Zoos and Wildlife Refuges in Central Florida

If Disney's Animal Kingdom doesn't satisfy your wildlife needs, check out the terrific zoos and wildlife refuges of Central Florida.

Central Florida Zoological Park is your connection to the natural world. The zoo's stated purpose is to provide its visitors with recreation and the opportunity to observe and learn about its unique and interesting animals. The enchanted, tropical world of the Central Florida Zoo offers a relaxing, entertaining and educational experience for the entire family. One of the zoo's most vital roles is to provide a refuge for animal species that are threatened in the wild. By implementing the Species Survival Plans in conjunction with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Central Florida Zoo plays an important part in protecting endangered species, such as the Clouded Leopard, the Grand Cayman Island Rock Iguana and the Aruba Island Rattlesnake. At the Central Florida Zoo, you will find everything from alligators to bald eagles, porcupines to lemurs, all in a beautiful natural setting. At the Zoo-fari Outpost, you are able to feed and pet llamas, goats, cows and zebus. There are plenty of activities and sights set aside just for kids. This outstanding zoological park is located at 3755 N.W. Highway 17-92 at I-4 (Exit 104) in Sanford. Visit the website of the Central Florida Zoo at http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/home.htm.

The Audubon Birds of Prey Center, located in Maitland, Florida, is a special refuge dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured or orphaned birds of prey. The Center handles a large volume of eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks, with more than six hundred and fifty admissions each year. The Audubon Birds of Prey Center is a nationally renowned research institute and "an influential voice in the ongoing fight to save endangered and threatened birds of prey." Providing environmental education programming to over twenty thousand local students, teachers and visitors annually, the Center promotes a culture of conservation towards birds of prey and their natural habitats. Visit The Audubon Birds of Prey Center at their website at http://www.audubonofflorida.org/who_centers_CBOP.html for further information.

The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orlando is dedicated to the four R's - Rescue, Raise, Rehabilitate, and Release. The Refuge rescues Central Florida animal wildlife, taking in more than two thousand animals every year. Although admission is free, donations are very much appreciated (and they are put towards a very worthy cause). Visit the website of The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge at http://www.btn-wildlife.org/.