Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

09/04/2026

👀🎃 Something spooky is getting closer...

Beginning October 10, experience Jacksonville’s favorite fall tradition in a whole NEW way as Spooktacular returns for its 39th year, presented by VyStar Credit Union. As the sun goes down, follow a festive one-way trail through the Zoo filled with glowing lights, interactive experiences and Halloween fun for all ages.

✨ Step inside a glowing 400-foot light tunnel.
🔮 Discover your inner creature with the Witches of Trout River.
🍬 Trick-or-treat your way through the Zoo and take home an exit goody bag (Treats are available for children only.)
☠️ And if you dare… venture into the optional Scare Zone.

Bring the whole family, pick your perfect costume and get ready for a Halloween night at the Zoo!

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Get yours at: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/spooktacular

09/03/2026

September is Member Appreciation Month! 💙

There’s so much we’re able to do because of the support of our Zoo Members. From caring for more than 2,000 animals and nurturing our gardens to supporting conservation and creating unforgettable experiences for our community, your membership makes our mission possible.

So for September, we’re celebrating YOU with a few extra perks!
🎟️ Free Total Experience Tuesdays
👯 Free Friend Fridays (One guest per household.)
🌅 Early Access Saturdays (starting at 8 a.m.)

We’re incredibly grateful to have you as part of the Zoo family. Thank you for believing in our mission, supporting our animals and plants and helping us make a difference!

09/02/2026

Our favorite time of the year is just around the corner, and there’s plenty to look forward to at the Zoo! 🍂🦁 Celebrate 904 Day, raise a glass at Brew at the Zoo, enjoy Member Appreciation perks and discover new ways to learn.

Save the calendar and start making your September plans!

09/01/2026

Starting the day with a case of the morning wiggles🙂‍↕️🦦

08/31/2026

🍺🦁 LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🦩🎶
 
Brew at the Zoo is almost here, and tickets are going fast! On Saturday, September 12, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens transforms into an unforgettable adults-only night featuring craft b**r, delicious bites, live entertainment and more.
 
Your all-inclusive ticket includes:
🍺 Tastings from 50+ local and regional breweries, restaurants and more
🎶 Live music, DJs, games and interactive entertainment
🦒 Animal experiences throughout the Zoo
🌎 Opportunities to connect with conservation partners and learn more about wildlife conservation
 
✨ LIMITED VIP TICKETS REMAIN! Get early entry at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy exclusive access to the VIP lounge, enhanced beverage offerings, special vendors, live music and more.
 
Get your tickets before they’re gone!

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 b**r + 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