For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Flamingos & Swans Show Off Their New Digs at Jacksonville Zoo

February 27, 2007 – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens recently introduced its renovated swan pond that is now also home to twenty American flamingos. The pond exhibit is located on the Zooloop (the main path) between the Range of the Jaguar and the Wildlife Carousel.  Previously, the pond was largely obscured by shrubbery. New pavers now lead up to the open viewing area where visitors can see the spectacular color of the beautiful flamingos “feeding” along the bank and the stately, graceful swans swimming in the pond – a photographer’s dream.       

“This is just one of ways that the Zoo has enhanced its guests’ experience,” said Dennis Pate, executive director of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “This beautiful scene will border the new “Great Lawn” portion of the Gardens of Trout River Plaza, due to open in the summer of this year,” Pate continued.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,500 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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