North Florida Wildlife Center in Lamont has been named the No. 2 zoo in Florida in BusinessRate’s 2026 annual benchmark scores.
The ranking placed the Jefferson County nonprofit behind Iguanaland in Punta Gorda. BusinessRate said its scores analyze a business’s Google-review history, including review endurance, quality and recent momentum. North Florida Wildlife Center received a score of 276, three points behind the No. 1 spot.
Founded six years ago, the center says its work centers on wildlife conservation, public education, propagation of rare and endangered species, and habitat restoration. Its resident animal population has grown from about six birds to more than 100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission, guided tours, private VIP tours and select animal encounters are available. Encounter animals include gray foxes Cypress and Willow, ruffed lemurs Saka and Akondro, Sid the sloth, Evie the red kangaroo and King Bumi, a giant anteater.
North Florida Wildlife Center recently completed Phase 2 of its Tropical Treasures aviary complex, according to the center. It also reported that a habitat for additional giant anteaters and capybaras is under construction, while flamingos are planned. The center is at 1386 Cook Road in Lamont.
