Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Sitting on the edge of the Trout River, about 7 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a must-visit destination for families. This 115-acre facility offers the only walking safari in northeast Florida. Wander the grounds and get up close with animals like giraffes at the Giraffe Overlook and western lowland gorillas in the African Forest exhibit. Enjoy seeing Malayan and Sumatran tigers in the Land of the Tiger, and African elephants in the Africa Loop. The expansive grounds also include Stingray Bay, where you can pet and feed stingrays, and the popular 2.5-acre Play Park and Splash Ground, ideal for children to play, view animals like penguins and Nigerian Dwarf goats, and cool off in the Florida heat. Over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants call the zoo their home.

Special Experiences

The zoo offers unique behind-the-scenes experiences where visitors can get close to African elephants and meet the animal care specialists. Other unique opportunities include feeding penguins, brushing a Warty pig, and learning about the conservation of manatees. These experiences require reservations and an additional fee.

Visitor Feedback

Visitors appreciate the variety and number of animals at the zoo. Many highly recommend it as a stop, especially for families with children, while seniors also enjoy their visit. Special exhibits, such as Colors of the Wild, one of the largest Asian lantern displays in the U.S., receive rave reviews.

Tips for Visiting

Given the outdoor nature of most exhibits, it's advisable to wear sunscreen and a hat. While outside water bottles are allowed and can be refilled at water fountains throughout the property, no other outside food or beverages are permitted, except in the Picnic Grove. For hunger pangs, snack stands, a sweet shop, Palm Plaza Café, and Trout River Grill, an American-style fast-casual venue, are available.

Tickets

The Jacksonville Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. General admission ticket prices vary and must be purchased online. Tickets bought online at least one day in advance save you $5 per ticket. Advance purchase prices start at $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 3 to 12, with infants aged 2 and younger admitted for free. Tickets for seniors 65 and older start at $27.95. For unlimited access to train rides, carousel rides, the 4D theater, and animal feedings, consider the "Total Experience" ticket, starting at $39.95 for adults, $32.95 for children ages 3 to 12, and $37.95 for seniors. For more information, visit the official Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens website.