Cool Zoo opening new animal attraction on I-Drive
Sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, alligators, capybaras and more will have a new home on International Drive this fall as Cool Zoo prepares to open its doors.
The company, which has taken animals on the road to an estimated 14 million visitors in the last year, is preparing to welcome guests into a 10,000-square-foot wildlife center full of exhibits — and air conditioning.
“We’ve visited 44 states around the country,” said Jim DeBerry, Cool Zoo Wildlife Center’s president. “Now we have an opportunity to be in Orlando, the mecca for tourism, to reach more individuals in one location rather than traveling.”
This is the first public permanent facility for Cool Zoo, which also has a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary in Louisiana, three crab sanctuaries and a rehabilitation center in Polk County.
“We have animals that are either born at our zoo or another facility. These are animals that can’t go back out to the wild,” DeBerry said. “Some are released through special programs and depending on the state or area.”
Education is always at the forefront of the company’s mission as it seeks to connect people through one-on-one animal encounters, which meet the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Ambassador Animal Guidelines, and interactive exhibits.
“I think it’s critical when the lightbulb hits that these are animals who need to be cared for and these are animals that would be hard to see in their native environment,” DeBerry said. “We have a big heart for animals.”
The new I-Drive facility is slated to open at 6400 International Drive in September with additional experiences such as gemstone mining. General admission costs $15 per person over 24 inches tall. Animal encounters with zoological specialists cost between $10 and $100.
“Our goal is to unite people through the love of wildlife. It’s very important as we have endangered species that individuals may not get a chance to ever learn about,” DeBerry said. “We believe if we can connect people with these animals, they’ll want to contribute by volunteering, learning more and finding ways to make a difference.”
To learn more, visit coolzoo.org.
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