The Zoo closed on September 28 to prepare for Hurricane Ian, and due to damages and storm water levels, the Zoo will reopened on October 26. Hurricane Nicole hit the Zoo on November 10 with less damage, but still a major loss in revenue.
Storm waters flooded the only road in and out of the Zoo off Seminole Blvd., covering the road at its height with two feet of water. As a result, the road has been and continues to be impassable for passenger vehicles. The rate the storm water recedes will determine when the road is safe for travelers again and when we are able to reopen. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter to see updates about our reopening as we have them.
Throughout our closure, our dedicated staff has been onsite daily making sure all of the animals are safe and receiving excellent care and enrichment. It’s taken some creativity, a lot of hard work, and some very helpful partners to make that happen, but we will always make the wellness of our animals the top priority.
The Zoo has sustained substantial damage as a result of Hurricane Ian and its aftermath. Though we are temporarily closed and not earning revenue, the considerable expenses of operating the facility and taking care of and feeding the animals remain. Thus, in addition to the damages the Zoo’s losses have continued to mount every day since we closed on September 28th.
Please consider a donation to help the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens recover from damage and losses sustained from the effects of Hurricane Ian.
As a private nonprofit, the zoo is dependent on the generous support of donors and revenue derived from guests’ visits and purchases.
Your support can help us recover from the extended closure and damages we have suffered as a result of Hurricane Ian.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization that has been a part of the Central Florida community since the early 1920’s and has been in its current location since 1975. Throughout the region we have helped to create memories for so many families in Central Florida during a visit to the Zoo, an education program, a special event, an outreach program or connecting through our social media.
These opportunities for learning and making memories are only possible through the generous and continued support of our community.
A donation to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will provide critical funding that is crucial for ongoing and new programming, new habitats and more. The Zoo remains committed to providing exceptional animal care, engaging programming, a safe environment for guests, and experiences that excite and inspire adults and children to learn and act on behalf of wildlife.
Your tax-deductible gift will be put to immediate use to help care for our animals and to enhance your experience, as well as the many guests who visit each year. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and support!
Thank you for your support!
AmazonSmile:
If you shop online you can support the Zoo through AmazonSmile by linking to your regular Amazon account!
When you shop AmazonSmile and select the Central Florida Zoological Society as your charity, a portion of the eligible purchase price will be donated to support conservation and education programs at the Zoo.
Amazon Wish List:
Gift a gift to the animals! Visit the Zoo’s Amazon Wish List to find items selected by our animal care team!
Cryptocurrency
Donate to the Zoo with cryptocurrency!
Don’t forget—one of the best and most simple ways you can help the Zoo is to spread the word! Follow, like, and share our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Tell your friends, family members, and co-workers about the Zoo and encourage them to support us, too!
