Below is a list of the top and leading Aquariums/Zoos in Jacksonville. To help you find the best Aquariums/Zoos located near you in Jacksonville, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Jacksonville’s Best Aquariums/Zoos:
The top rated Aquariums/Zoos in Jacksonville, FL are:
- African Forest – has combined the best in exhibit design, animal wellness, research, and interpretation
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens – helps over 45 conservation programs
- Land Of The Tiger – guests will occasionally get a chance to see zookeepers train the animals through an interactive panel in public view
- Wild Florida – is 2.5 acres of natural wetlands contain plants and native animals
- The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary – gives a loving, safe, forever home for endangered big cats
African Forest
African Forest has combined the best in exhibit design, animal wellness, research, and interpretation, pushing their boundaries and charting a new zoo path. From the moment guests access the new African Forest entryway, they are captivated by a magnificent 40-foot Kapok Tree. This iconic tree serves as the hub and heart of the exhibit.
The interior of the huge trunk is accessible to staff via a stairway so that caretakers may study and attend to the animals. Building in choices, challenges, and variation is a key element of wellness-inspired design and a prime principle of the new African Forest. With the help of a small force of dedicated students, guides, and volunteers, their Animal Wellness Department gathers and analyzes observational and behavioral data.
Products/Services:
Visit, Explore, Learn, Conservation, Events, Support
LOCATION:
Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Website: www.jacksonvillezoo.org/animal-exhibits
REVIEWS:
“It’s so great and lively, friendly employees and overall great and fun atmosphere!” – Madison A.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens helps over 45 conservation programs, regionally and globally. It is 1 of only 7 zoos in the United States with an animal wellness team, helping provide the very best care for their animals. Find out the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo, and Gardens is changing daily and is devoted to consistently improving.
Products/Services:
Plan Your Visit, Explore, Learn, Conservation, Events, Support
LOCATION:
Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 757-4463
Website: www.jacksonvillezoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Great place for a visit! They do encourage mask usage where you can’t social distance. Keep an eye out for birds. They don’t care if you’re under them or not. Great place to visit to see animals and have a good time.” – Katherine U.
Land Of The Tiger
Land Of The Tiger‘s guests will occasionally get a chance to see zookeepers train the animals through an interactive panel in public view. Its Asia Loop begins with the Komodo Dragon exhibit, set in an Indonesian fishing village on the island of Komodo. There, it shows that the two Komodo dragon residents are roaming the backyards of the village or enjoy in the sun.
Continue on the path to experiencing their award-winning Land of the Tiger and discover tigers as you have never seen before. The Sumatran and Malayan tigers, who call this exhibit home, are free to wander through the area via a creative trail system. The visitors will have the ability to potentially see a tiger from almost anywhere in this one-of-a-kind 2.5-acre exhibit.
Products/Services:
Visit, Explore, Learn, Conservation, Events, Support
LOCATION:
Address: FL-9A, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 757-4463
Website: www.jacksonvillezoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Wonderful habitats for so many animals and the gardens are absolutely beautiful! The staff is fantastic too. You are missing out if you don’t go check it out! Get the “total experience” pass for the best day.” – Priscilla V.
Wild Florida
Wild Florida is 2.5 acres of natural wetlands contain plants and native animals and is home to alligators, black bears, whooping cranes, bald eagles, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and pudu. Wild Florida’s reptile house is home to over 25 different species of reptiles and amphibians including the eastern indigo snake, one of several threatened species protected by the State of Florida. Alligators are situated just north of the reptile house and are fed every Saturday at 2:15 p.m. from mid-March through November.
Products/Services:
Plan Your Visit, Explore, Learn, Conservation, Events, Support
LOCATION:
Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 757-4463
Website: www.jacksonvillezoo.org/animal-exhibits
REVIEWS:
“The Jacksonville zoo is one of the top zoos in the country! It’s well kept, beautifully laid out, easily walked, wheelchair accessible. The staff is always ready to answer questions and full of knowledge about the animals. There’s a great playground area and an awesome splash pad. I recommend becoming a zoo member. You will get your money’s worth.” – Lauren R.
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary‘s mission is to give a loving, safe, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and captivity. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary’s main focus is on the rescue of exotic animals from serious situations.
At their night feeding, you will get to watch over 600 pounds of meat distributed throughout the sanctuary. There’s sure to be plenty of roaring. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary owes its success to its dedicated team of volunteers, generous supporters, and new and returning visitors.
Products/Services:
Visit, Tickets, Learn, Events
LOCATION:
Address: 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (904) 757-3603
Website: www.cattyshack.org
REVIEWS:
“What a great way to spend an afternoon and it’s wonderful the work they do to help magnificent big cats. As they said at the ranch, “this is the final stop for these cats after they’re rescued from various situations. They are cared for for the rest of their lives here.” The bond the cats have with the caretakers is beautiful and amazing. They also have foxes, catimundi, and a bear! Chickens and roosters also free roam the property. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience.” – Kayleigh D.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.