Animal attractions outside of Disney?

[dreamscometrue47]

Husband loves animals. We are visiting Animal Kingdom (his fave), the aquarium at the seas at Epcot, and having breakfast at Boma and exploring the Savanah at the resort. Any other spots close by, like within an hour drive? No Gatorland, no sea world as we did it last year. Thanks in advance.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Would recommend Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland. I'd make an even stronger recommendation for Giraffe Ranch, Dade City. SWR is probably and hour or less away, while GR is maybe 90 minutes. Both have web sites, so you can determine if it might be of interest. We've been to both, and the experiences have been really good.

 

[Mle8308]

There's Zoo Tampa (formerly Lowry Park), it is a little over an hour away. It is an AZA accredited zoo, it was also featured on the TV show "Secrets of the Zoo" (Nat Geo).

 

[hrhdhd]

https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/

Central FL Zoo in Sanford.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

There's Zoo Tampa (formerly Lowry Park), it is a little over an hour away. It is an AZA accredited zoo, it was also featured on the TV show "Secrets of the Zoo" (Nat Geo).

There's Zoo Tampa (formerly Lowry Park), it is a little over an hour away. It is an AZA accredited zoo, it was also featured on the TV show "Secrets of the Zoo" (Nat Geo).

Thank you! We are heading to Tampa after our Orlando weeks.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

If you're heading to Tampa, another experience we'd recommend that may or may not be of interest. The manatee viewing area at the Big Bend Power Plant outside of Tampa. Depending on the time of year, there can be hundreds of adult and young manatees hanging out in the water there. A very interesting stop.

 

[vakamalua]

Love Zoo Tampa! Do not miss the Shoebill Birds!

 

[hertamaniac]

About 1-1/2 hour drive from AK is Homossasa Springs State Park. It's a great park for seeing various animals including underwater viewing of manatees. It's a nice boat ride from the parking lot to the actual park/zoo.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/p...chiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park

 

[OP95]

Surprised no one has mentioned this yet but highly recommend discovery cove!

 

[hrhdhd]

Surprised no one has mentioned this yet but highly recommend discovery cove!

The OP said, "no sea world as we did it last year." Discovery Cove is part of Sea World.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

Showcase of Citrus in Clermont has open air monster truck rides that you can see a variety of animals from. The zebras were our favorite.

 

[Lewisc]

Doesn't Bush Gardens still have animals?