Master Plan Refresh | Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Reimagining a Modern, Resilient, and Connected Zoo 

The Master Plan Refresh for Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens repositions the campus for the next decade of growth by modernizing aging infrastructure and strengthening the Zoo’s role as a regional destination. Developed through extensive listening sessions, on-site workshops, and close collaboration with staff across departments, the plan reimagines nine major areas of the Zoo. The result is a cohesive vision that expands animal habitats, enhances care facilities, and improves campus-wide navigation and comfort, ensuring the Zoo can meet the needs of its animals, guests, and staff well into the future. 

A New Standard for Animal Care and Habitat Design 

Central to the plan is an ambitious investment in modern, adaptable habitats designed to support evolving animal care needs. A new 10-acre elephant facility dramatically expands the Zoo’s ability to care for both Asian and African elephants. A state-of-the-art Aquaterrarium replaces aging herpetology spaces with integrated desert, forest, and aquatic environments, while a reconfigured 6-acre African savanna features a centralized hub for flexible care of giraffes, rhinos, and other hoofstock. Across the campus, upgraded back-of-house facilities strengthen veterinary care, nutrition workflows, and day-to-day operations. 

Elevating the Guest Experience Across the Campus 

The refreshed plan enhances guest comfort and connection through new amenities and clearer movement through the Zoo. A revitalized education complex anchors the f campus with an auditorium, classrooms, and ambassador animal facilities. A new lion habitat greets guests upon entry, while an expanded riverside event venue provides shaded gathering space beneath legacy oaks. The play park becomes a family-forward experience with a splash pad overlooking a stingray touch tank, lorikeet feeding, and reimagined sloth habitats. Throughout, upgraded dining, restrooms, and pathways support longer visits and deeper engagement. 

Planning Within a Complex Site, United by a Purposeful Vision 

The plan addresses aging infrastructure, a constrained footprint, and decades of incremental growth through a phased, strategic approach. Each element was shaped by operational insight, long-term maintenance considerations, and a commitment to resilience. The Master Plan Refresh provides Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens with a clear and flexible roadmap, advancing a future where modern care, meaningful experiences, and community connection strengthen one another. 

Key Features 

• 10-acre elephant facility supporting both Asian and African elephants 

• State-of-the-art Aquaterrarium integrating desert, forest, and aquatic biomes 

• Reimagined 6-acre African savanna with a centralized care hub for giraffe, rhino, and hoofstock 

• Upgraded veterinary, nutrition, and husbandry spaces to streamline daily operations 

• Modernized education complex with auditorium, classrooms, and ambassador animal facilities 

• New lion habitat anchoring an improved arrival sequence 

• Riverside event venue beneath century-old oak trees 

• Revitalized play park with splash pad, stingray touch experience, lorikeet feeding, and sloth habitats 

• Centralized operations and administration facilities to support staff growth 

• Phased implementation strategy that minimizes disruption while positioning the Zoo for long-term growth