The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, one of the best zoos in the country, is the first of its kind, where botanical gardens include animal habitats. The animal exhibits feature a wide selection of
mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians. Experience a colorful display of fauna and flora from all over the world. Go on a walking safari or board the train for a zoo adventure of a lifetime.
5 Things to See at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
1. Stroll Through Rivers of Color
The zoo’s Main Path through the gardens connects to the loops where the animals are displayed. Along both sides of this walkway, the linear Rivers of Color Gardens explodes with colors from flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees. The magnificent display is changed seasonally to keep the zoo colorful throughout the year.
2. Go on a South African Adventure
The country of South Africa is world-renowned for its Big Five, and the zoo features three of these magnificent creatures. Between the soft African grasslands, thorn trees, and koppies (hills), lion, white southern rhinoceros, and elephant roam just like they do on the plains in their home country.
The exhibit also includes giraffes, zebra, cheetahs, kudu, and other African animals in this beautiful two-acre landscape. The African Forest exhibit features gorillas, lemurs, mandrill, and various other monkeys and apes from the continent.
3. Explore the Riverview Gardens and Wild Florida
Stroll on pathways in the shade of the trees between plants that attract insects and other wildlife at Trout River Plaza. The botanical garden plaza provides picturesque views of the Trout River. Here you might even spot some of the animals that live there. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, manatees, snapping turtles, and other indigenous animals.
In the center of the plaza is a fountain surrounded by a menagerie of animals of the Trout River. The Wild Florida exhibit showcases mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians native to the state. Here you can view black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and a variety of snakes, lizards, and tortoises.
4. Discover the Tropical Gardens at Range of the Jaguar
The Range of the Jaguar exhibit features giant otters, capybara, cotton-top tamarins, giant anteaters, flamingo, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and of course, beautiful jaguars. The gardens surrounding the exhibit showcase exotic tropical plants from all over the world. It’s the perfect place to sit and relax in the shade of the native live oak trees and magnolias surrounded by ferns, palms, and bromeliads in this beautiful tropical setting.
5. Experience the Asia Continent
The astounding Asian Bamboo Garden, with a Moon Gate, Lotus Pool, and Weeping Tree Bridge, is the gateway to the Asian animal exhibits. Fierscome comodo dragons, Asian small-clawed otter, North Sulawesi Babirusa, and hornbills call this area home. Enjoy a stroll through the Bamboo Mist Forest and see bronze Giant Panda sculptures and rest at the Orchid Pavilion that overlooks the Koi Pond and the Yin Yang Terraces.
The zoo hosts a wide range of events, tours, and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can even hand feed a few of the inhabitants. Visit Tom Bush Mazda today, and our team of experts will take care of all your vehicle requirements.
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