Owned and operated by the Central Florida Zoological Society, a private non-profit charitable organization, the zoo provides recreational and educational opportunities to nearly 250,000 guests annually. First established at the Sanford Zoo in 1933 with a collection of donated animals held by the Sanford Fire Department, the zoo was in danger or closing in 1971 when the city announced it was planning to dispose of its animal collection. The group provides much-needed volunteer and financial support to sustain the mission of the zoo. The Endangered Species Learning Safari tour delves more deeply into the problems being experienced by a high percentage of species on the planet. The reasons why animals are threatened or endangered are discussed, as well as the role that zoos play in the breeding of these species.
Emphasis is placed on the preservation of habitats and how all individuals can help.
The integrated curriculum was developed by zoo staff members and Seminole County school teachers. Woodall Publications Corp. All copy and images.