JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 8, 2020) — Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is officially re-opening to the public on Saturday, May 9. The reopening plan welcomes guests back to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to kick off the new Dinosauria exhibit, presented by Sonny’s BBQ, which opened just before the COVID-19 closure in mid-March.

Online reservations for members and ticket purchase for the public began on May 7 which includes the Dinosauria experience where guests can explore the prehistoric creatures and plants of the Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Pleistocene periods. To help limit the amount of people in the Zoo and Gardens, we are temporarily implementing a timed ticketing process. Guests can purchase timed tickets for each member of their party for the following times on May 9, 8-11am for Members-Only, 11:30am-2:30pm for all guests, and 3-6pm for all guests.

“The last few months have been stressful for everyone. We are pleased to reopen and bring joy and relaxation back to our guests by sharing the comfort that is induced by connecting with our animals and gardens,” said Tony Vecchio, Executive Director. “The Zoo will continue the mission of creating fun, educational, and memorable experiences while operating according to recommended safety protocols.”

The entrance through the Zoo is designated as a one-way path through almost all of the Zoo with round-abouts to exhibits. Guests are encouraged to wear face masks and to maintain safety and physical distancing guidelines outlined on visual reminders and cues from staff members. Grab-n-Go meals are available at Trout River Grill and Main Camp Café. For additional information about the re-opening, visit https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/reopening.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

370 Zoo Pkwy

Jacksonville, FL 32218

About Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens For over 100 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has aimed to inspire the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection of one red deer fawn, the Zoo now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 species of plants, boasting the largest botanical garden in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit organization and a portion of every ticket sold goes to the over 45 conservation initiatives Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens supports around the world, and here in NE Florida. JZG is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, visit jacksonvillezoo.org. ###

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