Orlando is one of the most-loved destinations in the USA. The city is located in Glenn County, California. The city is well known among visitors for offering many fun activities and attractions.
There are so many things you can do in Orlando, from going on a tasting tour of delicious foods to exploring the city’s sky-high buildings. Orlando Wildlife is also a great place to enjoy your day with your whole family.
In this article, I’ve listed some famous zoos in Orlando for you to visit during your trip to Orlando.
10 Famous Wildlife Attractions in Orlando
1. Central Florida Zoo & Botanic Garden
One of Orlando’s best zoos and botanical gardens is the Central Florida Zoo & Botanic Garden. This zoo and botanic garden have more than 150 exotic animals, and around 25 acres of land are covered in native flora. There are also certain species of venomous and non-venomous snakes in this botanical garden’s display exhibitions.
Central Florida Zoo is the perfect destination for the kids to learn about various animals. Also, they will be able to do various adventurous activities with the animals, such as feeding Giraffes, and if you get lucky, you might be able to pet the long-horned rhinos.
Various programs are conducted on the 150+ species of animals, including birds, reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and other groups, to educate the visitors about each of these animal groups.
2. SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a water and marine Zoological Park. This park is just perfect for enjoying your day with your family.
Sky tower, Mako, ice breaker, journey to Atlas, Infinity Falls, Carousel, Kraken, wild Arctic, Manta, and Surf Coaster are some of the rides and attractions of this marine park. This park is not only for kids but also for adults.
SeaWorld offers joyful and entertaining experiences and teaches kids the importance of rescuing animals. You will get the experience of interacting with various marine and sea creatures, such as cute penguins, friendly bottlenose dolphins, and even scary sharks.
3. Smooth water Wildlife Park
Smooth Water Wildlife Park was formed by the Smooth Water Entertainments company in 2016. The wildlife park specializes in Crocodilian Behavior, training, and program creation to enhance conservation and public education.
The park is home to various endangered species, some lush flora and fauna, and Siamese and African crocodiles. The main goal is to educate and provide an exciting learning opportunity to the kids, along with conserving various species.
Various programs are conducted on the 150+ species of animals, including birds, reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and other groups, to educate the visitors about each of these animal groups.
Suppose you are visiting the Smooth Waters Wildlife Park. In that case, you see their conservatory center, where you can participate in various interactive workshops held all day long regarding various ways to preserve the ecosystem.
4. Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is another of the best theme parks. It is operated by Sea World Parks & Entertainment and was founded in 2000. This park is one of the most beautiful parks in Orlando and is located a few miles from the city center.
Discovery Cove is the sister theme park of Sea World Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. You must not miss the chance of aquatic animal encounters and interactions without wearing a scuba suit. You can swim, talk, play, touch bottlenose dolphins, and have fun by interacting with cute otters.
The park also has over 250 tropical birds and 30 other exotic birds. The visitors can feed exotic birds. The visitors can also explore the aviary, beaches, waterfalls, and park on the tropical river.
All the offers or packages are available on Discovery Cove’s official website, and they also have a day resort facility that includes meals, drinks, gear, and other facilities.
5. Jungle Adventure Nature Park & Zoo
Jungle Adventure Nature Park & Zoo is the natural habitat jungle and home of rare Florida panthers, small exotic cats, deer such as white-tailed deer, tropical birds, mammals, reptiles, and other critters.
This zoo is also home to various alligator species, and you can even experience up-close encounters and the feeling of having a young alligator in your arms.
Visitors interested in history must visit the nearby local village known as Native American Village. This is just a perfect place to learn about Orlando’s history and get educational experiences about the earliest race of humans that inhabited the region.
The tickets to the zoo are free for kids under the age of 3, and for further information, you are suggested to check out the Jungle Adventure Natural Park and Zoo’s official website.
6. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
A non-profit organization manages the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This clearwater aquarium aims to rescue, cure, and release marine animals. Additionally, they conduct marine life studies and offer educational programs to their visitors.
Here, you can see various marine animals saved from the oceans by the aquarium team, including dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, North American river otters, pelicans, and many more. You shouldn’t miss out on this aquarium and your kids are going to love the place.
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the largest in the world. Walt Disney Company is the owner and operator of this Zoo theme park. The theme park offers interactive teaching sessions to its visitors about rainforests, African savannas, and Asian Jungles.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is famous for its shows and rides that portray the wonders of the natural world and human bond with nature in a creative and fun way.
The park has a lot to offer visitors you won’t be able to experience on a Safari, expedition in a rainforest, or climbing a mountain. The theme Park is divided into seven different parks. It is the home of more than 200 species and 200 birds. The Oasis, Discovery Island, Asia, Africa, Pandora- The World of Avatar, Rafiki’s Watch, and Dino Land USA are the names of the seven theme parks.
This park will surely provide you and your family with a fun-filled day. You can check their official website for more details.
8. Gatorland
Gatorland is known as “the Alligator Capital of the World” and one of the best gator parks in Orlando. The place is full of alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from small babies to 14-foot giant monsters. In the white gator swamp, you will also see some endangered alligator species, such as white leucistic alligators. Gatorland has the largest collection of this alligator.
This alligator park also has a petting zoo; if you are brave enough, you can try petting the baby alligators. For thrill-loving visitors, they have a free-flight aviary. In this thrilling Screaming Gator Zipline, you will be only feet away from the alligators, gator feeding, and the new stomping Gator Off-Road Adventure.
9. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
Sea Life Orlando Aquarium is located in Icon Park, Orlando. It is Florida’s only 360-degree Ocean tunnel. You can see various ocean creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, octopuses, and horses.
The visitors can also touch a real sea star or sea anemone at the aquarium’s coastal rockpool touch tank. So, don’t just think and check out all of the available Sea Life Orlando Aquarium offers on their official website.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Orlando is a fantastic destination to spend your vacation with your family. The city has much more to offer its visitors, and Orlando’s zoos are one of the best places to enjoy your day. It will fill your day with thrills and joy in the middle of beautiful greenery.
The city boasts many exciting and stunning zoos. I’ve tried to list some of the famous wildlife in Orlando, but there are many more that you should visit.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
