Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a zoological park found in beautiful Jacksonville, FL. It is one of the largest zoos in the area and is home to over 2,000 species of animals and over 1,000 different types of plants. The zoo is located in the northern part of the city on 117 acres of land. It contains various habitats, such as the African Savanna, Asian Bamboo Gardens, and Wild Florida.
History
In 1914, what is now known as the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened its doors as the Springfield Municipal Zoo. In the beginning, it was situated in the Springfield district of Jacksonville, and it had a collection of animals that comprised a few different species of birds, monkeys, and deer. It wasn’t until 1925 that the zoo was moved to its current location on Trout River Boulevard referred to as the Riverside Avondale neighborhood.
The zoo began constructing additional displays and growing its collection in the 1930s to house more animals. Primate Island, built in 1938 and housed several different primates, including chimpanzees and orangutans, was one of the early displays the zoo had to offer. In 1948, the zoo expanded its offerings by constructing an elephant exhibit with a massive pool for the animals to use for recreation and relief from the heat.
The zoo expanded and added new exhibits over the subsequent few decades. One of these was called the Range of the Jaguar and was inaugurated in 1989. This exhibit contains a verdant rainforest habitat home to jaguars, monkeys, and other creatures. The zoo underwent a significant renovation in 2002, resulting in several new presentations being constructed. One of these was the African Savanna, which features a variety of African animals, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Other new exhibits include the Asian Rain Forest and the Children’s Zoo.
Exhibits
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are home to a diverse collection of plant and animal species, each of which is intended to represent a particular geographical area of the world. The following are some of the displays that are very well attended:
African Savanna: This exhibit showcases several species native to Africa, such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. In addition, visitors to this exhibit will be able to view African lions, warthogs, and meerkats.
This exhibit is home to various animals native to the rainforest, including monkeys, jaguars, and other species of animals. In addition, visitors can witness a wide variety of bird species, such as toucans and macaws.
Wild Florida is an exhibit that highlights the diverse animal species that can be found in Florida. Some of the animals displayed here are black bears, panthers, and alligators. In addition, tourists can spot a wide variety of bird species, such as bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
Giraffe Overlook: At this exhibit, visitors can get up close and personal with giraffes, as they may feed them and learn more about the giraffes’ behavior as well as the environment in which they live.
Savannah Blooms is an exhibit showcasing a selection of plants indigenous to the African savanna. Some plants displayed at this exhibit include acacias, aloes, and succulents.
The Asian Bamboo Gardens are an exhibit showcasing several plant species indigenous to Asia. These plants include bonsai trees, bamboo, and orchids, among others. In addition, guests can view a diverse collection of animals, such as tigers, elephants, and Komodo dragons.
Education and Environmental Protection
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is dedicated to fostering awareness among residents of the value of protecting natural ecosystems and providing education on conservation issues. The zoo offers visitors of all ages various educational programs and activities, such as summer camps, tours of the backstage areas, and up-close interactions with multiple animals.
In addition to that, the zoo plays an active role in many conservation projects taking place all over the world. It participates in breeding programs for species on the verge of extinction and works in partnership with various organizations to safeguard endangered species and the environments in which they live.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a well-known destination in the Jacksonville area that welcomes tens of thousands of guests annually. Its extensive collection of animal and plant species, educational programs, and dedication to the cause of conservation help to distinguish it as a one-of-a-kind and fundamental cultural institution in the area. The zoo has a history that dates back more than a century, and throughout that time, it has developed and changed to become one of the most well-known zoological parks in the southeastern United States.
Through the course of its existence, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been confronted with a variety of obstacles, including calamities of a natural and economic nature. In 2017, Hurricane Irma had a massive impact on the zoo, causing significant damage to a number of its exhibits as well as its infrastructure. However, due to the hard work and dedication of the zoo’s employees and supporters, the zoo quickly recovered and reopened its doors to the general public not long after the incident.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens continues to be a pioneer in the field of zoology, earning widespread acclaim for the dedication it shows to animal welfare, educational opportunities, and environmental preservation. Its exhibits and events are intended to provide visitors with an immersive experience that enables them to learn about various species and habitats and the significance of protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens play an essential part in the civic and cultural life of the city by serving as a venue for a wide range of events and activities throughout the year. Concerts, celebrations of holidays, and other unique activities geared toward families and children are examples of this kind of gathering. The zoo has also been recognized for promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness in recent years. These efforts have included programs to encourage recycling, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation measures.
As the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens looks to the future, it will continue to prioritize its objective of providing a secure and welcoming environment not just for the animals but also for the visitors, as well as for encouraging education and conservation initiatives. The zoo will continue to be a well-liked cultural institution in the area for many years because of its comprehensive collection of animal and plant species, interactive displays, and cutting-edge program offerings.
Another awesome place to visit: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park