Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has opened a new pier, restoring the option for visitors to arrive by boat for the first time in nine years. The dock replaces the wooden structure destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The pier, supported by donations and help from the Largura family and Superior Construction, connects to a walking path near the zoo’s Land of the Tigers exhibit. Boat access is available during regular zoo hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors arriving at the dock still need zoo admission. A QR code at the pier allows guests to purchase tickets online, and visitors can then contact zoo security using the phone number posted at the entrance. Wildlife Wanderer Curtis Dvorak said buying admission at least a day ahead can save visitors $5.
The zoo’s holiday light event, ZooLights, is scheduled to return Nov. 20 with decorations, music and lights across the grounds. It replaces the holiday-season format recently used for Colors of the Wild, though the illuminated-lantern festival is expected back from February through April 2027. Some displays will be based on drawings by winners of a zoo design contest, with Tianyu creating full-sized lanterns from the artwork.
At the Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River exhibit, four rehabilitating manatees are currently receiving care, and roughly four more are expected. Dvorak said the animals are in the final rehabilitation stage before release, receiving food and care as they gain weight. The zoo is also pursuing certifications to resume critical-care treatment for manatees.
Other recent animal news includes a baby bonobo born in early November and the anticipated arrival of a male rhinoceros. The rhino will not be immediately visible to visitors; zoo officials hope he could eventually join a breeding program with female rhino Kapenzi.
The zoo also recently mourned Olivia, a Stanley crane who lived at the Jacksonville Zoo for 30 years. Olivia, 43, was reported to be the oldest known Stanley crane in North America before she was humanely euthanized because of age-related health problems.
Jacksonville Zoo updated its membership offerings Oct. 1. An individual annual membership costs $79 and includes unlimited visits, along with member discounts and access to special events, according to Dvorak.
