Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Located along the scenic Trout River in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 122-acre zoological and botanical destination founded in 1914. The Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and over 1,000 plant specimens and welcomes more than one million guests each year.

Key Attractions & Zone Highlights

Range of the Jaguar — An immersive habitat featuring jaguars and tropical plantings inspired by the Neotropical rainforest environment.

Land of the Tiger — An Asian-themed habitat featuring Malayan tigers, along with other Asian wildlife and immersive guest pathways.

Africa Loop — An expansive African habitat featuring African elephants, southern white rhinoceroses, giraffes, zebras, lions, and other species.

Wild Florida — A dedicated area showcasing Florida wildlife and native ecosystems.

Primate Forest — Home to western lowland gorillas, bonobos, lemurs, and other primate species.

Botanical Gardens — The Zoo's gardens feature more than 1,000 plant specimens, including themed gardens and plantings designed to support wildlife and pollinators.

Conservation & Wildlife Diversity

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens combines animal care, botanical conservation, education, and wildlife conservation programs. The Zoo currently supports more than 45 plant and animal conservation programs in regional and global locations.

Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation — The Zoo works with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other partners to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured or cold-stressed Florida manatees. Its 330,000-gallon J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River serves as a critical-care facility for manatees.

Wood Stork Conservation — A wild wood stork rookery was established on Zoo grounds in 1999. The Zoo has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on monitoring and conservation efforts since 2003.

Selected Animals

Jaguars
Malayan Tigers
African Elephants
Southern White Rhinoceroses
Reticulated Giraffes
Western Lowland Gorillas and Bonobos
American Alligators
Florida wildlife, including Florida manatees
Giant Otters and Asian Small-Clawed Otters
Flamingos and numerous bird species

Wildlife Exhibits & Animal Care

Professional animal care and specialized habitats for more than 2,000 animals across immersive exhibits and geographic zones.

Botanical Gardens & Plant Conservation

Management of a 122-acre zoological and botanical campus featuring more than 1,000 plant specimens and a variety of themed and wildlife-supporting gardens.

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Manatee rescue and rehabilitation services in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as a member of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.

Conservation & Educational Programs

School and group programs, field trips, outreach activities, camps, animal encounters, and conservation education initiatives.