Cool Zoo Wildlife Center

We saw the Zoo Outreach at the Manatee Festival in Crystal River. I was thrilled and loved the experience. My husband was allowed to take several pictures and a video of me holding and petting the most adorable baby Kangaroo. Now, in fairness to the other reviewers, the male in charge was definitely not friendly in the slightest- even too those of us paying. It was only about the $ and not educating the public or conservation etc... He wouldn't even bring the Sloth out until someone paid. I can see how it would alienate people, but I was super excited to get this unusual experience. I came here to swim with Manatee and got to hold a Kangaroo too. I'm not sure why they are so far behind on opening up their location in Orlando, but even with not feeling welcomed, I would definitely do it again for the chance to interact with another unique animal. It does seem that building good will and positive word of mouth would be to their benefit especially when trying to establish a new place in the tourist capital of the South, but he apparently does not feel it's necessary. Maybe there are enough people like me, who don't care about the attitude and are blessed enough to be able to pay for this unexpected experience.

Extremely Rude While attending a show where Cool Zoo had a display, they had signs that were very derogatory. I spoke with the man (certainly not a gentleman) behind the counter. I informed him that I often donate to animal causes and would not be donating to his as I found the signs plastered over his display as rude and uncaring. He got up from his chair, became aggressive and started calling me names. How this organization stays is business is a mystery. I feel for the animals.

I would give them -5 stars if I could. They are at Fan Expo Boston as well. They charged me $40 to meet a finger monkey on opening Sunday and was fine with that especially because they said the prices would be increase after they log into their register. The price never changed for the whole day. I can confirm that the old guy everyone is talking about is extremely rude. Very underhanded tactics. It’s pathetic.

Had a not-so-cool experience at Animal Con this weekend, thanks to the “Cool Zoo.” While most booths were asking for a reasonable $5-$10 donation (or nothing at all) to interact with their animals, the Cool Zoo had the audacity to charge $40. No education, no meaningful interaction, just a rushed 10-second photo op. Spoke to the guy running it for about 30 seconds, and it was clear—he’s the problem. If you’re in Florida and want to support places that actually care about wildlife and educating people, skip this and save your money!

If I could give them a zero I would. We saw these 2 representatives at a public park festival in Ormond Beach today. I asked the girl if I could take a picture of her holding the kangaroo because it was so cute. She said yes as long as we gave a donation. Which is fine no problem. Then I try to take a 2nd picture of the sloth beside her and this guy jumps in front and says no pictures until you give a donation and was extremely rude. I did still give them a donation but half of what I would have and was discussed with his behavior especially. You set up in a public park, during a festival and DEMAND a donation if anyone wants to take a picture. If this is how they run a pop up tent I'd hate to see how they care for their "Zoo".