Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened on May 12, 1914, growing from a single deer in a Springfield park pen into one of Northeast Florida’s premier family attractions. Sitting along the banks of the Trout River near its confluence with the St. Johns River, the AZA-accredited zoo now spans roughly 122 acres of naturalistic habitats and botanical displays in the heart of Jacksonville.
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and over 1,000 plant species, blending wildlife immersion with horticultural showcases like the Asian Bamboo Garden. Signature exhibits such as Range of the Jaguar, Land of the Tiger, and Plains of East Africa have earned national recognition, including a 2005 AZA Exhibit of the Year award, helping the zoo draw more than a million visitors annually.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Opened: May 12, 1914
- Size: About 122 acres
- Species: Over 2,000 animals; 1,000+ plant species
- Annual visitors: More than 1 million
- Accreditation: AZA-accredited
- Famous for: Range of the Jaguar, one of North America’s largest jaguar habitats
The Zoo Experience
Visitors move through immersive regional exhibits including Range of the Jaguar, Land of the Tiger, Plains of East Africa, Primate Forest, and the Florida-focused Wild Florida area featuring native manatees along the Manatee River exhibit. Lorikeet Landing offers an interactive aviary where guests can hand-feed the colorful birds, while the Asian Bamboo Garden and other botanical plantings give the park its dual identity as both zoo and garden.
The zoo is also known for its conservation work, participating in more than 95 Species Survival Plans and over 50 conservation initiatives worldwide. It maintains a significant breeding colony of wood storks and is one of the few North American zoos to house both male and female African elephants.
Visiting Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Located at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, the zoo is easily accessible and draws over a million visitors each year, making it one of the most-visited attractions in Northeast Florida. Beyond the animal exhibits, the botanical gardens component gives guests a slower-paced complement to the wildlife viewing, with themed plantings woven throughout the grounds.
Explore more: Explore more Zoos & Aquariums.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens FAQs
When did Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens open?
The zoo opened on May 12, 1914, starting as a small city park exhibit before growing into its current 122-acre campus.
How many animals live at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 individual animals along with over 1,000 species of plants across its grounds.
Is Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in numerous species survival and conservation programs.
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Photo: Rob Bixby from Jacksonville, FL, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.