JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

One of our snappers was sending pictures of animals at the Jacksonville Zoo. It turned out he was a volunteer and he has quite the story about the zoo and how it started a lifelong love in more ways than one.

A new program called “Behind the Scenes Experiences” at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is ready to make your animal interaction dreams come true.

The newest jaguar cub at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens made his highly anticipated first public appearance Thursday, exploring the Range of the Jaguar exhibit for the first time.

The latest addition to join the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has officially received a name.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ jaguar population grew in April of this year, and that new, male jaguar cub is in need of a name.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens revealed some pretty pawsome cuteness Thursday.

Water issues not resolved by a self imposed deadline

A report filed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reveals new information in the Dec. 21 incident at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in which a zookeeper was mauled by an American black bear.

This year, News4JAX has been following white squirrel sightings in the Jacksonville area.

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.

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.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced Thursday that its oldest silverback, named Lash, died at age 45.

Who doesn’t love the zoo, right?

Officials say a 13-year-old Malayan tiger named Bashir is adjusting to new surroundings after arriving at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as part of a species survival plan.

In your yard or a park, you probably see a squirrel at least once a day. But have you ever seen a white one? And just because it’s white doesn’t mean it’s albino.

For the first time in almost 30 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens had a hamerkop chick hatch at the zoo!

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Tuesday said it made the difficult decision to euthanize one of its jaguars, which was in declining health.

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

It's "Kids Free November" at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens!

There’s much to see and much to do at the Jacksonville Zoo, which is probably why it’s found its way onto JaxBest on more than one occasion.

It's is the largest financial campaign in the zoo's history.

News4Jax partners with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Gemstone Productions for second ZOO-A-THON fundraiser.

Some animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be getting their COVID-19 vaccinations soon.

Two baby giraffes recently born at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens now have names.

It’s the second boat strike case the zoo has seen this week.

A man jumped over a gate of the Range of the Jaguar exhibit at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Wednesday afternoon and stuck his hand into the pen was clawed by one of the big cats, employees and witnesses told News4Jax.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens just got a little (taller) bigger!

Get ready to roar because Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is your JaxBest winner for best animal encounter.

Get ready to roar because Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is your JaxBest winner for best animal encounter.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens released a male manatee Wednesday in Salt Springs Recreation Area. He spent almost three months in rehabilitation and is the 22nd release from the Manatee Critical Care Center.

Celebrate creativity in all its forms during the Art in the Garden Festival at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This vibrant, 2-day event is your chance to experience intriguing art, curated music, demonstration classes, and extraordinary living pictures all within our lush gardens.

Just in time for World Penguin Day this weekend, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the hatching of a Magellanic penguin chick to parents Oreo and Kowalski.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens invites everyone to its celebration of Earth Day, Endangered Species Day and World Oceans Day at Party for the Planet, presented by The Wild Things!

A male western lowland gorilla was born at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens early Friday morning. This is the fifth gorilla born at the Zoo, and the first since 2018.

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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A female jaguar was killed by a male jaguar in a holding complex at the zoo, according to a news release Tuesday from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The zoo said the 21-year-old female jaguar Zenta was killed late Saturday. “These animals are like extended family to the caregivers, to the keepers who tend to them every day,” said Dan Maloney, deputy zoo director. “We just don’t know that yet.”The zoo said Zenta came to Jacksonville in 2006 as a rescued animal from a private zoo, and Harry was born at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 2009. Wildlife expert Ron Magill from Zoo Miami joined us on The Morning Show to talk more about animal attacks in zoos.

This photo shows two of the five rehabilitated manatees that were released last week from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Five rehabilitated manatees were released last week from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens -- the largest releases of manatees from the zoo in its history. Orphaned manatees need to be large enough before they can return to the wild, so Amelia and Irma went to the Jacksonville Zoo in February 2020 to continue their development. Ad“Releasing these animals not only marks the successful rehabilitation of five more manatees, it also frees up critical space so additional manatees can be treated at our Zoo,” said Craig Miller, curator of mammals at the Jacksonville Zoo. The manatee rescue and rehabilitation program has cared for 27 manatees and released 21 since the center opened in 2017.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – It graced Jacksonville Beach’s Seawalk Pavilion since November, but now the famous octopus made of single-use plastic will be moving to its new home at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, where it’ll continue to spread awareness about the environment. Piece by piece and strand by strand, volunteers from Beaches Go Green broke down the area’s most visible artificial sea creature on Sunday. “But the breakdown and the setup are always a big undertaking.”The gigantic cephalopod is not only made up of tens of thousands of single-use plastic bottles, but it’s also responsible for more than 1,000 volunteer hours. Now, it’ll soon be on its way to the Jacksonville zoo. Once the octopus is taken to the Jacksonville zoo, it’ll be stored a period of time before a master plan on how it’ll be displayed is created.

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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This month is “Kids Free November” at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! Up to five children will get free general admission to the Zoo with the purchase of an adult ticket, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens said. For a complete list of attractions offering deals for Kids Free November, click here. Guests must reserve their free kids tickets online, in advance at JacksonvilleZoo.org. General Admission tickets are free for children, up to 5 (ages 12 and under) with each adult.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For most businesses, the loss of millions of dollars in revenue could mean turning out the lights, cutting back on staffing and taking other drastic measures to make ends meet. But that’s not an option for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Tony Vecchio, the zoo’s executive director, joined other zoo staff, along with Mark Payton and Eden Kendall from River City Live, for the first ever Zoo-a-thon, which was televised Sept. 20 on Channel 4. The goal of the broadcast was to encourage the public to donate to support the care, feeding, and general well-being of the zoo’s many residents. Although the zoo set out to raise $250,000 initially, your generosity helped staff surpass that benchmark by raising roughly $350,000.

