Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

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Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Discover something new! Experience more than 100 acres of award-winning exhibits and gardens.
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10/31/2024

No tricks, just treats! 🧡🎃 Goober and our other animal friends are here to wish you a spooktacular Halloween!

10/29/2024

In honor of Veteran's Day, all military veterans and active-duty service members are invited to reserve one (1) free General Admission ticket valid on Monday, November 11, 2024. Tickets must be reserved online, in advance.

Military or Veteran ID required and will be verified upon entrance. Offer not valid for dependents. Offer not combinable with Total Experience tickets or Kids Free November. Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis and are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

Veteran's Day tickets ➡️ https://shop.jacksonvillezoo.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=programs&c=vetday2024

10/28/2024

🎃 Looking for Halloween plans? It’s the final four nights of our 37th annual Spooktacular! From enchanting characters to spine-tingling thrills, there’s Halloween fun for the whole family. Plus, join us this Wednesday for our Tim Burton-Inspired Costume Contest and channel your favorite character—prizes await the most creative, spooky and stylish costumes! 👻

🎟️ Buy your tickets in advance and save $5 per ticket. Combo tickets are available for early access to the park at 3 p.m. before the nighttime festivities begin. Grab yours now before the Halloween magic fades away at https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular!

Photos by John Reed

10/27/2024

Join us for Toast to Conservation – Friday, November 8! 🌿🥂

Celebrate global conservation with an inspiring evening featuring Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, National Geographic Explorer At Large! Enjoy a cocktail hour, elegant dinner and exciting live auction, all supporting critical conservation initiatives worldwide.

📅 Date: Friday, November 8
📍 Location: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

With over $1.25 million dedicated to protecting species and ecosystems, your support makes a difference. Secure your tickets now at https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/toast

10/26/2024

Today, we are celebrating Primate Forest Day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! 🦍💚

At the Zoo, we believe every animal deserves to feel safe and confident during their veterinary care. Our voluntary training program for primates focuses on creating a stress-free environment, ensuring they are comfortable with medical exams and procedures.

Benefits of Voluntary Positive Reinforcement Training:
✅ Reduces anxiety and stress during vet visits
✅ Encourages positive interactions with caregivers
✅ Enhances overall well-being and health of the animal

By using gentle, positive reinforcement techniques, we empower our primates to take an active role in their own care. Together, we create a calmer experience for both animals and staff!

Stop by Primate Forest today to learn more about our incredible primates and the bonds we share!

10/25/2024

Kids are free this November! In partnership with Visit Jacksonville, admission is free for up to 5 children (under 12) per paid adult all month long during Kids Free November ❤️

10/23/2024

We’re happy to share that the apes have been doing well! Our dedicated Animal Health and Care teams have been closely monitoring their health, and we are cautiously optimistic about their status regarding Shigella. While we continue to take all necessary precautions, we’re grateful for the support and understanding from our community during this time. ❤

Photo by John Reed

10/22/2024

Calling all fans of the strange and unusual! 💚💜

Join us for a Spooktacular Tim Burton-Inspired Costume Contest on Wednesday, October 30! Whether you’re channeling your inner Wednesday Addams or summoning the mischief of Beetlejuice, this is your night to shine. Dress to impress for a chance to win prizes for the most creative, spooky and stylish looks. From gothic queens to ghostly ghouls, we can’t wait to see what you bring! 👻

Visit https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular for more information on how to register! (Please note: Registration is required to participate)

10/22/2024

MEMBERS: Get ready for an unforgettable 21+ evening that blends creativity, conservation and a penguin encounter like no other! 🐧🎨 Enjoy drinks, light appetizers and all the painting supplies you need to create a one-of-a-kind artwork, featuring the artistic touch of our Magellanic penguins. Plus, a portion of each ticket is donated to penguin conservation.

Learn more ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/painting-with-penguins

10/21/2024

SAVE THE DATE: Colors of the Wild is returning this November! 🏮✨

Step into a captivating world where artistry and nature intertwine with over 1,200 glowing lanterns! Join us for an unforgettable journey as the Zoo and Gardens transform into a magical wonderland filled with vibrant colors and enchanting light.

