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JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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.

Female jaguar killed by male jaguar at Jacksonville Zoo

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.

5 rehabilitated manatees released from Jacksonville Zoo

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.

Plastic octopus to continue to spread environmental awareness at new home

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.

$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.

Jacksonville Zoo offering free admission for kids in November

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.

Zoo-A-Thon helps Jacksonville Zoo keep the lights on

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.

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.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens tries to recover from $6M in losses due to pandemic

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.

What to expect when heading to the Jacksonville Zoo this weekend

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.

Duval County beach restrictions lifted; zoo to reopen

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.

Zoos, wildlife sanctuaries re-evaluate protocols after tiger tests positive for coronavirus

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 Zoo offering free admission for kids in November

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.

River otter pups to make debut at Jacksonville Zoo Saturday

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.

Get $5 off at the Jacksonville Zoo by bringing an old phone

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 Zoo mourns loss of 25-year-old Grevy's zebra

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.

Oh baby! Jacksonville Zoo announces birth of baby zebra

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 Zoo faces $14K in penalties after rhino injures keeper

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 Zoo faces $14K in penalties after rhino injures keeper

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.