The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ landscaping is designed as part of the visitor experience, with gardens and plantings extending from the entrance through paths connecting animal habitats.
According to Curtis Dvorak, the zoo’s official Wildlife Wanderer, the attraction adopted the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens name last year to put greater emphasis on its gardens. Designated areas include Savannah Blooms, Trout River Garden, Asian gardens and the River of Color garden, which connects sections of the zoo.
The horticulture team cares for thousands of plants, including species selected to reflect natural environments as well as rare varieties. Its work includes maintaining greenhouses, preparing plants for the grounds and clearing leaves from paths before the zoo opens each day. Dvorak said visitors sometimes photograph plantings for ideas at home, and staff also teach children about plants during zoo camps.
Seasonal programming brings another layer of work. For Spooktacular, lights and decorations are installed across the grounds, often after closing. Dvorak said the horticulture team works with the outside display installer to minimize harm to plants. After Spooktacular ends on Halloween, the grounds begin transitioning to ZOOLights on Nov. 1.
The zoo is a nonprofit, and Dvorak said revenue from events helps support animal care, conservation and education. He pointed to the zoo’s manatee rehabilitation work, saying four manatees were in the final rehabilitation stage and gaining weight before their return to home waters.
The zoo welcomed about 880,000 visitors in the fiscal year ending Oct. 1, according to Dvorak. He said annual attendance is typically about 900,000, with a goal of reaching 1 million visitors.
