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In 1971, the City of Jacksonville and the newly formed Jacksonville Zoological Society entered into a public/private partnership that literally breathed new life into a struggling city zoo. Today, over 30 years later, that partnership is thriving, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens continues to move forward, improving facilities, creating engaging experiences for guests, expanding our conservation efforts, and enhancing the animal and botanical collections.

Our community has embraced the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Attendance exceeds 600,000 visitors annually. Duval County school groups - public, private, and home school - enjoy free admission during field trips. Memberships have increased, and our camps are at capacity. Our assets have grown from $3 million to over $42 million, representing one of the best returns on investment for the City of Jacksonville.

It is clear that our expansion and redevelopment efforts must continue, and the time is now to strengthen our momentum as we transform your Zoo into a world-class facility and the pride of Florida's First Coast. Several important milestones have been identified to continue our mission:

1. The Botanical Gardens Master Plan – As funds are raised, the gardens will be created.  We have advanced with the three distinct kinds of gardens that have been identified in the plan.  The “Rivers of Color”, a linear garden along the Zoo Loop main circulation path, has been completed.  Our first “pocket garden”, Savanna Blooms, which serves as an enchanting gateway to an animal exhibit, opened in April 2005 and is a beautiful entry to the Giraffe Overlook.  The second “pocket garden”, the Asian Gardens, will open in 2008 and will precede Monsoon Asia, our Asian animal attraction. The third type of planned gardens will create a variety of formal garden settings along the Trout River and will feature formal gardens, a shade garden, water garden, native garden and a unique enabling garden, to introduce modified gardening techniques for those with physical challenges.
   
2. Monsoon Asia will bring a culturally focused exhibit related to an important geographical region of the world featuring several endangered species.  The Komodo Dragon display will be developed first, followed by the other animal displays of Monsoon Asia, set along the edges of a small Asian village plaza with a gift shop and Asian restaurant.  Tigers, Indian rhinos, sun bears, gibbons, Asian turtles and Asian horn bills will be among the featured animals. 

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will have a very special focus on interactive exhibits throughout Monsoon Asia.  Specialized areas will be incorporated into each exhibit where keepers will work with the animals one-on-one, adjacent to guest viewing areas.  Interactions will include training sessions and other personalized animal activities. Insight into challenges and conservation issues for the overall species in the wild will be highlighted.

Related to the critical need within American Zoos to perpetuate the populations of endangered Asian animal species, several animal exhibits will feature special breeding facilities. The public will be educated on the importance of related environmental issues as these animals face increasing declines due to deforestation, poaching, wildlife trade and the rapid expansion of human people groups across Asia.

A variety of naming opportunities are available for donors which offer a focused opportunity to assist in advancing our mission and goals.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has demonstrated fiscal responsibility and stewardship of your Zoo.  We are an important regional resource, providing quality recreation, education programming and unique conservation initiatives for all residents.  With your generous support, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will fulfill its promise to our city and live up to the vision of its leaders.

CAMPAIGN SUMMARY

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Campaign Goal:                                 $40,000,000

EXPENDITURES:

Botanical Gardens                                                                                          
$11,000,000                                         

Monsoon Asia:
Phase 1: Komodo Dragons, Tigers and other Asian species                         $6,000,000
Phase 2:  Sun Bears, Gibbons and other Asian species                                                                                            $12,000,000
Phase 3:  Asian Rhinos, Orangutans and other Asian species, Asian plaza, gift shop, restaurant
$11,000,000    

TOTAL                                                                                                               $40,000,000  

For more information or to make a contribution, please call the Development Department at (904) 757-3937 or email davidd@jacksonvillezoo.org.  To make an online contribution to the Annual Fund, click here.

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