JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The VyStar Skyscape and Manatee River at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens are now open to the public, part of a $72 million project that combines visitor experiences with space to treat critically injured animals.
The new exhibits give visitors close views of three manatees and a new way to travel around the zoo. Zoo officials say the facility can care for up to 20 sick or injured manatees at a time until they are healthy enough to be released.
“It’s been really amazing to see them breeze and just swim around the tank. It is a beautiful enclosure,” a visitor named Johanna said.
Other visitors noted the unexpected pleasures of watching the animals feed.
“I liked that I got to see them eat a lot of lettuce,” Lily said.
Kyle said, “It was funny to see them float with the lettuce.”
Hundreds of people waited in line to be among the first to enter, some arriving before sunrise.
“I feel like it has been a while since they opened up a new exhibit…I remember the old manatee exhibit, so I am excited to see how it has changed,” visitor Kaise Cardona said.
Kena Herrera called the opening “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for many to learn about manatees and their care.
Zoo staff said the new facility will support both conservation and medical needs.
“Our mission is to connect people to wildlife and wild places. This is what this is going to do. We also hope to inspire curiosity about conservation,” Curtis Dvorak, a zoo wildlife staff member, said.
Derek Mock, the zoo’s interpretive engagement supervisor, described four medical pools at the site, including two with adjustable floors to bring animals closer for procedures.
The first 100 visitors received manatee plush toys. Zoo officials said the new attraction aims to blend fun, education and awareness as part of the institution’s ongoing conservation efforts.