Located in Sanford, FL is a 50 year old Zoo – Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. (The gardens not so interesting this time of year and the Florida drought really is unkind to the plants.) The weather is perfect for strolling the outdoor walkways of the zoo. The park is well done — organized, good signage, and an interesting variety of things to see and do for a small zoo.

The zoo was started because a rhesus monkey was given as a gift to the Elks Club in Sanford which resulted in them starting a zoo in the downtown. Rather than tell you more, a link to the Wikipedia page and this sign below tell is all.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Florida_Zoo_and_Botanical_Gardens?wprov=sfti1

With this as background, we were curious and impressed with the animal variety and the cleanliness as we explored the park. The photos below will give you an idea. Major attractions: rhino, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, Florida black bear, and the school age children were enjoying the Herpetarium. Lots of parents with babies in strollers and toddlers wandering the grounds enjoying the animals.

Gardens and water park (with no water because of the drought).

At the entrance to the zoo’s ticket booth area is a small train. We couldn’t resist, before leaving, taking the 7 minute ride – $5.00 – a bargain.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden – a nice place to enjoy if you are ever in central Florida.