Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Florida Zoo Hotel Zoo Exhibits & Attractions Zoo Restaurants

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of the planet’s wildlife through innovative, engaging and educational experiences in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,500 unique plant species on 120 beautiful acres. Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida and meet the friendly lion mascot – Jazoo. Located on Jacksonville’s north side - two miles off I-95 - Jacksonville Zoo is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information, call (904) 757-4463 or visit www.jaxzoo.org

Jacksonville Zoo Exhibits & Attractions

• Main Camp Safari Lodge – The Zoo boasts a 26,000 sq. ft. thatched roof that was created by Zulu craftsmen from South Africa - the only structure of its kind in North America. It houses the Mombasa Import/Export Company, a gift shop, Kikuyu Kafe, Samburu Room - a 1900 square foot meeting room, Shaba Terrace, an open-air facility under the thatched roof, and a Board Room.
  
• Birds of the Rift Valley Aviary - Home to 72 birds of 20 species, Birds of the Rift Valley simulates the wilds of East Africa. A two-story enclosure covering 9,000 feet allows birds, such as the Yellowbilled stork, goldbreasted starling, Lesser flamingo and turacos, to fly freely.
  
• Plains of East Africa – Walk along a 1,400 foot African Boardwalk overlooking the Plains of East Africa and encounter animals in an open-air habitat. See the Nile Crocodile, the Wart Hog, the Kori Bustard, the Antelope, the Cheetah, the White rhinoceros, Thomson’s Gazelle, Cape Buffalo, the Zebra, and Colobus Monkeys and Leopards. Seronera Overlook offers a view of the elephants in their 275,000 gallon pool. The reptile building is home to the world’s deadliest snakes, and outside you’ll view vultures, bats, and other animals. The Mahali Pa Simba (“Place of the Lion”) is the one-acre home to two male lions.
  
• Great Apes of the World - Take an up close look at silverback gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, lemurs, mandrills, siamangs, and pygmy marmosets in a natural setting.
  
• Florida Wetlands “Wild Florida” - This new attraction includes 2.5 acres of natural wetlands consisting of native animals and plants. “Wild Florida” is home to black bears, otters, red wolves, bald eagles, bobcats, alligators, Florida panthers, reptiles, whitetail deer and wetland owl species.
  
• Reptile House at Wild Florida - The Reptile House is home to 25 species of reptiles, including the Eastern Indigo snake, a threatened species protected by the State of Florida. The alligators across from the reptile house are fed every Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
  
• Range of the Jaguar – Situated on 4 acres,this unique neo-tropical rain forest exhibit simulates environments found in Central and South America, and showcases animals and plants that are indigenous to the rain forests of that region. The attraction features six Jaguars – Bruno and Gigi (from Venezuela), Salsa, Onca, Xena and Jaws - golden lion tamarins, tapirs, capybaras, giant river otters, anteaters and a variety of reptiles, fish and bird species.
  
• Wildlife Carousel - The Wildlife Carousel features 34 beautifully, hand-designed, hand-painted animals, such as a jaguar, giraffe, manatee and ostrich. With its timeless appeal and classic design, the Wildlife Carousel is one of the Zoo’s most popular attractions.
  
• Giraffe Overlook & Savanna Blooms – Giraffe Overlook is a wonderful viewing area that allows you to come eye to eye with the giraffes. Part of this viewing area, Savanna Blooms is a botanical garden with plants that can all be found in the African Savanna.
  
• Savanna Blooms - Nestled beneath the Giraffe Overlook, Savanna Blooms is a unique, half-acre garden fashioned after a South African oasis. It transitions from soft grasslands and fine textured acacia leaves at each entrance into a bold contemporary garden. Kopje outcrops erupt from the landscape, and a weep trickles down the face of the rocks. A spring feeds a serene pool that showcases African water lilies and water edge plants. Rest beneath the curved trellis laden with fragrant flowering vines and view the garden’s splendor.
  
• Play Park – Jacksonville Zoo’s 2.5-acre Play Park has a splash ground area that incorporates life size models of Florida’s coastal animals - whales, dolphins and manta rays. Play Park features a forest play area, a maze, otter and squirrel monkey exhibits, a dining deck, and a discovery building and animal care facility where children can touch the animals. Focusing on diverse plant and animal kingdoms, Play Park allows children to learn through play.
  
• Jacksonville Zoo Train Rides - Experience the Zoo aboard the exciting Zoo Train, which stops at the Kids’ Shop and Main Camp, and lets you hop off and explore the Zoo at your own pace.  Your all-day ticket takes you around the whole Zoo. [Top]

Zoo Restaurants & Picnic Grounds. The Zoo features two restaurants, a snack bar and an ice cream pavilion so you are never more than a few steps away from refreshments. Main Camp Café offers drinks, popcorn, ice cream, coffee and refreshments as you enter the park. Palm Plaza Café, in the Range of the Jaguar, offers a southwestern menu with nachos, burritos, tacos, wraps and salads. Trout River Grill serves sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and pretzels. Play Park Café serves ice cream, drinks and refreshments as you enter Play Park. Located near Education Campus, Picnic Park is a relaxing place for a picnic and allows up to 200 picnickers to bring their own food and beverages.  [Top]