celebrates Spring

Cute baby animals. Gorgeous, colorful blooms. Growing rays of warm sunshine. The signs of spring are starting to pop up everywhere. At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, that can only mean one thing—Hippity Hop Adventure is just around the corner.

Kids and parents alike will want to hop on over on April 16 for the Zoo’s springtime celebration, Hippity Hop Adventure. The community tradition is presented by VyStar Credit Union.

This year’s Hippity Hop Adventure will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is part of general admission to the Zoo. In addition to all the fun of the Zoo, attendees can enjoy a live DJ, goody bags, and fun activities.

Of course, the main event will be the chance to take photos with the Easter Bunny inside the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center.

“Hippity Hop Adventure is a yearly tradition for many families,” said Stephanie Williams, Zoo director. “We’re thankful to VyStar Credit Union for helping us continue this fun celebration of the season.”

General Admission tickets can be purchased here. This event is a blackout date for Annual Pass Holders, and admission is $5 per person named on the pass during the event.

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Brews Around the Zoo 2022

Brews Around the Zoo, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens fundraiser, will put the FUN in fundraiser on April 9, 2022.

Brews Around the Zoo is one of the Zoo’s biggest benefits, offering attendees the chance to sample more than 30 different craft beers as well as soak up the fun atmosphere. The 2022 event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 9 at the Zoo in Sanford.

Early Access and VIP ticket holders will get in an hour early at 4 p.m. Brews Around the Zoo is presented by Wayne Densch.

“Events like Brews Around the Zoo allow us to do what we do,” said Stephanie Williams, Zoo director. “It’s a win-win. We get to connect with the community through something fun, and we get to raise money to continue our mission of educating people and empowering them to act on behalf of wildlife by sharing these awesome animals.”

In addition to great beer from breweries near and far, Brews Around the Zoo will feature live music, a seltzer station, and wine tastings. Delicious food selections will be available for purchase.

General Admission tickets are $50. For $70, guests can take advantage of exclusive early admission at 4 p.m. Or, for $150, guests can gain VIP status, with access to exclusive cocktails, food offerings, and more.

Tickets are available now at www.centralfloridazoo.org/event/brews/.

Only those 21+ are permitted to attend, and guests must show a valid ID upon entry.

The Zoo will be closed all day April 9 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for event set up. Brews Around the Zoo takes place rain or shine.

For more information about the Central Florida Zoo, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Zoo Boo Bash at the Central Florida Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is always home to animals and family fun, but just in time for the spooky season, things are getting a little WILDER.

Monsters, princesses and animals of all kinds will dust off their Halloween costumes for the fan-favorite Zoo event, Zoo Boo Bash presented by Orlando Health.

“We pride ourselves on the Zoo being the perfect place for family fun every day,” said Stephanie Williams, Zoo Director. “Zoo Boo Bash really embraces that. Parents are always looking for a safe and fun place for their kids to show off their costumes and trick-or-treat, and our partner, Orlando Health, ensures this event always is.”

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates, October 23-24 and October 30-31.

The Zoo will be filled with all treats and no tricks with not-so-scary décor and activities for children of all ages, including trick-or-treating stations around beloved animals. Costumes are encouraged for guests of all ages. Candy will be provided by T-Mobile.

Zoo Boo Bash is included with Zoo admission. For annual passholders, special discounted event admission will be $5 per individual named on the valid annual pass card.

“We are proud to be a sponsor for such a beloved Central Florida event once again this year,” said Shawn Molsberger, president, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital. “With continued increased safety precautions and social distancing, we are excited for another fun event for families across Central Florida to enjoy.”

Guests can purchase tickets online here for guaranteed admission.

For more information, visit http://www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Central Florida Zoo debuts expanded food options

There’s always something new to see at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens—and now there’s something new to taste to fuel those adventures.

The Zoo recently rolled out new food offerings at two locations on the property, as well as the option for mobile ordering.

The Zoo’s main dining concept is now called Graze, located near the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. The menu puts a fresh and fun spin on old favorites, serving up items like The Q Dog—with BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw and onions on an all-beef, deli-style hotdog—and the Ragin’ Cajun Crispy Chicken sandwich—which features hand-dipped crispy chicken, dill pickle chips and Cajun mayo made using a Sanford hot sauce company, Hotter Than El.

