Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

What Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens does

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit operated by the Jacksonville Zoological Society, founded in 1914 and based in Jacksonville, Florida. The organization runs a 100+ acre AZA-accredited zoological park and botanical garden housing more than 2,000 animals and 1,000+ plant species, serving over 1 million visitors annually. It is one of only seven U.S. zoos with a dedicated animal wellness team and operates a 330,000-gallon Manatee Critical Care Center that can rehabilitate up to 20 manatees simultaneously. The facility has held continuous AZA accreditation since 1987 and was ranked the #4 zoo in the United States by USA Today readers for two consecutive years.

The business operates a diversified revenue model across admissions ($23-$27 per ticket), Build Your Own memberships (starting at $75) and Heart of the Zoo Society tiers ($500-$10,000), seasonal and signature events (Dinosauria, Tunes and Blooms, Brew at the Zoo, Spooktacular, ZOOLights, ExZOOberation), private venue rentals for weddings and corporate events, food/beverage/retail concessions (operated by SSA Group), and a robust philanthropy program including the $50 million ReZOOvenation capital campaign. Educational programs serve over 100,000 students annually and conservation initiatives span 45+ plant and animal programs globally. Technology infrastructure is standard for the sector: Gateway Ticketing Systems for e-commerce, DonorPerfect for fundraising, Constant Contact for email marketing, and a mobile app with geofencing; there is no disclosed AI/ML capability.

The zoo is currently completing a multi-year modernization cycle anchored by the $70 million Manatee River habitat and $4.5 million VyStar SkyScape entrance, both opening in early 2026. Under President & CEO Dr. Jeff Ettling (appointed January 2022), the organization launched a full brand redesign in May 2025, a new media partnership with Nickelodeon and Paramount+ in June 2025, and added new habitats (Sloth Crossing, expanded Warthog habitat, Frozen in Time Ice Age exhibit). The asset base, accreditation, and donor network collectively position the zoo as one of the top-performing mid-size zoological institutions in the United States.

Name

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Legal name

Jacksonville Zoological Society

Website

https://jacksonvillezoo.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1914

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens operates a 100+ acre AZA-accredited zoological park and botanical garden in Jacksonville, Florida, serving over 1 million annual visitors with animal exhibits, education programs, events, memberships, venue rentals, and conservation initiatives supported by philanthropic and corporate funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoo and Botanical Gardens

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

Keywords

• Zoo and botanical gardens
• Wildlife conservation programs
• Animal habitat exhibits
• Educational field trips
• Private event venue rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Jacksonville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Primary revenue stream from daily admission fees. Adult tickets priced at $27 and children's tickets at $23 (ages 3-17), with children under 3 admitted free. Last tickets sold at 4 p.m. daily.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership program with Build Your Own model starting at $75 for primary adult, $75 for named adult, and $60 for named children. Membership includes free unlimited general admission, discounts on camps and programs, 10% shop/restaurant discount, member-only events, and AZA reciprocal discounts at 140+ institutions.
3. Food, Beverage, and Retail Operations: On-site dining and gift shop operations managed by SSA Group as food, beverage, and retail partner. Revenue from concessions, merchandise, and catering services.
4. Private Events and Venue Rentals: Revenue from hosting private events including weddings, corporate events, proms, holiday parties, and reunions. Birthday party packages range from $625-$815. Multiple venue spaces available including Range of the Jaguar, Land of the Tiger, Asian Bamboo Gardens, and others.
5. Donations and Philanthropy: Annual Fund donations for operating expenses, capital campaign (ReZOOvenation) for facility improvements, animal adoption packages ($20-$220), animal sponsorship ($2,000-$5,000), and Heart of the Zoo Society annual giving ($500-$10,000). Legacy Society planned giving program.
6. Special Events: Revenue from signature events including Dinosauria (separate admission), Tunes and Blooms ($17-$27), Brew at the Zoo ($45-$185), Spooktacular, ZOOLights, and Total Experience upgrades ($10 per person).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is an AZA-accredited nonprofit zoo and botanical garden operating a 100+ acre campus in Jacksonville, Florida, housing more than 2,000 animals and 1,000+ plant species across award-winning exhibits. The organization generates revenue through daily general admission, annual memberships, special events, private venue rentals, education programs, and philanthropic donations, while also running animal rehabilitation (notably a 330,000-gallon manatee critical care center) and supporting 45+ conservation programs globally.