From towering cherry blossoms to Florida panthers and manatees, each lantern tells a story connecting wildlife, culture and conservation. Don't miss this dazzling event—stay tuned for details coming soon on our website and social media channels! 🌸

10/20/2024

🌙 After Dark Adventures: Experience the Zoo Like Never Before! 🌙

Ever wondered what the Zoo is like after the sun sets? Now’s your chance! 🔦🌿 Join us for After Dark Adventures and embark on a thrilling nocturnal journey.

Enjoy a guided night hike, where you’ll uncover secrets of the wild and hear the captivating sounds of the night. Plus, grab your sleeping bag for a Safari Sleepover—a unique overnight experience where you can spend the night surrounded by nature and wildlife! This experience is tailored for all groups.

Book your spot now for a night of unforgettable memories. 🗓️ Visit https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/after-dark-adventures for more information!

10/18/2024

Fall is in full bloom at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! 🍂🌺 This week, we’re celebrating the vibrant colors of nature with Flaming Torch Bromeliad in the Range of the Jaguar, Asakura Camellia in the Asian Bamboo Garden and Bolo Bolo Plant in Savanna Blooms. Come see these stunning fall flowers in person!

10/17/2024

Celebrate our commitment to protecting threatened animals, plants and ecosystems around the globe at this year's Toast to Conservation featuring Dr. Nalini Nadkarni!

Dr. Nadkarni is a National Geographic Explorer At Large, the highest distinction within the organization. She pioneered canopy access techniques to study the plants, animals and microbes that live in the treetops. She interweaves her research on rainforest canopies with innovative public engagement. A contributor to 150 scientific papers and books, she has cast new insights on the importance of canopy plants in ecosystem processes and the effects of human activities on forest diversity and function. Her work is featured in numerous academic journals and in public media.

Our wildlife conservation programs include organizations locally and globally which we have dedicated over $1.25 million to within the past five years. By joining us, you can play a part in saving incredible and irreplaceable species worldwide.

Get your tickets now ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/toast

10/14/2024

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week🎉 This week, we’re celebrating our incredible vet techs! Their dedication and expertise ensure that every animal at the Zoo receives exceptional care. From assisting with medical treatments to providing support, they play a vital role in keeping our animals healthy and happy.

10/14/2024

Calling all young professionals! Join us for an exciting evening at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as we kick off our brand new Young Professionals Group.

📅 Date: October 24
🕔 Time: 5:00 p.m. (Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m.)

Connect with fellow young leaders and learn how you can get involved in our community! Enjoy light refreshments, an enter-to-win contest and a chance to make lasting connections. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your network and have fun in a vibrant setting.

📍 RSVP and get ready for an unforgettable evening! https://shop.jacksonvillezoo.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=DV&c=YoungProfessionalsKickoff

10/12/2024

HOOT, HOLLER and HAUNT your way through the Zoo and Gardens at this year’s 37th annual Spooktacular! 🦉🧙🏼 From enchanting, new characters to spine-tingling thrills, Jacksonville’s most anticipated Halloween event has something fun for the whole family.

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets in advance and SAVE $5 a ticket ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular

10/10/2024

We are incredibly thankful to our dedicated team who rode out the storm with our animals, ensuring their safety and well-being every step of the way. Our Board Room was turned into central command, and the Zoo’s Animal Care Specialists left detailed instructions on diet and medications.

Thanks to their efforts, we’re happy to report Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens had no damage and minimal debris! Many of the animals are now out and about, enjoying the day. We will be open tomorrow for normal business hours.

Our thoughts are with all the zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers and everyone who was affected by the storm. Sending strength and support to our community in these challenging times. 💙

10/08/2024

To ensure the safety of our guests, staff and animals, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be closed on Thursday, October 10, 2024. However, we will remain open on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

All education programs scheduled for the rest of this week have been canceled. If you have tickets for Spooktacular dated October 10, 2024, they will be honored on any remaining Thursday or Sunday Spooktacular night this year.

For further updates, please continue to check our website and social media channels. Stay safe, everyone! 💙

10/07/2024

Meet our eerie ambassadors, the Death's Head Cockroaches! 🕷️💀

Named for the striking skull-like marking on its head, the death's head cockroach is a large and distinctive species often kept as a pet for its unique appearance. Native to Central America, parts of Mexico and Florida, these cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments. Although equipped with wings, they rarely fly, preferring to glide from higher to lower surfaces. As omnivores, their diet includes vegetation, carrion, smaller insects and occasionally wood.

