Jacksonville zookeeper ‘viciously’ attacked by bear suffered lacerations on head, back, thighs: police report
The 35-year-old zookeeper who was “viciously” attacked Wednesday by a 5-year-old North American black bear at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens suffered many lacerations on her head, back and thighs, according to a police report obtained Thursday by News4JAX.
Bear fatally shot after escaping exhibit, injuring keeper at Jacksonville Zoo
A 5-year-old North American black bear that escaped an exhibit behind the scenes at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Wednesday evening and “engaged” with a zookeeper was fatally shot by the zoo’s lethal weapons team, officials said.
Bodycam shows what led to JSO K-9 Huk, men being shot following pursuit & crash
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday released body camera footage that recorded the events following a pursuit that began in Northwest Jacksonville and ended near the Jacksonville Zoo, where a police K-9 was shot and wounded.
JSO confirms men were killed by gunfire following pursuit that ended near zoo
News4JAX on Tuesday obtained the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s investigative report into a police pursuit that began in Northwest Jacksonville and ended near the Jacksonville Zoo, where a police K-9 was shot and wounded. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office confirmed two of three men in the car were killed when shots were fired from inside the car and police returned fire.
The Jacksonville Zoo Wins ‘Jax Best Kid Attraction’
The Jacksonville Zoo is no stranger to winning a Jax Best Award. Last month they were crowned Jax Best Animal Encounter and now the have been awarded Jax Best Kid Attraction. The Zoo has a lot going on with the REZOOVENATION and celebrating Halloween season with Spooktacular
You otter see ‘em: 3 endangered otter pups at Jacksonville Zoo
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three giant otter pups made their much-anticipated public debut at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The first few months after birth are a critical time for vulnerable otter pups, so staff have been monitoring the family behind the scenes. Buddy is blind and the most genetically-valuable animal of the Giant Otter Species Survival Plan in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. McTurk decided to send Buddy to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where he joined the SSP to be matched up with a potential mate. Tickets at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens must be purchased online, in advance at JacksonvilleZoo.org.
Due in part to cold stress, 5 manatees in rehab at Jacksonville Zoo
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Because of the cold temperatures during winter, some manatees have become cold-stressed. It’s resulted in a record number of mammals in rehab at the Jacksonville Zoo. “It’s the first time … we’re rehabbing five animals,” said Craig Miller, with the Jacksonville Zoo. “They can be, you know, even longer -- four to five, six months depending on, even potentially longer, depending on how severe that cold stress is.”As a result of the cold winter, the Jacksonville Zoo isn’t the only spot with a record number of rehab patients. “We’re just trying to make sure we’re available to help out if if needed.”AdThe zoo will release the manatees when they’re healthy enough to survive on their own.
FWC preliminary report finds 619 manatee deaths in Florida during 2020
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – We’re a week into 2021, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has released its preliminary report for manatee deaths in the state during 2020. The preliminary report stated that there were 619 manatee deaths around the state. The Jacksonville Zoo is part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, which includes zoos, aquariums, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies. “Most common cause of admittance to the critical care here has been cold stress in 2020,” said Jafarey. The main cases seen in this area that go to the critical care center are boat strikes and cold stress.
Jacksonville Zoo releases manatee in Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A female manatee named Lusia was released near Halifax Harbor Marina on Thursday after her rehabilitation at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Manatee Critical Care Center. The manatee was rescued on Aug. 22, 2020, with injuries that indicated a boat strike. After some care from the critical care team and some rest, staff was ready to send her home. RELATED | Manatee on the mend at Jacksonville ZooThe manatee’s final weight was 713 pounds upon load-in on Thursday. She also had a couple of fractures of her ribs, and the reason that they picked her up is because she had some air in her thorax that made her buoyant on one side,” Allison Peterson, a veterinarian at the Jacksonville Zoo, said.
$1M and a few more years: Plans in the works to rebuild Jacksonville Zoo docks
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s been three years since Hurricane Irma caused destruction in our area and the Jacksonville Zoo is still feeling the effects. Its' docks were destroyed in the storm, but its' now submitted plans to rebuild. Did you know Jax Zoo was the only zoo in the country that had an admission gate on the water? The Jacksonville Zoo told News4Jax it’s about a $1 million project and it could take a few more years to rebuild the docks. “That was a heartbreaking storm for us,” said Tony Vecchio, Jacksonville Zoo Executive Director.
Why turning off your lights at night can save a bird’s life
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Did you know that leaving your outside lights on at night during the fall and spring season can impact a bird’s migration journey? Billions of birds migrate south for the winter and north for the summer ever year, and 70-80% of those birds migrate at night. Migrating at night comes with challenge -- one of the biggest being artificial lights from cities. Northeast Florida is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a predetermined path that birds migrate along the East Coast. “But we understand that there are some safety concerns with turning out your lights at night, people feel a little bit safer with lights on.”Jacksonville isn’t the only place working to help the birds.
Jacksonville Zoo announces 2020 Spooktacular dates
The 33rd annual Spooktacular at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, presented by Aquafina, will run between Oct. 23-31 from 5-8 p.m. Additional time slots will be available select nights from 7-10 p.m. The Zoo claims it will be “as wicked as you wish.”For safety purposes, the Zoo will be following its COVID-19 guidelines each night of Spooktacular. Themed Spooktacular treats will be available to satisfy the frightening hunger and thirst of kids and adults alike. DATES: October 23-31 TIMED SESSIONS: 5-8 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. (select nights only)Admission is $12 for members and $15 for non-members (children 2 and under are free). Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is preparing to host its annual Spooktacular event with new guidelines and protocols for the safety of guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.
Manatee on the mend at Jacksonville Zoo
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A female manatee was rescued Aug. 22 in Daytona Beach after an apparent boat strike. The marine mammal was brought to the Manatee Critical Care Center at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to recover from her injuries. The zoo staff is cautiously optimistic that she will recover within a few weeks and theyre continuing a daily treatment plan to help her heal. Our treatment plan includes some pain medication. Its also important to remember that come fall, its likely that youll see a manatee in the water since theyll be on the move for warmer waters.
Jacksonville Zoo closes to protect animals from Dorian
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be closed Monday through Wednesday due to Hurricane Dorian. Hundreds of animals at the Jacksonville Zoo will be protected inside facilities. They will be kept in or near their night houses for their safety as the storm approaches, zoo officials said. "We are taking every factor into account to ensure the safety of our patrons, employees and their families, and our animals," Vecchio added. He said the zoo has a full supply of food stocked up for both the animals and staff in its storage facilities.