Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Zoo Tots focuses on specific animal themes to engage your preschooler as they learn about the wonders of the Animal Kingdom. Program is designed for preschoolers and an accompanying adult. Each program emphasizes positive and engaging interactions with animal ambassadors as well as activities, stories and crafts that revolve around the week’s central theme. Programs are held at the Discovery Center in Play Park. Class size is limited to the first 12 children who apply. Pre-registration is required. A registration form can be found online at jacksonvillezoo.org. Zoo admission is not required. Price is for class only, Zoo admission is sold separately. EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY (2/7-4/12)

Join the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Leap Day at the Zoo’s Save the Frogs: Amphibian Conservation Center to learn more about amphibian conservation programs and what the Zoo is doing in response to the global amphibian crisis. Special admission offer! Guests born on February 29th will receive FREE general Zoo admission on Leap Day! Adults must present a valid photo id with birth date. Children with birthdays on February 29th must present valid birth certificate. This offer is good for general Zoo admission only and cannot be combined with any other offers, including Zoo Value Tickets. This offer is good on February 29, 2012 only.

Vegetables…the latest trend in gardening. Come check out our animal enrichment vegetable garden and talk to our veggie garden guru. Learn the basics to growing your own little produce patch and discover the secret to a happy healthy vegetable garden. Meet outside the main entrance at 8:45 a.m. for check in. Please pre-register online at www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

A new workshop series designed for adults! What can you do with all those plastic grocery sacks you have stuffed away in your pantry or drawers? Sure, you can recycle them, but where’s the fun in that? Join us as we explore new uses for those plastic bags, both functional and artistic. All supplies will be provided. Take home a work-in-progress along with instructions to complete several different projects using plastic bags. Basic skills in sewing, crochet or knitting will be helpful, but not necessary to enjoy this workshop. Workshop is for adults 18 years and older. Children ages 15-17 may participate with a parent or guardian and must pay a separate registration fee. Registration information is online at jacksonvillezoo.org.

March 9-11 Cost: $1.50-members; $2.00-non members Join the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the Grand Opening of Butterfly Hollow, a new enchanting butterfly exhibit at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens! Opens to the public March 9. Exhibit opens at 9:30 a.m. each day. Exhibit will close a half hour prior to Zoo closing each day. Also, during grand opening weekend, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on March 9-11, guests can enjoy live music and a butterfly craft for children (while supplies last). Butterfly Hollow is a whimsical butterfly garden with more than 20 different species of butterflies. As guests wander down the path through the lush tropical forest and meadow, they’ll see the magical landscape with flowering plants that will provide the nectar for butterflies living in the exhibit. There will be 200-300 butterflies in the exhibit at a time.

Have your kids enjoy spring break at the Jacksonville Zoo's Spring Break Zoo Camp! Camp is for ages 6-11 years old. Extended care is available before camp at 8 a.m. and after camp until 5 p.m. Extended care is $4 in the morning, $8 in the evening, OR $10 for both, per day.

Birds, butterflies, bees, animals and other insects all depend on plants for their survival and need our help. With the increase in invasive plants and expansive sterile St. Augustine yards local wildlife has less available food and habitat. Come walk through the Gardens with us while we point out wonderful wildlife attracting plants that fit easily into any garden. Meet outside the main entrance at 8:45 a.m. for check in. Please pre-register online at www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

A new workshop series designed for adults! What can you do with that closet full of old t-shirts that you can’t bear to part with? Could it be destined to become yarn? A scarf? An accessory? A shopping bag? Come learn several ways to reuse or repurpose a t-shirt! Bring at least one t-shirt with you to work with. Workshop is for adults 18 years and older. Children ages 15-17 may participate with a parent or guardian and must pay a separate registration fee. Registration information is online at jacksonvillezoo.org.

Celebrate Earth Day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Party for the Planet! Guests can learn how to take care of our earth by visiting environmental and animal conservation booths. There will also be children’s activities, entertainment, prize drawings, and visits from Jazoo.

Join the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens at the Zoo’s Tuxedo Coast exhibit to celebrate World Penguin Day! Guests can enjoy learning about penguins and participating in some fun penguin activities including the opportunity to see penguins up close and chat with their keepers. World Penguin Day is a celebration that coincides with the annual northern migration of penguins.

A casual, adult evening fundraiser to benefit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, ExZOOberation, now in its 17th year, is one of Jacksonville’s premier events, raising in excess of $2.5 million for the care and feeding of the animals, educational programs and conservation initiatives. Please call (904) 757-4463 ext. 196 to purchase tickets.