Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been a part of the city for almost one hundred years, and it has become a well known vacation spot to people across the south. Though it started out small in the Springfield area of Jacksonville, the zoo has come a long way and recently expanded to include a beautiful botanical garden. Located conveniently close to interstate access, the zoo covers over 100 acres. The Jacksonville Zoo opened its doors in 1914 and has continued to build upon its size and reputation. Although it faced closure in the 1960′s, it has recently seen an increase in size and revenue as the zoo has been transformed into a habitat and conservation based business. In the early 1990′s, the zoo underwent a major redesign to include natural habitats and educational facilities. In the present, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is billed to be the only local “Walking Safari” in the area.

What to Expect

When visitors arrive at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, they can expect more of an experience than an attraction. The zoo is designed to make the visitor feel as if they are on safari in the native lands of the animals, making the visit more in-depth, educational, and fun. The zoo is broken up into seven basic sections with the animals and plants native to each. The Africa section includes a Giraffe overlook, a Savanna blooms garden, a reptile house, and other animals of Africa, such as Lions, Warthogs, Crocodiles, Zebras and more. The Wild Florida section is dedicated solely to the plants and animals native to the state. The South America habitat features animals such as Giant Anteaters, Sloths, Bats, and an Aviary.

The South America section is also the home of the Zoos newest feature: The Range of the Jaguar. In the Australia section, visitors will see and enjoy unique animals native to the land down under! The Gardens and river plaza offers a peaceful break from all the fun and also is the location of a place to stop and eat. The Great Apes exhibit is home to many primates like Gorillas and Baboons. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens also has a Play Park and Splash Ground for the kids.

The Play Park features a wild animal carousel and a forest themed play area. Visitors should not forget to take a ride on the zoo train, which circles around the whole park. The zoo includes plenty of bathroom facilities, eateries and gift shops. Visitors can also consult a provided schedule to enjoy various keeper talks, where they can learn all about the life, habitat and behavior of various animals as well as the conservation efforts the zoo is making to save endangered species. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn and enjoy watching keepers interact with the animals of the zoo.

Tips for Visiting

When visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, visitors should obtain a free map of the zoo. This map will give a suggested path to make the most of the visit. The map also marks specific exhibits of interest and provides details like the location of places to eat, restroom facilities and gift shops. Also, look into the schedule for the train and keeper talks to make sure and not miss a moment of the fun.

Finally, it is important for the visitor to keep the natural environment of Florida in mind. Most of the year, the weather is hot and humid, so it is important to look for places to rest and to gain refreshment. The sun’s rays can be very strong any time of the year, so it would be a good idea to not only use sunscreen, but to bring along the bottle and reapply as needed. Hats to block the sun are a good idea. And, visitors should not forget their camera, extra batteries, memory cards and/or film. There are lots of photo opportunities at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens!