Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville (must see)

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a destination that offers visitors an opportunity to explore an impressive collection of wildlife and plant species. Nestled at the mouth of the Trout River, near its convergence with the St. Johns River, the zoo spans approximately 122 acres (49 hectares) and houses over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species.

From its humble beginnings in Springfield, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to become one of the city's premier attractions, drawing in more than one million visitors each year.

Among the zoo's standout attractions is the Range of the Jaguar, which garnered the esteemed 2005 AZA Exhibit of the Year award. This exhibit offers an up-close encounter with these magnificent big cats, showcasing their natural habitat and educating visitors about their conservation needs. Another highlight is the Land of the Tiger, introduced in 2014, which boasts an innovative walk-through trail system allowing visitors to observe five tigers in an engaging environment.

The zoo's array of exhibits includes the Plains of East Africa, which showcases the fascinating wildlife of the African savanna, and the Australian Outback, where visitors can encounter a diverse range of creatures from Down Under. The African Forest exhibit is home to two of the four genera of great apes, as well as various species of lemurs, while the Wild Florida exhibit focuses on the native wildlife of the state.

The zoo participates in over 50 national and international conservation initiatives, along with more than 95 Species Survival Plans. In 2004, the zoo established a partnership with the nation of Guyana to promote conservation, specifically in the Iwokrama Forest. Additionally, the zoo houses a substantial breeding colony of wild wood storks since 1999. Although not endangered, these birds are a rare sight in North America and have chosen to make the zoo their permanent residence, nesting in a tree overlooking the Plains of Africa.