Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

01/20/2025

01/15/2025

We have exciting baby bird news! Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is thrilled to announce the hatching of a wattled crane chick.

Wattled cranes are the tallest cranes in Africa and are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and other challenges. This makes each chick incredibly important for the future of their species.

While the survival rate for wattled crane chicks can be low, our team is providing expert care and monitoring every step of the way. We’re cautiously optimistic and proud to contribute to the conservation of these majestic birds.

01/14/2025

Winter is here to stay in Florida...get ready for a NEW prehistoric adventure! ❄️

01/09/2025

While most of our Ambassador Animals require extra heat during the winter, chinchillas Flash and Lloyd love the cold! ❄️

With over 20,000 hairs per square centimeter, they are well equipped for cooler temperatures. To keep them comfy in our warmer building, we provide cold, flat rocks, a personal fan and even ice packs for enrichment!

01/08/2025

Cold days call for cozy solutions, and our primates are exceptional at finding the perfect sun spot! ☀️

Lemurs use sunbathing as a natural way to regulate their body temperature. Here at the Zoo, they have access to heated indoor spaces when temperatures drop below 55 degrees, along with cozy blankets, clothing items, hay and wood wool. They also snuggle up together to share warmth. 💛

01/07/2025

Join us for ROARS and More at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on February 2, 2025!

Support the incredible Community PēdsCare® program, which provides compassionate care for children in need.

Proudly presented by THE PLAYERS Championship, this event is more than just fun—it's a chance to make a real difference in our community.

Tag your friends, spread the word, and let’s make this an impactful night! Get your tickets today: https://thefoundationcares.org/upcoming-events/roars-and-more/

Presenting Sponsor

01/06/2025

Start the new year with unforgettable experiences or share them with someone special! 🌟 From now until January 31, purchase, renew or gift a Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Membership and enjoy (4) General Admission tickets.

Use code HOLIDAY2024 at checkout to claim this exclusive seasonal offer.🎟️

Don’t miss out — make 2025 a year of wonder, exploration and unforgettable moments! https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/membership

01/05/2025

It’s , and we’re taking a moment to celebrate the amazing bird species at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens!🦜

With over 50 species from around the globe, the Zoo is home to beloved birds like lorikeets, emus and spoonbills. But did you know we also care for some incredibly rare species found in only two zoos across the U.S., including the double-striped thick-knee, white-bellied bustard and racquet-tailed roller? These birds play a vital role in ecosystems and inspire us to continue working toward global conservation efforts.💚

Let us know who your favorite feathered friend is at the Zoo!

01/02/2025

🌟 Celebrate unity this MLK Day! Experience over 1,000 dazzling lanterns with a special holiday offer. 🕊️🌈 Receive early Zoo entry at 3 p.m. and stay to enjoy over 1,000 dazzling lanterns for the same price as Colors of the Wild admission.

Purchase your tickets today at https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/colors-of-the-wild

12/31/2024

2024 has been a year to remember at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! Filled with exciting achievements and new beginnings, here’s a look at some of our favorite moments:

💙 Celebrated jaguar Banks' first birthday.
💙 Archie, the oldest male southern white rhino in human care, underwent a successful tooth extraction ensuring his continued comfort.
💙 Our beloved “Zoo Brew” event made its grand return after many years. Now reimagined as Conservation on Draft, it brought together fun and a renewed focus on wildlife conservation.
💙 Over 500 striped newts were hatched between March and September, supporting conservation efforts for this unique species.
💙 Welcomed two bongo calves, helping secure the future of this critically endangered antelope.
💙 Around 160 cubic yards of compost was shared with local gardeners.
💙 Introduced sloths Chata and Baby Ruth to our Zoo family.
💙 Celebrated the Zoo’s 110th birthday in May at Exzooberation, marking over a century of conservation and community.

Here’s to an amazing 2024! We can't wait to see what the new year has in store! 🎉

12/30/2024

When your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier, and you’re already on track. Ambassador gopher tortoise Hamba is setting the bar high! 🥬🐢

12/24/2024

Theo’s secret to staying on Santa's nice list: cookies, milk and a whole lot of cuteness. 🍪🎅

12/23/2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Chata is here to remind you to plan your holiday visit to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens!

Holiday Hours:
🎄 December 24 – Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Colors of the Wild from 5:30-9:30 p.m.)
🎄 December 25 – Closed
🎄 December 26 – Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wishing you all a merry and bright holiday season from your friends at the Zoo! 🎄🦥

12/22/2024

Waddle into the holidays with a Penguin Adoption! ❄️🐧

Make the season extra special with our limited edition penguin adoption package! Your symbolic adoption supports the care of our penguin colony and other incredible wildlife at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Adopt today and give the gift of conservation this holiday season! 🎁 https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/animal-adoption

12/19/2024

Do some holiday shopping while taking in the spectacular Colors of the Wild during our night Holiday Markets featuring local artists and vendors. The market will take place on December 19, 20 and 21.

Plus, don't miss your opportunity to see Santa at the Zoo before he flies back to the North Pole!

Get tickets and learn more ➡️ https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/colors-of-the-wild

Photos by John Reed

12/19/2024

🎉 Happy 55th Birthday, Archie! 🦏

Archie, the oldest male southern white rhino in human care, has been a cherished resident of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens since 1975. As a founder of the North American rhino population, his legacy includes 60 descendants spanning five generations!

Celebrate with us by watching a special message from Janel Jankowski, one of his dedicated Care Specialists, who shares insights into his care, his legacy and the love that keeps him thriving.

All rhino species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. There is a great risk that one or more rhino species could go extinct in our lifetime. We partner with the International Rhino Foundation, which works in Indonesia to protect and conserve the world’s rarest rhinos. These include the Sumatran rhino, found on the island of Sumatra with less than 50 animals, and the Javan rhino, located on the island of Java with less than 60 animals.

Archie inspires us every day to continue this vital work. Let’s show him some love on his big day! 🥳

12/15/2024

Looking for last-minute holiday gift ideas? 🎁 We've got you covered!

Give the gift of adventure with exclusive membership deals, Colors of the Wild tickets or behind-the-scenes experiences. These gifts are perfect for creating unforgettable memories this holiday season! 🌟🎄

Shop our Holiday Gift Guide and bring the magic of the Zoo to your loved ones! https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/holiday-gift-guide

Photo by John Reed

12/13/2024

Dr. Dillamond from Wicked? Sorry, we only know our goat crew! 🐐✨

Meet our six Nigerian Dwarf goats: Doc, Pinkerton, Diego, Garcia, Vincent Van Goat and Wyatt! These social butterflies thrive in herds, forming tight bonds. As natural browsers, they munch on grasses, plants, and even poison ivy, making them great at managing invasive species.

Though personal space isn’t in their vocabulary (looking at you, Diego, Garcia and Vincent 👀), they make up for it with endless charm. Whether they're napping in hay bowls (if they fit, they sit!) or soaking up the sun, our boys are always up to something fun.

P.S. They’re even learning to strut their stuff with halter training and are starting to explore the Zoo! 🎉