Our cockroaches are experts in disguise, often staying hidden beneath objects in their habitat, making them tricky to spot.

10/06/2024

Join AAZK Jacksonville at Wicked Barley for our 6th annual Okapitoberfest on October 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. 🧡🍺

Not only is it a chance to enjoy some delicious food and drinks, but 10% of all Wicked Barley proceeds will directly support the Okapi Conservation Project. Bid on unique okapi merchandise in our silent auction, and hear inspiring updates from OCP guest speakers.

Learn more ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/okapitoberfest

Photo by Rob Bixby

10/01/2024

October is here, and it's time to celebrate the mysterious (and often misunderstood) creatures of the night!🌙 Bats, snakes and insects may get a bad rap, but they play essential roles in our ecosystems. Join us this spooky season as we explore the folklore and ecological importance of these amazing creatures!

🦇 Throughout European folklore, bats have been linked to vampires and are often associated with darkness. However, these flying mammals are nocturnal pollinators, helping to fertilize a variety of plants.

🐍 Many people have a fear of snakes, but these animals actually help to maintain balance in their ecosystem while also playing a role in pest control.

🕷️ Although these creepy crawlies are often associated with pests and disease, insects play vital roles in pollination, decomposition and nutrient cycling. They are also the most diverse group of animals on the planet.

09/30/2024

Thinking about signing up for our NEW Adult Zoo Camp? We still have spots remaining! Join us on November 1 and 2 for two unforgettable days at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Get hands-on with exciting activities, explore behind the scenes, interact with animal ambassadors and even enjoy a cocktail hour! 🥂🐍

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to feel like a kid again ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/adult-programs

09/27/2024

(a highly anticipated) CUBDATE🐅: Mina continues to recover behind the scenes as her leg shows improvement. She splits her time with her siblings, Beppy and Machli, together or one at a time. We're taking extra precautions to ensure a full recovery, so Mina will remain behind the scenes until which time the vets clear her based on upcoming radiographs. Like many of you, we are excited about the possibility of Mina returning to her habitat soon, so stay tuned for future updates!

09/26/2024

Happy World Cassowary Day! This weekend Brisbee, our feathered friend, wants your help celebrating. Join us on September 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for family-friendly activities, educational talks about cassowary conservation and exciting enrichments and feedings for Brisbee.

As a keystone species, southern cassowaries play a vital role in maintaining rainforest health. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has supported Rainforest Trust Australia in rebuilding crucial habitat through mass planting of cassowary-appropriate trees.

We’re also proud to announce that the Zoo will be allocating funds towards Birdlife Australia over the next several years. This funding will help provide the team with the necessary equipment to survey movement data of southern cassowaries.

By supporting cassowary conservation, we’re helping to protect a wide range of rainforest flora and fauna! 🌱

09/25/2024

The Zoo is already starting to look Spooktacular, and our pumpkin patch is full of surprises! Can you spot any familiar faces? 🎃🐆

Interested in going to the Zoo beforehand? Purchase a combo ticket that includes same-day access to the park, beginning at 3 p.m., and stay through the end of Spooktacular.

Start planning your night now and save $5 a ticket ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular

Address

370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL
32218

Telephone

+19047574463

Website

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MACHLI, BEPPY AND MINA! 🐯🎉 We can’t believe how quickly these (once) tiny cubs have grown over the last year! From their first tiny steps to playful adventures, they’ve brought so much joy and excitement to the community and to our Zoo family. While Mina continues to recover and show her resilience, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with all of them. Watch as they enjoy their behind-the-scenes birthday enrichment! 🧡

It’s officially Manatee Awareness Month! 🌊 #DYK that Florida’s gentle giants, the manatees, play a critical role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems? These beloved “sea cows” not only help control overgrown vegetation but also stimulate new seagrass growth, supporting entire marine ecosystems. Here at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, we’re passionate about protecting manatees and their habitats. Our Manatee Critical Care Center has helped rescue, rehabilitate and return 36 manatees to the wild! And with the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River, we will be able to expand the number of manatees that we can care and return to the wild by 3x. Join us this month as we dive into the world of manatees with exciting construction updates, conservation tips and ways you can help make a difference.💙

Did you know just like humans primates also form strong, lifelong friendships? Whether it’s playing a game of chase or spending time together, their friendships remind us of our own connections! 🦍💚 This Primate Forest Day, come celebrate how much we truly have in common and learn about some of the Zoo’s closest BFFs: gorillas Ubu and George, bonobos Zeke and Budir and lemurs Josh and Maxine! 📅 Join us Saturday, October 26 to discover more about their bonds and enjoy a day full of fun and learning!

MEMBERS: Get ready for an unforgettable 21+ evening that blends creativity, conservation and a penguin encounter like no other! 🐧🎨 Enjoy drinks, light appetizers and all the painting supplies you need to create a one-of-a-kind artwork, featuring the artistic touch of our Magellanic penguins. Plus, a portion of each ticket is donated to penguin conservation. Learn more ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/painting-with-penguins

HOOT, HOLLER and HAUNT your way through the Zoo and Gardens at this year’s 37th annual Spooktacular! 🦉🧙🏼 From enchanting, new characters to spine-tingling thrills, Jacksonville’s most anticipated Halloween event has something fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets in advance and SAVE $5 a ticket ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular

It’s opening night of Spooktacular!🎃👻 Grab your boo crew, and get ready for some Halloween mayhem at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Get tickets at jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular and at #linkinbio

The Zoo is already starting to look Spooktacular, and our pumpkin patch is full of surprises! Can you spot any familiar faces? 🎃🐆 Interested in going to the Zoo beforehand? Purchase a combo ticket that includes same-day access to the park, beginning at 3 p.m., and stay through the end of Spooktacular. Start planning your night now and save $5 a ticket ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular

Tomorrow’s the big day! Haven’t purchased your tickets yet for Jacksonville’s wildest beer event? There’s still time! Plus, get $10 off your ticket purchase with the promo code ZOOBREW10! 🍺🦒 Join us for a night of fun, food and supporting wildlife conservation at Conservation on Draft. Enjoy music, games and more! Last chance to get tickets ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/conservation-on-draft

Conservation on Draft is so good, even Ruth and Chata approve! 🦥 With just ONE WEEK away from this highly anticipated Zoo brew event, don’t miss your last chance to sip, savor and save wildlife! Here's what awaits: 🍻 Enjoy all-inclusive beer samples from a variety of vendors 🎵 Experience a steel drum performer and multiple DJs 🪓 Play games like jumbo water pong and inflatable axe throwing 🎉 Celebrate conservation and support the care of animals and plants at the Zoo Get your tickets before they are gone ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/conservation-on-draft

Our excitement is overflowing like this beer tower because Conservation on Draft is almost here! 😉🍻 Tickets are selling fast to this highly anticipated brew event, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy a night of all-inclusive beer and food tastings at the Zoo. Buy your tickets today at https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/conservation-on-draft

Hang in there, it’s almost the long weekend!🐒☀️

See how Amadeus flies around the Zoo?🦉 Very demure, very cutesy, very mindful.✨

We are raising a glass because Conservation on Draft is LESS than a month away! 🍻 Grab your friends and get ready to sip, savor and support wildlife conservation. Enjoy all-inclusive tastings of craft brews and delicious food with your tickets. Don’t miss out - tickets are selling fast! Get yours now ▶️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/conservation-on-draft

You loved meeting our sloth sweethearts?🦥 Now you can get an exclusive sneak peek of them with our NEW behind-the-scenes experience! An Interpretive Specialist will share facts about the incredibly unique characteristics of sloths and a Sloth Care Specialist will introduce you to the two female sloths, Chata and Ruth. Learn more about their special care needs and how to be a responsible steward when encountering sloths. Reserve your spot today, spaces are limited! For more information, visit ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/experiences

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Our Story

Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving. Two of our newest exhibits, Land of the Tiger and African Forest, have built in choices, challenges, and variation for our animals. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. Whether you are a visitor to Florida’s First Coast or a lifetime resident, we invite you to experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens through interactions with people, wildlife and the environment.

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Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

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