Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Central Florida Zoo

[ZooApollo]

@ZooApollo, I don’t know if this entirely true, but I suspect the zoo’s servals are ambassador animals; hence, the reason why they are never on-show.

Can confirm

 

[ZooApollo]

Does anyone have any images of the zoo from the 1970s-1999?

 

[ZooApollo]

Apologies for the 3rd reply in a row. Construction is happening around the crocodilian exhibit and the herpitarium.

 

[ZooApollo]

Construction has wrapped up around the crocodile and american alligator exhibit, however, more construction has begun on the other side of the herpetarium. To get to it, you'll need to go around the crocodile monitor and rock iguana exhibits.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Construction has wrapped up around the crocodile and american alligator exhibit, however, more construction has begun on the other side of the herpetarium. To get to it, you'll need to go around the crocodile monitor and rock iguana exhibits.

Can you give a brief overview what exactly has now been completed and for which exact species and all was finalised? Thanks for giving us slightly more information.

 

[ZooApollo]

Can you give a brief overview what exactly has now been completed and for which exact species and all was finalised? Thanks for giving us slightly more information.

They were just redoing the walkways, they've gotten really old and I think they might have been rotting.

 

[ZooApollo]

PJ, the Zoo's Indian Greater One-horned rhinoceros, will be moving to Buffalo Zoo on September 22nd. Rhino Encounters will take place until August 31st.

Central Florida Zoo on Instagram: "Big changes are coming for PJ the rhino! This September, PJ will head to his new home at the Buffalo Zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan®. This important conservation program helps endangered animals like the greater one-horned rhino, and PJ is going to do what he was born to do: help grow the rhino population and pass on his valuable genetics. We’ll miss him, but we’re excited for his next chapter. Here’s how you can be part of his journey: The final Rhino Encounters with PJ will take place through August 31. If you've ever wanted to meet him up close, now’s your chance. Book now on our website. Join us for World Rhino Day on September 20 to celebrate PJ with enrichment, keeper chats, and rhino-sized fun before he heads north on September 22. Let’s send him off with love and lots of great memories. PJ’s future is looking wildly bright. Learn more about World Rhino Day thru the link in our bio. . . . #centralfloridazoo #RhinoConservation #SSPProgram #PJTheRhino #WorldRhinoDay"

 

[Austin the Sengi]

While PJ will surely be missed once he departs (myself included). I am also more than excited for a new rhino to eventually take his place as one of the zoo’s most popular animals!

 

[SwampDonkey]

While PJ will surely be missed once he departs (myself included). I am also more than excited for a new rhino to eventually take his place as one of the zoo’s most popular animals!

Is there any information that another rhino is coming in? It's the most likely scenario, but I haven't seen confirmation of that.

Honestly, I would rather see something smaller there, it's not a great habitat IMO.

 

[Austin the Sengi]

@SwampDonkey, I can’t share any further information on the subject; however, I can say that they’re committed to remain as a non-breeding holder.

Furthermore, while the exhibit itself isn’t anything too special. I’d argue it’s decently adequate for one rhinoceros.

 

[ZooApollo]

Is there any information that another rhino is coming in? It's the most likely scenario, but I haven't seen confirmation of that.

Honestly, I would rather see something smaller there, it's not a great habitat IMO.

I cannot confirm or deny this.

 

[SwampDonkey]

@SwampDonkey, I can’t share any further information on the subject; however, I can say that they’re committed to remain as a non-breeding holder.

Furthermore, while the exhibit itself isn’t anything too special. I’d argue it’s decently adequate for one rhinoceros.

Thanks I agree, it is adequate for one rhino, I have seen worse rhino exhibits.

 

[Jambo]

Is there any information that another rhino is coming in? It's the most likely scenario, but I haven't seen confirmation of that.

Honestly, I would rather see something smaller there, it's not a great habitat IMO.

It was mentioned in the Indian Rhino population thread by a few members that the plan is for five year old bull 'Gronk' at Zoo Tampa to transfer across as his replacement.

 

[King of Komodo Dragons]

2 Fossa kits were born, and are being hand reared!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=801545755774070

 

[Austin the Sengi]

Additionally, both of the fossa pups are female and were born on May 10th to first-time parents (1.0) Malala and (0.1) Alina!

 

[Austin the Sengi]

From the Zoo’s Instagram, the previously-mentioned fossa pups now have names!

Both of them were named Anansi and Mahery, and can now be seen by the public at this very moment.

 

[Austin the Sengi]

Recently, the zoo announced on their socials that (1.0) Boone, their 15-year old cougar had passed away in his sleep.

With his passing, the zoo is no longer a current holder of the species.

 

[ZooApollo]

Recently, the zoo announced on their socials that (1.0) Boone, their 15-year old cougar had passed away in his sleep.

With his passing, the zoo is no longer a current holder of the species.

It's unfortunate, he had an aggressive form of cancer that spread

 

[ZooApollo]

PJ the Rhino is staying for a little longer, the zoo states that the crate was too small. It is unknown if this is 100% the case. Rhino Encounters will resume on October 17th.

Central Florida Zoo on Instagram: "Ever packed up for a move and realized halfway through… the box is too small? Yeah, same. PJ was all set to move to his new home up north, but it turns out his travel crate wasn’t quite long enough for one very majestic (large) rhino. So while we wait for a new, PJ-sized crate to arrive, he’ll be staying right here with us for one more Florida winter. That also means Rhino Encounters with PJ will return October 17! Come meet him up-close as early as this weekend by visiting the site in our bio! . . . #ZooExperiences #PJTheRhino #CentralFloridaZoo #ZooLife #AnimalEncounters"

 

[Smaggledagle]

Other Mid-2025 News Not Mentioned:

Spoiler: Captive Breeding / Release + Domestic News

On March 4th, the zoo announced they bred and released 282 striped newts (as well as helped release a further 362 newts) into the wilds of Florida. On July 8th, the zoo announced they bred and released another 170 striped newts into the wilds of Florida.

Central Florida Zoo's OCIC, partners release over 600 striped newts in Northern Florida - Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
170 striped newts released in Northern Florida - Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

On May 2nd, the zoo announced they bred and released 42 eastern indigo snakes into the wilds of Florida, via their Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation facility.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

On August 5th, the zoo announced their (1m.0) alpaca named Jake passed away at 13.5 years due to age-related issues.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

On August 9th, the zoo announced they acquired 5 Nigerian Dwarf goats named Benson/Boone, Ferguson, Nick, Schmidt, and Winston, respectively, which are on exhibit.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

On August 6th, the zoo announced they built a new feeding platform in front of the Masai giraffe exhibit.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

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On November 6th, the zoo reopened the Health and Wellness Garden to the public after it was closed for renovations.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens opens newly renovated Wellness Garden, sponsored by AdventHealth - Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens