Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Review

What's new at the zoo? Plenty. Not only has it seen the births of a rare Amur leopard and a greater kudu calf, it has opened Tuxedo Park, a controlled environment for a group of Magellanic penguins. Among the other highlights are the rare waterfowl and the Serona Overlook, which showcases some of the world's most venomous snakes. The Florida Wetlands is a 2½-acre area with black bears, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and other animals native to Florida. The African Veldt has alligators, elephants, and white rhinos, among other species of African birds and mammals; and the Range of the Jaguar, winner of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Exhibit of the Year, includes 4 acres of exotic big cats as well as 20 other species of animals. New additions include Play Park, complete with a splash park, forest play area, maze, and discovery building; and Stingray Bay, a 17,000-gallon pool where visitors can pet and feed the mysterious creatures. Parking is free.