Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens to open new entrance with Manatee River on March 6th.
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Renovations at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens promise a more modern, guest-friendly experience when the park opens its new entrance March 6. The multi-year project includes a large manatee habitat, event spaces beneath a Vystar Skyscape and changes to pathways so visitors can make a continuous loop through exhibits without backtracking.
Curtis Dvorak, who appeared during a live segment on-site, described the project as more than “just a really amazing new front door” for the zoo. He emphasized the facility’s conservation and rehabilitation roles, particularly for manatees.
Dvorak said the new Manatee River includes large, front-facing pools where rescued animals can rehab and gain weight before release. He described both public-facing pools and additional behind-the-scenes rehabilitation pools.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also nominated in USA Today’s Best Zoo competition, currently third in standings and that voting continues through March 9. To vote go to jaxzoo.org/vote
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