Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, USA

Address:	370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, USA
Phone:	+1 904-757-4463
Site:	jacksonvillezoo.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Matt Huff

The animal exhibits were all very nice, but we had a very very bad experience with the staff. We asked the man at the train ticket booth what time the last train is so we wouldnt miss it and have to walk back. He stated the last train was at 5:45 and the park closes at 6pm. We said ok so we can make it back in time for the stingray bay bwfore it closes. It was about 4:30 so we were iffy about buying train tickets so late. We bought 3 wrist bands and rode the train to the other end of the zoo and went to the kids splash park. We got to the train station at 5:30 on the dot and just missed the train. There was no zoo employees anywhere around and the sign said next train at 9:45am. We waited for about 10 minutes but still noone to ask. So we walked all the way back to the front just in time for the stingray bay before it closed. We told the ticket booth man there was no train or anyone attending the station and he would not give us a refund stating that there is always a 5:45 train and the sign is wrong. While he argues with me the employee who was supposed to be at the train station explains he switched the sign for tomorrow early and wasnt there because he was needed up front to help the old man put strollers away while they close everything up for the day. Even with him admitting I was correct about the sign showing the wrong time and that he was not there to help people board the train or let them know there was another one coming we were still denied our money back. I want a refund. We were treated very poorly and were mislead into giving our money away for something we didnt get to use, only half way around.

Karen Coppock

We went for the first time this weekend. We liked it and had a good time overall. As an animal lover, there were a couple of enclosures that bothered me. The big cats that love to run were too confined and I hate to see animals pacing, which a couple were, especially the Cheetahs. We saw a Bald Eagle who had lost half his wing. He was sitting on the ground and was quite dirty. I felt sorry for him. I know in the wild hed be dead, but he doesnt have much of a life. I also really want animals to have another of their kind in the enclosure with them, if possible. There were many that were alone. As far as penguins go, I thought they needed cooler air to be happy. It bothered me to see them in the hot Florida sun with some fans blowing on them. Ive been to a few zoos and this one seems pretty good overall for animal treatment. When we first arrived we used the bathroom and it was a disaster. There was trash everywhere and it was about as clean as some gas station bathrooms. There were signs and benches and buildings that had seen better days and really need renovation. We paid over $18 each to get in, which seemed fair enough, but then they charge extra for things that should be included, in my opinion. Destination Dino, Stingray Bay, Butterfly Hollow, 4D Theater and the Train & Carousel Rides all cost extra. At the sit down restaurant, there were about 5 empty tables but none were clean. Overall, were glad we went, but if you go to Disney or Universal first, this will be a let down. It doesnt have to be. With a little work, it could be just as nice.

yuiidragon

The main problem I had was with the staff. Everyone seemed either very rude or impolite and sarcastic, especially the woman running the carousel. I was glad that my child couldnt understand that the lady was being rude to her or it wouldve ruined her day. Had another problem at one of the restaurants where the cashier misunderstood me and rung me up for 3 cokes and when I corrected her, she acted very unprofessionally and stood there for 3 minutes outright arguing with me in front of other customers and staff that I ordered 3 medium cokes and a small coke instead of accepting that it was a misunderstanding and refunding my money. She finally did after I just cut her off and asked for a refund. There was also a time when my family and I were boarding the train for the second time after getting off to look at the Asian Exhibit and were going back to the African Exhibit where a woman who saw us before came right up to me when wed all gotten seated on the train and asked us in a very annoyed tone whether we were riding the whole thing or if we were getting off at the next stop, which was a little insulting considering that several other people were riding it the whole way around and we hadnt done so and were getting off at the African Exhibit. There were loads of other rude staff at this place. I dont know if it was the heat getting to them or what, because it was extremely hot and by lunch we were all drenched in sweat They also nickle and dime you every chance they get so come well funded.

Kurt Reiffenstein

I love the Jacksonville Zoo. I think its one of the better zoos Ive seen. The grounds are well kept, and the animal displays are natural looking and well sized. All the animals Ive seen, seem to be well cared for, and their habitats as close to their own. Ive seen too many zoos where the wild animals are pent up in cages, with little room to move, but the JAX Zoo gives them plenty of space, in natural habitats. All the animals Ive seen, seem to be well cared for, and carrying on as if they were in the wild- I didnt see any exhibit where any animal showed stress or duress, as Ive seen in many other zoos. JAX zoo is doing something right, and other zoos should should take the clue... The tiger exhibit, the bonobos, the elephants and giraffes. The buildings that house all the amphibians and other things- theres so much to see here, Ive been there about 6 times now, and it keeps unfolding- and Ill keep going back. As far as other reviews go about the concessions, they are moderately priced, but not as excessive as most public venues go these days. And the cleanliness? Ive never had an issue- but if your table is dirty, Im sure the staff would wipe it off for you. I gave JAX Zoo 5 stars... 1 for the selection and diversity of animals, 1 for the natural and spacious habitats, 1 for the grounds and zoo itself, 1 for the knowledgeable and caring staff, and 1 for the value. Its a great zoo.

Lyndzey Stovall

We had fun at this zoo...Were in Florida so you know its hot but the zoo did pretty good with the trees to provide some shade... And if you dont feel like walking they have a train that goes around the zoo to help get you from one spot to another fast ;But beware the lines get long real quick so as soon as you see no line or a short one hop in there!! My daughter absolutely had fun here. They have a petting zoo although its only goats, that was a bit disappointing but you can brush them.. they even have a play area for the kids AND they have this water area where their are water fountains spraying everywhere even from the ground so everyone one can have fun and cool off a bit. They have a 4D theater and at the time we went they played Scratch Ice Age Adventure and it was pretty cool. It had smells and water and I think the seats moved along with the story too. And even though it says theater dont get hyped like I did thinking it was goin to be like an actual theater, its really just a big "room" type place and kinda eh looking with about 25 seats I believe. Lets talk about Food, they had a pretty decent selection and any place I can get funnel cakes AND dippin dots ice cream is ok in my book. All in all it was fun and my daughter had the time of her life looking at all the animals. And if my daughter has fun then thats all that matters.