We had often seen signs for Sanford Zoo and finally last September 2006 we had the chance to visit it. On the day we visited it was an exceptionally hot day which may not have been a good choice as there is not much indoor cover but we found just by taking it slowly and plenty of cool drinks and ice creams we were fine.
First of all it was only about $10 entrance fee and about half of that for a child-so again another reasonable day out for mum, dad and a couple of kids.
Make an early start though as the zoo closes at 5pm as it is about an hour away exit 104 on the I4 north and you don’t want to rush through it. . It is actually situated just alongside Lake Monroe and in the floodplain of the St John river in part of a swamp- which has leant itself to some spectacular vegetation and they have spent the last couple of years developing the horticultural side of the zoo and its environment.
The zoo has been in it’s present location; for over 30 years since it’s humble origins in downtown Sanford where it began as a refuge for animals rescued by the Sanford Fire Dept and it very much is continuing to grow as new animals and attractions are added. New for this year is lovely shiny, red and yellow train called Champ offering rides around the park between 10am and 4pm for a small charge. There is also an animal carousel with a small charge to ride.
Also they have a very lively programme of special events throughout the calendar , storytimes, Australian Day, Pachyderm party, casino nights, breakfast with Santa to mention just a few and there’s a brand . new water splash children’s area to be opened in the summer of 2007 which will be perfect for my little grandson’s next visit in September-so I shall make a note of that.
I think it’s a lovely day out for families with small children. It’s a nice gentle day. The animals appear to be well cared for and they have a good mix from elephants down to insects and it’s obvious that they are continuing to develop the attraction. Bigger, more sophisticated children may not appreciate as much as the littler ones I don’t know. They might find it interesting to attend some of the special event days or might enjoy reading the names on the planks on the planks of wood that make up the boardwalk and are available for sponsorship. The best thing really-is to along and give it a try!
First of all it was only about $10 entrance fee and about half of that for a child-so again another reasonable day out for mum, dad and a couple of kids.
Make an early start though as the zoo closes at 5pm as it is about an hour away exit 104 on the I4 north and you don’t want to rush through it. . It is actually situated just alongside Lake Monroe and in the floodplain of the St John river in part of a swamp- which has leant itself to some spectacular vegetation and they have spent the last couple of years developing the horticultural side of the zoo and its environment.
The zoo has been in it’s present location; for over 30 years since it’s humble origins in downtown Sanford where it began as a refuge for animals rescued by the Sanford Fire Dept and it very much is continuing to grow as new animals and attractions are added. New for this year is lovely shiny, red and yellow train called Champ offering rides around the park between 10am and 4pm for a small charge. There is also an animal carousel with a small charge to ride.
Also they have a very lively programme of special events throughout the calendar , storytimes, Australian Day, Pachyderm party, casino nights, breakfast with Santa to mention just a few and there’s a brand . new water splash children’s area to be opened in the summer of 2007 which will be perfect for my little grandson’s next visit in September-so I shall make a note of that.
I think it’s a lovely day out for families with small children. It’s a nice gentle day. The animals appear to be well cared for and they have a good mix from elephants down to insects and it’s obvious that they are continuing to develop the attraction. Bigger, more sophisticated children may not appreciate as much as the littler ones I don’t know. They might find it interesting to attend some of the special event days or might enjoy reading the names on the planks on the planks of wood that make up the boardwalk and are available for sponsorship. The best thing really-is to along and give it a try!