Aside from sunny weather and delicious food, Orlando is home to quite a menagerie of wildlife. There are some amazing Orlando zoos and animal encounters unique to central Florida that you won’t find anywhere else. Buckle up for a wild ride and keep scrolling to learn more about the animal encounters around Orlando!
At the top of our list of Orlando zoos is Wild Florida! With 85 acres of scenic landscapes and critters big and small, Wild Florida truly places you in an immersive wildlife environment. Roaming freely through the grass, you’ll find over 100 different animals living harmoniously in Orlando. Hop onboard an airboat for a trip through the swamp, or go for four wheels on an excursion in the Safari Park.
3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739
Wild Florida, 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, 34739, Kenansville, FL, United States
This next place on our list of Orlando zoos has the goal of transforming stress into happiness. Alaska Farms uses a secret weapon to provide guests with peace and joy: baby goats. Mini goats are ready to welcome you and your family members to the grounds. Pay a visit to the 10-acres of fun waiting at Alaska Farms. Check out their baby goat yoga for one of the most relaxing and fun animal encounters around Orlando!
Alaska Farms & Co., 9650 Berry Dease Rd, 32825, Orlando, FL, United States
Bring on the baby goats! Wildflower Farm Orlando offers the most adorable encounter in town alongside a plethora of adorable baby goats. Their Party in the Pasture events provide a meet and greet, snuggle session, and feeding with one of these little rascals. Or, for a little mental health booster, their Baby Goat Yoga classes are the perfect pairing of fun and relaxation.
Wildflower Farm, 2218 Carrington Dr, 32807, Orlando, FL, United States
Fly over to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey to enjoy a peaceful experience for the whole family. Learn about America’s many bird species, different wildlife, and varied habitats, all while enjoying the beauty of the retreat’s winged residents. Fierce birds of flight are an exciting part of Orlando zoos, which is why you’ll love the Audubon Center!
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way, 32751, Maitland, FL, United States
The Orlando Cat Cafe is the place “where all the cool cats hang out,” and you could be one of them! Listen to the soothing purrs of adorable, adoptable kitties while you sip on a local cup of Minch Coffee. Of course, these friendly felines are quite popular, so online reservations are highly recommended! Which of the other Orlando zoos on this list lets you cuddle with their animals? These may not be exotic, but cuddling with these cute kitties make for one of the most purrr-fect animal encounters around Orlando!
Orlando Cat Cafe, 532 Cagan Park Ave, 34714, Clermont, FL, United States
Looking for an extra unique option on this list of Orlando zoos? Well, you’re in luck! There’s a zoo not too far away where you can kayak with giraffes! The Brevard Zoo offers some really amazing opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals. The giraffe kayaking excursion is really unique, but if you don’t have your sea legs, no worries! There are tons of other opportunities for you, like feeding lorikeets! Step into the aviary and watch as their tiny Australian parrots land on your arm to snack on seed sticks. Check out their website for more information.
Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, 32940, Melbourne, FL, United States
Who doesn’t love adorable farm animals? Here you can get up close and personal with Nigerian dwarf goats (goals), chickens, and a mini pony! Plus check out their website for events like goat yoga.
2365 Absher Rd, St Cloud, FL 34771-9216, United States
If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in an aquatic paradise, Discovery Cove is the perfect option for you. From swimming with dolphins to snorkeling with fish and ray, this all-inclusive resort offers an unforgettable tropical experience you won’t find anywhere else in Central Florida.
Tickets start at around $199 each, but Florida residents can get a 20% discount! While children under two are free, Discovery Cove prides itself on being the romantic destination for couples. If you have someone special in your life, consider bringing them here for your next celebration!
What would Florida be without its gators? While they may pop up here and there in the Orlando waterways, the toothiest residents in the state reside at Gatorland. From babies (or grunts) to 14-foot giants, dozens of gators call this Breeding Marsh their home. We promise this is going to be one of your favorite Orlando zoos!
Located in Clermont, Lunasea Alpaca Farm is a family owned and operated farm! They offer daily farm tours where you can feed and pet the alpacas, llamas, and even the babies! Tours are scheduled almost every day, but reservations are required. Visit their website to learn more about pricing and reservations!
From giraffes and gators to kitty cats, there’s always room for a wild time when you pop over to one of the Orlando zoos or experience an animal encounter. Which animal are you most excited to see? Snap a picture with a new furry friend and tag us on Instagram @StuffToDoInOrlando! While you’re at it, check out our weekend guide for more things to do in Orlando!