Zoo Getting $35 Mil Facelift

ORLANDO-After 10 years of planning and depositing contributions, the 21-acre Central Florida Zoo plans a January start on the first $10.5 million phase of a planned $35 million renovation project at the suburban Sanford, FL site, 30 miles north of Downtown Orlando.

The zoo’s physical size will be increased to 40 acres to accommodate a new 8,900-sf Wayne M. Densch Environmental Education Complex; a 3,000-sf lab to replace a portable building currently housing an education classroom and staff offices; and a modern medical facility to replace the room where animals are medically checked when first brought to the zoo.

Other additions planned are an Asian-like swamp forest featuring Sumatran tigers and orangutans; an entry plaza with retail and a restaurant; Heart of the Zoo relaxation area for visitors; additional parking and improved roads leading to the zoo’s entrance.