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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is raising money to help its rebound from the pandemic. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens board of directors is now turning to the community for help raising money. From rhinos to elephants, and String-Ray Bay, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens promises to maintain a fun and enriching experience for guests. Now, the zoo is turning to the community to help it raise money to recover, through a campaign called the Zoo-A-Thon. Next Thursday through Sunday there will be a telethon to raise money.

The time has finally come for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to reopen to the public. Although the zoo is open, there are a few changes and procedures that need to be followed going forward. You must purchase your tickets online and pick a time slot to visit the zoo. There is a limited number of tickets available so be sure to get yours quickly. ➜ Purchase tickets: https://t.co/tjH17aN5af➜ Become a member: https://t.co/XhIUcu0WNU pic.twitter.com/OalsOhqStG — Jacksonville Zoo (@jacksonvillezoo) May 7, 2020Once inside, you’ll see that all zoo employees will be wearing a face mask.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Lenny Curry on Tuesday took the next steps to reopen Jacksonville, announcing that all Duval County beach restrictions would be lifted on Wednesday and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be back open to the public this weekend. Curry said he collaborated with the mayors of Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic beaches to decide to reopen Duval County beaches without any restrictions on activities. Also among the changes Monday was that Duval County beaches opened 24/7 for exercise only -- walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming and surfing -- though that will change again on Wednesday when all activities will be allowed. When News4Jax went to Jacksonville Beach late Tuesday afternoon, beachgoers were already sunbathing before the restrictions were lifted. The Florida Department of Health reported Tuesday that there have been 26 coronavirus-related deaths and 1,084 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Duval County.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries across the nation are re-evaluating and revamping their protocols to ensure the safety of both animals and employees after a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for the new coronavirus over the weekend. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens said it’s taking it day by day and adjusting when it needs to. “Obviously, with a lot more hand washing than normal,” said Tracy Collins, spokesperson for Catty Shack Ranch. Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for the coronavirus. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Catty Shack Ranch are both in need of donations during this time, and you can find out how to donate by clicking on the links below:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - It's "Kids Free November" at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! The entire month of November is FREE for children 12 and under! Up to five children will get free general admission to the Zoo with the purchase of an adult ticket, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens said. For a complete list of attractions offering deals for Kids Free November, click here. Adult ticket must be purchased at the zoo -- no online purchases or tickets received from other locations.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Four giant river otter pups will make their public debut at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The three females and one male are the first of the endangered species to be born at the zoo. The otter pups were born on June 18 and needed special care by zoo staff before they were ready to been seen by the public. Sarave came to the Jacksonville Zoo last year from Miami and Buddy arrived from Guyana in 2011. Most recently, the zoo assisted with the restoration of the otter holding facility to care for three pups that came into their care.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - You can save money and do your part for the environment next week just by bringing your old cellphone to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. That's because the zoo has teamed up with Eco-Cell, a gadget-recycling company, to raise money for conservation and awareness about the damage mineral mining inflicts on gorilla populations. As part of the effort, visitors to the zoo between Sept. 23 and Sept. 28 can get $5 knocked off the price of general admission for each cell phone recycled as part of the week-long conservation drive. The campaign coincides with the celebration of the first birthday of Gandai, a female western lowland gorilla. Guests can even join in the fun by singing happy birthday to her on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - $5 day is back at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! General Admission tickets are just $5 for everyone on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019. Stingray Bay and Butterfly Hollow are both included with General Admission. Tickets valid for admission on July 17, 2019 ONLY. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A week after welcoming a newborn zebra, zookeepers are mourning the death of aging zebra that had been a fixture of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for nearly a decade. Eclipse, the zoos 25-year-old zebra, had been under close supervision as her health deteriorated in recent days. "Sadly, Eclipse did not make it through the procedure," the zoo wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday. The zebra is credited with raising awareness among the community over the years for its species, the Grevys zebra, which the zoo described as "one of Africas most endangered large mammals." The death of Eclipse comes a short while after the zoo celebrated the arrival of a newborn Grevys zebra, the fourth of its kind to be born at the zoo.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - $5 day is back at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! General Admission tickets are just $5 for everyone on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Stingray Bay and Butterfly Hollow are both included with General Admission. Tickets valid for admission on July 17, 2019 ONLY. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Showing off his stripes and cuteness! The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens said a Grevy's zebra was born over the weekend to mother Makena, and father Mosi. This is the fourth Grevys zebra born at the zoo. The Zoo supports the Grevy's Zebra Trust as they work to conserve the endangered Grevys zebra within its existing range through monitoring, active protection and the aid of communities and partnerships, both regional and international. No name has been announced for the baby zebra.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is being slapped with workplace safety citations and over $14,000 in penalties after a rhino injured a zookeeper in February. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an inspection of the zoo after Archie the rhino struck a zookeeper, sending her to the hospital. "I think theres some things they may have overlooked or things we disagree with those citations," said Tony Vecchio, executive director of the Jacksonville zoo. The zookeeper injured by the rhino made a full recovery and returned to work at the zoo. "It should be the zoos responsibility to keep their employees safe," zoogoer Jennifer Rodriguez said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is being slapped with workplace safety citations and over $14,000 in penalties after a rhino injured a zookeeper in February. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an inspection of the zoo after Archie the rhino struck a zookeeper, sending her to the hospital. "They were all things that happened that should not have happened," Tony Vecchio, executive director of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, said in April. The Jacksonville Zoo has been accredited since the 1980s, which is one of the longest tenures in the country. The zookeeper injured by the rhino made a full recovery and returned to work at the zoo.