Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens News 2025

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Photo Credit: Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens’ Instagram page

Recently, I came across this image regarding the zoo’s latest bongo calves, which confirms that there have been three consecutive births over the past few months.

The first, and latest of these calves is (1.0) Phoenix, who was born on April 14th, to mother Sienna.

The next calf should be (1.0) Pico, whose birth I previously reported. He was born on February 19th, to mother Cayenne for those who missed the initial post.

Finally, there is (0.1) Clementine, whose birth was probably relative to that of Pico’s; in addition to being the offspring of a separate mother.

[Edit] Phoenix is a male, and the third calf is a female named Clementine.
 

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After another successful shift, I was able to document the following changes and updates earlier today (09/05):

Perhaps, the most significant non-animal related update I have to report; the “skyscape” framework for the new entrance has been erected (see below). With this addition, the project in general is well underway for a 2026 opening date, as it was first mentioned by user @Milwaukee Man.

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Not long after the end of my shift, this next update marks the first time I have seen the Sloth Crossing exhibit since it opened. While neither of the zoo’s sloths were visible, the new exhibit as it stands is a decent redesign at best.

For those curious about the status of the Emerald Forest Aviary, I can confirm that it is open to the general public once again.

I also noticed that the following signage relating to the zoo’s jaguars had been updated since my last report. For reference, the top image shows the new design, while the bottom shows what it used to look like.

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Photo Credits: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Following my time with the Range of the Jaguar area, I noticed that some palm trees were planted in the space where the old leopard aviary once stood; with no other changes being present in the still-empty space.

While I alluded the idea of finding the same bongo calves that I highlighted in my previous post. To my disappointment, all three chose to remain out of sight due to the heat.

Regarding the Elephant Plaza’s wattled crane chick, the singleton offspring has significantly grown in size (nearly as tall as its parents!), with all three cranes still housed together on the day of my visit.

While this next update has nothing to do with captive animals, I can confirm that wood stork nesting season is in full swing. With dozens of nesting pairs and offspring being seen in and around the same trees that they congregate annually.

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Last, but certainly not least, in an area slightly hidden away from the hubbub of the wood stork colony. A smaller breeding colony of Roseate Spoonbills can also be seen from the Africa Boardwalk. For reference, the spoonbill roost is located among a cluster of sycamore trees between the former okapi enclosure and the rhino savanna (see above; far left in the image).
 

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As part of the zoo’s continuous efforts on their “rezoovenation” master plan. It was announced that the entire zoo has been given a historic rebranding under the name Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens (including a new logo and color scheme).

Source: https://jaxtoday.org/2025/05/19/jacksonville-zoo-adopts-new-name-to-reflect-dual-mission/

Side note, while I do think adding the word “botanical” isn’t as revolutionary of a name change as ZooTampa’s was, it is still a welcome change that I am willing to accept.
 
Austin the Sengi said:
After another successful shift, I was able to document the following changes and updates earlier today (09/05):

Perhaps, the most significant non-animal related update I have to report; the “skyscape” framework for the new entrance has been erected (see below). With this addition, the project in general is well underway for a 2026 opening date, as it was first mentioned by user @Milwaukee Man.

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi
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I liked the old (african style) entrance very much. Regarding the construction framework, I fierce it will become some of this ugly metallic-glas-concrete buildings...:-(
 
Recent news:
Machli, the male tiger cub, has left for another zoo, yet to be named.
The third baby Eastern (Mountain) bongo, a boy, of this year was born on April 14. That’s five in the last two years.
As noted, our first ever Crowned Lemur was born.
The construction on the new entrance and “Manatee River” continues. Completion date is still 2026. Plan to be able to hold up to eighteen manatees for rehabilitation.
 
Piece of May 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On May 14th, the zoo announced they acquired a (1.0) wreathed hornbill named Humphrey, which is on exhibit.

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

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On June 4th, the zoo announced they transferred a (0.1) northern caiman lizard named Serrano to another unspecified facility.

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
 
Now while this latest update won’t be as heavy as my previous report. I will say that the majority of the updates I was able to document earlier today (20/09) were quite intriguing to say the least.

Beginning in Elephant Plaza, it appears that the wattled crane chick I previously mentioned was nowhere to be seen. For I only saw the parents while I was there, which led me to believe that the not-so-little chick may have already left for another facility.

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Additionally, the number of bird species within the plaza’s two enclosed aviaries continue to shrink. In the first aviary, it is now only signed for a Blue-Bellied Roller (see above); while the aviary next door had a pair of White-Cheeked Turacos and three Spur-Winged Lapwings.

Inside of the Reptiles of the Seronera building, not only did I manage to write up an updated species list; but I also noticed that there is now a Ball Python mixed with the Giant Plated Lizards and African Rock Python!

Beforehand, along the main Africa boardwalk, I finally figured out the reason why the rhino savanna had been divided for as long as it did. Turns out, it was for the installation of perimeter fencing that keeps the savanna’s inhabitants from falling into the moat that divides them from the vultures (see below):

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Furthermore, as I was heading over away from Africa, I came across a sign relating to the Manatee River site that seemed to depict updated concept art for the future exhibit. I certainly haven’t seen this artwork anywhere online, so I figured it must’ve been made to reflect the current vision for the project.

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Closer to the Giraffe Overlook, not only did the signage surrounding the entrance get updated; but the long-vacant barn that used to hold giraffes and klipspringers has been demolished. In its place, is a now a staging area for zoo staff (see below):

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Photo Credits: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Finally, I should also mention that the entry and exit doors for the River Valley Aviary have been restored; which also came with it a brand new sign that now welcomes guests as they enter the zoo (see below):

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Photo Credit: yours truly, Austin the Sengi

Unfortunately, while I did not have time to check on the residents of the aviary. I was happy to see that the zoo was able to do what they could with the once-dilapidated parts that needed the most attention.
 

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Austin the Sengi said:
It turns out, as the zoo confirmed in their socials, one of the warthog piglets was found to be a male; which now leaves the zoo with the following ratio (1.2.0).
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Should be mentioned that this piglet, originally named Padme, was renamed Anakin. His sisters according to comments in Instagram have been named Ripley and Leela.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Instagram: " Gender Reveal…take two? So, funny story… when our warthog piglets were born, we proudly introduced you to three little ladies. But after a closer look, we realized our tiniest piglet isn’t a girl at all! Padmé has officially embraced the dark side… and is now Anakin. Baby warthogs can be sneaky, but we love this little plot twist. Thanks for celebrating our surprise with us! "

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Instagram: "The newborn stage can be exhausting, but luckily, Nusura is the perfect mom."
 
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