Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

08/28/2026

The next generation of conservation leaders isn't waiting for the future. They're already here! 🌎

As a community partner for Manatee Tank: Youth Pitch Competition for Sustainability, alongside the City of Jacksonville, Florida - Government, Jacksonville University and Think Bold All Access, we’re proud to support young people ages 15–24 as they develop projects that can make our community more sustainable and resilient.

From environmental education and conservation to green infrastructure, waste reduction and climate resilience, youth-led teams can pitch their ideas for the chance to receive $1,000–$5,000 in microgrant funding to bring their projects to life. Funding is provided by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.

🎤The program will culminate with a live pitch competition at the Zoo on October 24!

Have an idea that could make a difference? Applications are open through September 28.

Learn more and apply: Jacksonville.gov/ManateeTank

08/27/2026

08/25/2026

🐒🌿 It’s International Colobine Monkey Day!
 
Did you know colobus monkeys are considered Africa’s most threatened group of monkeys?
 
There are more than 20 species of colobine monkeys found across Africa, from the forests of West Africa to the woodlands of East Africa. While each species is unique, many share remarkable adaptations that help them thrive in the treetops and live on a diet made up largely of leaves. 
 
One of their most unusual adaptations? They don’t have thumbs! Their four-fingered hands give them a specialized grip that helps them navigate life high in the trees. 🌳
 
But being perfectly adapted to their environment doesn’t protect them from the challenges that come with a changing one. Deforestation, habitat fragmentation and hunting have contributed to declining populations of colobus monkeys and other colobine species. Protecting them means protecting the forests they depend on, and the incredible biodiversity found within those forests.
 
Our colobus monkeys rotate on habitat in Primate Forest, so be sure to keep a lookout in the Kapok Tree and other habitats. You never know where you might spot them! 👀

08/24/2026

WE 💙 THE 904. And we're celebrating!

From September 4-7, celebrate the place we call home with $9.04 OFF General Admission at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens!

And on Saturday, September 5, we’re introducing SUPER Saturday, presented in partnership with Costumers for a Cause! Explore the Zoo alongside superheroes, princesses, mermaids and more, enjoy special story times and take on a SUPER scavenger hunt to win one FREE Spooktacular ticket for your family or group! 🦸‍♀️👑🧜‍♀️

We’re proud to be a part of this community, and even prouder to celebrate it with you. 💙

🎟️ No promo code needed! Your $9.04 savings is automatically applied online.

08/21/2026

🍻 LESS THAN ONE MONTH TO GO!🍻 Brew at the Zoo is almost here, and tickets are going FAST! Join us Saturday, September 12 for an unforgettable night at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Your all-inclusive ticket gets you:
🍺 Unlimited beer + food tastings from 40+ breweries, restaurants and more
🎧 Live DJ, games and interactive entertainment
🌿 Opportunities to connect with global conservation efforts
…and so much more!

VIP tickets are almost gone! Get there early at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy Cork & Barrel Mobile Tavern with St. Augustine Distillery Pours, special vendors like bartaco, MOCAMA and more, live music and additional VIP perks!

And the best part? Every ticket helps support the Zoo’s animals and conservation efforts around the world. 🐘🌍

🎟️Don’t wait until September to make your plans! Grab your tickets now: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo

08/19/2026

Goober has the right idea to beat this heat wave😅

08/17/2026

Meet Astrid! 🤍

Our Coquerel’s sifaka family has a new little member! Born May 15, Astrid is now 3 months old and growing fast. She’s the newest addition to mom Aemilia, dad Gulliver and big sisters Maxine and Charlotte.

Her name means “divinely beautiful” or “beautiful goddess," we think it suits her perfectly. Astrid is still too tiny to join her family on exhibit, but as she grows, she’ll eventually take that next step. For now, if you spot Coquerel’s sifakas on exhibit, you’re seeing Gulliver and Maxine!

Welcome to the family, Astrid!

08/14/2026

New Papa Johns mascot? We think so. 🍕 Meet Papa John, our newest tawny frogmouth chick, who hatched earlier this summer.

08/13/2026

Supporting conservation? Kinda chic.😏

08/12/2026

🎃 IT’S BACK… and it’s getting a whole NEW look. 👀

Step into a whole NEW Spooktacular as Jacksonville’s favorite fall tradition returns for its 39th year, presented by VyStar Credit Union! Beginning October 10, explore the Zoo after dark along a one-way trail filled with festive lights, interactive displays and Halloween fun for all ages.

👻 Wander through a glowing 400-foot light tunnel.
🔮 Discover your spirit animal with the Witches of Trout River.
🍬 Trick-or-treat your way along the trail and take home a goody bag.
☠️ Dare to venture into the optional Scare Zone for a few unexpected surprises.

From festive family fun to a little extra Halloween thrill, there’s something waiting around every corner.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale NOW! Get your tickets at: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular