The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last daytime entry at 4:30 p.m. This Cultural and Education Institution features at least a dozen animal exhibits, including Plains of East Africa, Wild Florida, African Forest and Stingray Bay, along with seven Gardens exhibits such as Rivers of Color, Asian Bamboo Gardens and Savanna Blooms. The zoo also runs various conservation programs that visitors are encouraged to support.
While the zoo houses species from all over the world, many Floridians are surprised to also see animals indigenous to Florida, such as manatees and alligators. It is one of the must-see tourist destinations when visiting Jacksonville, Florida.
Jacksonville Zoo's Main Attractions
Land of the Tiger
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Photo by L. Rick on Unsplash[/caption]
The Land of the Tiger helps protect various endangered species. The trail winds around the visitor area and the two tiger exhibits, passing directly over visitors' heads. This means you can see a tiger from any vantage point. Visitors are often caught by surprise by how close the tigers are.
Jacksonville Zoo's Popular Animal
Jaguar
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Photo by Uriel Soberanes on Unsplash[/caption]
The Range of the Jaguar is a must-see if you’re planning a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. This is an award-winning South American exhibit. This zoo was the first to have a black jaguar in captivity. All other zoos have jaguars that are descendants of the original black jaguar of the Jacksonville Zoo. It has the largest number of jaguars of any zoo in the country. You can’t visit the home of the Florida Jaguars and not see an actual jaguar.
Dining Options At Jacksonville Zoo
Concession Foods
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If you are traveling to the Jacksonville Zoo, you will make an entire day of it. You’ll need to know what type of food is available. The zoo has two full-sized restaurants, a snack bar, several cafés, and a candy shop. There is a Picnic Park located at the zoo that seats up to 200 visitors.
How To Get To Jacksonville Zoo
From I-95 South: Exit 358A onto Heckscher Drive/Zoo Parkway. Stay on Zoo Parkway for about ¼ mile. Jacksonville Zoo's entrance will be on the right.
From I-95 North: Exit 358A to Heckscher Drive/Zoo Parkway.
From the Dames Point Bridge or 9A: Take exit Zoo Parkway/Heckscher Drive West. Stay on Zoo Parkway for about 5 miles. Jacksonville Zoo's entrance will be on the left.
Jacksonville Zoo's Opening Hours
Daily: 9 AM until 5 PM
If you are planning a visit to Jacksonville Zoo, note that the last admission is at 4:30 p.m., 30 minutes before closing. This could change if there is a special event at the zoo.
There are no refunds/rain checks given due to bad weather.
Jacksonville Zoo's Tickets & Packages
General Admission
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Adults (13 to 64) |
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Seniors (65 and above) |
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Children (3 to 12) |
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Children (2 and below) |
Free |
Tickets are sold at the front gate and can be purchased one hour before closing. The price includes entry to Stingray Bay and Butterfly Hollow. (Note: The prices listed in the original article are likely outdated; current pricing is not available from the provided sources.)
Total Experience Tickets
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Adults (13 to 64) |
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Seniors (65 and above) |
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Children (3 to 12) |
The price includes admission and access to 4D Theater and Campground Critters with unlimited Train and Carousel rides.
Member Total Experience Bands
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Adults (13 to 64) |
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Seniors (65 and above) |
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Children (3 to 12) |
Ticket price includes Campground Critters, 4D Theater and unlimited Train and Carousel rides.
Non-Member Total Experience Bands
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Adults (13 to 64) |
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Seniors (65 and above) |
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Children (3 to 12) |
The above fees do not include the price of admission.
Military Discount
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens offers a military discount of 10% for regular General Admission tickets (excludes already discounted Value Ticket) with an Active Military ID or valid AAA Membership card. Proof of eligibility must be shown when purchasing tickets. Discounts are not offered online and cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers.
College Student Discount
College Students are offered a discounted General Admission Ticket with a valid college ID. ID must be presented at the time of purchase. Discount is not available online and cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
*Group Rates also available
Hotels Near Jacksonville Zoo
Jacksonville Plaza Hotel: 5.4 miles away
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: 5.4 miles away
Omni Jacksonville Hotel: 5.4 miles away
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport: 5.8 miles away
Lexington Hotel & Conference Center: 5.9 miles away
Popular Tourist Destinations Near Jacksonville Zoo
The Budweiser Brewery Experience
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Photo by A. Paloma on Unsplash[/caption]
Visitors can learn about the history of Anheuser-Busch, the manufacturers of Budweiser. They will learn of the brewery’s brewing techniques and engage their senses during one of the brewery’s signature tours.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers a safe and loving home for endangered big cats. They aim to educate the public about how these animals are at risk of becoming extinct and what they can do to help with their conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts on Jacksonville Zoo
If you are looking for family fun and love animals, you will enjoy spending time at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. It is more than just a zoo; it is a garden intertwined throughout the zoo. Visitors are surprised to see that the cost of admission offered them more than they imagined.
Related travel guides: Everything You Need To Know About Detroit Zoo.
