Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo News 2023

Heartbreaking news: Lucy the Sumatran Tiger passed away suddenly at the age of 12.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Instagram: "We are deeply saddened to report the sudden death of Lucy, a beloved 12-year-old Sumatran tiger. Lucy's unexpected passing has left the entire Zoo community heartbroken. As one of the first tigers to reside in our award-winning Land of the Tiger habitat after opening in 2013, she captivated visitors with her majestic presence. Her loss is felt deeply by both staff and guests alike. “Lucy was not just a tiger but a cherished member of our Zoo family. Her playful nature made her a favorite among our guests,” said Kelly Rouillard, Director of Marketing. “Our dedicated team of medical experts provided her with the best care throughout her time with us, and we are devastated by her sudden loss.” Lucy had a complicated health history. Thanks to joint efforts between hospital and animal care teams, along with countless hours of successful treatment attempts from care specialists, she would bounce back from many rounds of illness. A necropsy exam revealed signs of sepsis, or bloodborne infection, as the likely cause of death. She raised two litters of healthy cubs, including Kinleigh Rose, Rocky and Jaggar. She was a dedicated mom, allowing her cubs to jump and play all over her. At times, Lucy could be very stoic and seemingly serious, but she was also a very playful tiger. Visitors could often see her lying alongside the pool with her head held high or taking a nap on a tree branch while lying on her back with her feet in the air. The smallest of the tiger subspecies, Sumatran tigers are native to the isolated Indonesian island of Sumatra and are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list. They face numerous threats, including habitat loss and human-to-wildlife conflict. Loss of prey animals because of deforestation is also having a negative effect on the remaining Sumatran tiger population. There are estimated to be less than 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, many of which live in national parks and other protected areas."
 
The zoo announced today that Malayan tiger, Cinta, is pregnant with at least 2 cubs and due soon. The father of the cubs is Bashir, who previously lived at Zoo Knoxville.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Instagram: "We are elated to share that our Malayan tiger, Cinta, is pregnant! A successful voluntary ultrasound confirmed she is expecting at least two cubs. With the tiger gestation period being approximately three to four months long, and Cinta being about three months along, we anticipate she will give birth soon. Cinta arrived from Cincinnati Zoo in 2017. This will be her second litter, but her first at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Bashir, father of the cubs, is a first-time dad! He joined the Zoo in 2022 through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of professionals within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that make recommendations to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied population. Our Animal Care Specialists and Veterinary staff are closely monitoring Cinta’s appetite, weight, body condition and behavior to ensure a calm and healthy pregnancy and birth. Staff take great safety precautions to complete these checkups. Throughout her pregnancy, she has remained curious, playful and active, such as exploring her nest box and enjoying her favorite toys. Just like human pregnancies, however, there are potential risks. We are cautiously optimistic and look forward to sharing updates throughout this exciting journey. Tigers play a critical role in their natural habitat by balancing and maintaining a thriving ecosystem. Unfortunately, there are estimated to be fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild. This pregnancy is a significant addition to the sustainability of the Critically Endangered species, and we are proud of our contribution to ensuring a viable and diverse Malayan tiger population!"
 
Malayan tiger Cinta gave birth to 3 cubs on November 5.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Instagram: "Introducing our newest Malayan tiger ambassadors! Cinta gave birth to THREE cubs on Sunday, November 5. The few days after birth are critical as the little family adjusts. Cinta has been very attentive to her babies, grooming and allowing the cubs to nurse, so we are giving them space while they get settled in and bond privately behind the scenes. Our Animal Care staff continue to monitor them to ensure they are eating, sleeping and cuddling as they should Just like with humans, there are potential risks. We remain cautiously optimistic and look forward to sharing updates. Be sure to follow along! Tigers play a critical role in their natural habitat by balancing and maintaining a thriving ecosystem. Unfortunately, there are estimated to be fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild. This pregnancy is a significant addition to the sustainability of the Critically Endangered species, and we are proud of our contribution to ensuring a viable and diverse Malayan tiger population."
 
Other Late 2023 News:

On November 24th, the zoo announced they acquired (1.1.1) Florida manatees for rehabilitation. The younger male is suffering from blunt-force trauma from a boat strike causing pneumothorax.

A few weeks ago, we helped rescue three manatees: a mother and two calves. Due to the ages of the calves, one is believed to be the mother’s, while the other might be an orphan that was adopted along the way. The three were rescued as a unit since both calves are still nursing. The smallest calf is suffering from blunt-force trauma from a boat strike, causing pneumothorax, or a collection of air outside the lung. The trapped air acts as a buoy, keeping him near and partially above the surface of the water, preventing him from submerging to nurse from the mother. He currently weighs about 100 pounds. Fortunately, the older calf and mother appear to be in relatively good condition. November is #ManateeAwarenessMonth We work around the clock to rescue and rehabilitate manatees so they can be released back into the wild. A portion of ticket sales and memberships goes directly to the care and feeding of our animals, and the protection of animals and plants locally and abroad. | Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | Global Genius · Running On Hope

On October 5th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.0.2) coyotes named Sherlock and Watson to the Manitowoc Lincoln Park Zoo in Wisconsin.

Coyote Exhibit Grand Opening!

On October 25th, it was mentioned that the zoo transferred (1.1) giant otters named Salvador and Mazaruni to Moody Gardens in Texas.*

On November 8th, the zoo announced that they received a $1 million donation from CSX that will contribute towards the construction of a new CSX Bicentennial Train Station near the zoo's entrance.

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On December 18th, the zoo announced that the vestibule attached to the Lorikeet Aviary exhibit burned down. No animals or staff were injured, and the birds were moved to a separate space behind the scenes.

In the early hours of... - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

*Information provided by @MennoPebesma in the United States Giant Otter Population thread.
 
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