The eatery also features vegetarian options such as the Falafel Burger and the Powergrain Bowl with quinoa, edamame, garbanzo beans, fresh cucumber, diced tomato and greens with tzatziki vinaigrette and balsamic drizzle.

Kids choices include the Kids Dog and PB&J, and there are a selection of fries and loaded fries. Concessions are also available near the rhinoceros habitat. The new spot, Swirl, serves up ice cream and other grab-and-go treats for those hot days exploring the Zoo.

In addition to the new menu of fresh and satisfying options, parents can get excited for the option to order on their phones. No more will they have to wait in line with kids who just want to hit the splash pad. Now, parents can kick back in one of the lounge chairs near the splash pad, scan the QR code, and place an order.

“We’re always looking for ways to better serve our guests,” said Dino Ferri, the Zoo’s CEO. “We are excited to provide them both with the convenience and some great new options, and we can’t wait for people to taste for themselves.”

Annual Passholders also receive a discount on food and beverage items at the Zoo.

The new food options come from the Zoo’s partnership with the SSA Group, a hospitality group that facilitates ticketing, culinary and retail options for cultural attractions and experiences. The group is also handling the Zoo’s ticketing system.

For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and to plan your visit, head to www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Celebrate Spring at the Central Florida Zoo

Kids of all ages will want to hop to and get to the Central Florida Zoo on April 3.

The Zoo’s favorite springtime event, Hippity Hop Adventure, is back. The event is presented by VyStar Credit Union.

The springtime celebration will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021, featuring fun for the entire family.

During the festivities, guests can hop along the Egg Trail, where they’ll make Bunny Stops to collect eggs, do crafts and play games. At the end of their egg-cellent adventure, they’ll be able to meet the Easter Bunny himself.

The fun doesn’t stop at the Egg Trail. The Zoo will have music inside the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to enjoy and much more! Entertainment and activities are sponsored by Publix Charities.

“Hippity Hop Adventure is one of our favorite events for family fun at the Zoo,” said Dino Ferri, CEO. “We’re thankful to VyStar Credit Union and Publix Charities for helping us make it possible and look forward to a safe and fun day.”

Guests are encouraged to bring baskets to collect their treats. Face coverings or masks that fully cover the mouth and nose are required for all Zoo guests age 13 and up and are recommended for those 12 and under.

All events and activities are included in Central Florida Zoo admission. Annual Pass blackout dates will apply, and admission for Annual Pass Holders will be $5 per named person on each Annual Pass.

For more information, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Central Florida Zoo’s Zoo Boo Bash 2020

There are typically some pretty WILD sights at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, but this October, it’s going to be downright spooky during Zoo Boo Bash!

Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of all kinds will gear up to celebrate Halloween safely at the fan-favorite Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health.

This year, the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. Zoo Boo Bash is the perfect way for children and families to safely show off those Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat while enjoying the fun of the Zoo.

The Zoo will have plenty of not-so-scary decorations and activities, including trick-or-treat stations in a designated area to ensure social distancing. Costumes are encouraged for all guests and face masks or coverings are required for guests over the age of 13—an easy requirement for many costumes!

Dino Ferri, CEO of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, said they are thrilled to be able to host the event this year.

“At Central Florida Zoo, we’ve always prided ourselves on creating a safe, fun, and educational environment for families,” Ferri said. “With the help of our ongoing partner Orlando Health, we have implemented necessary precautions to hold our wildly popular Halloween event while protecting the health and safety of our guests.”

There will be enhanced safety measures at this year’s event, including limited capacity and date-specific, timed entry. Timed tickets will also be required for trick-or-treating. Annual passholder blackout dates apply; however, tickets to the event are $5 per person named on the passcard.

“Zoo Boo Bash has become an annual tradition for so many families throughout Central Florida and we’re proud to be the presenting sponsor once again,” said Shawn Molsberger, president, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital. “The pandemic has changed how we interact but we want our community to know there are ways to come together safely to have a little fun.”

Guests can purchase tickets online at www.centralfloridazoo.org/zooboo for guaranteed admission.

For more information, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.