The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens cares for over 400 animals, representing over 100 species; many of them are rare or endangered. For example, visitors can see the three giraffes male giraffes, Emba, Gage, and Rafiki, and learn about them from the Giraffe Ambassadors. Guests can also check out the family of cotton-top tamarins or pet goats, llama, and alpaca in the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo. Everybody can get close to and feel one of the world’s largest land animals during an encounter with the greater one-horned rhino PJ.

The plant lovers are invited to visit a variety of destination gardens, including Butterfly, Health & Wellness, Succulent, Spiny Plant, and Wildflower Gardens. The entire Zoo is surrounded by lush, tropical foliage, including native vegetation and cultivars from around the world. Children can spend some quality time in the News 13 Children’s Garden. Other attractions at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens include the Kaboom! Playground and Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground; both included with general Zoo admission. Guests can also enjoy face painting on the weekends, carousel, and the Little Florida Train for an additional charge.