Product overview

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens operates as a 100+ acre AZA-accredited zoo and botanical garden offering a unified visitor experience centered on general admission access to award-winning animal habitats and gardens. The product portfolio consists of core admission tickets supplemented by premium add-on experiences including Total Experience (train, carousel, 4D Theater, animal feedings), Behind-the-Scenes Tours, Dinosauria seasonal exhibit, and Tunes and Blooms concert series. The zoo generates revenue through Membership Programs (Build Your Own individual memberships and Heart of the Zoo Society premium tiers), Animal Adoption and Sponsorship packages, Corporate/Zooliance Memberships, and Private Event hosting (weddings, corporate events, proms, birthdays) at multiple scenic venues. Supporting programs include Education Camps, Conservation Initiatives, Travel with the Zoo expeditions, and Volunteer Programs. An official mobile app provides personalized guest services, while an e-commerce platform (Gateway Ticketing Systems) enables online ticket sales and donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General Admission
• Total Experience Upgrade
• Annual Membership Program
• Heart of the Zoo Society
• Dinosauria
• Tunes and Blooms
• ZOOLights
• Spooktacular
• Brew at the Zoo
• ExZOOberation
• Birthday Party Packages
• Private Event Venue Rentals (Weddings, Corporate Events, Proms, Reunions)
• Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
• Animal Adoption Packages
• Animal Habitat Sponsorship
• Zooliance Corporate Membership
• Brick and Bench Tribute Program
• Education Programs (Field Trips, Zoo Camps, Outreach)
• Travel with the Zoo Expeditions
• Official Mobile App
• Conservation Program Support
• J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat
• VyStar SkyScape Entrance
• Frozen in Time Ice Age Exhibit

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million visitors annually from Northeast Florida, all 50 states, and around the world
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, flagship and minor.

• Nickelodeon and Paramount+majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2025Partnership bringing Dora-inspired interactive activities and Paramount+ branded experiences to zoo visitors during summer programming. Includes cross-promotional content and family-focused engagement initiatives.
• SSA GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2024SSA Group serves as the zoo's exclusive food, beverage, and retail partner. The partnership provides comprehensive food service operations including concessions, catering for events, and retail merchandise throughout the zoo grounds.
• Miami UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Unique partnership offering a Master's degree program through Miami University. Jacksonville Zoo serves as a learning laboratory for students pursuing advanced education in zoo and conservation-related fields.
• VyStar Credit UnionflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerVyStar Credit Union holds naming rights for the VyStar SkyScape entrance, a $4.5 million investment. The partnership includes event sponsorship and is the presenting sponsor for Tunes and Blooms summer concert series. VyStar also provides veterans free admission on Veterans Day.
• Community First Credit UnionmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and presenting sponsor for Colors of the Wild event. Provides financial services including free checking accounts for zoo employees. Major supporter of conservation events and programming.
• Chewy Vet Care JacksonvilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Tunes and Blooms summer concert series. Provides veterinary care services and brand association with zoo's animal wellness initiatives.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial partner for wildlife rehabilitation, particularly manatee rescue and release. Zoo serves as critical care center for injured and orphaned manatees with FWC coordination.
• St. Johns River Water Management DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater Conservation Education Partner. Supports zoo's conservation education efforts related to water resources and Florida ecosystem preservation.
• The Brix TaphouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for The Watering Hole venue transformation, providing outdoor bar and fireplace seating overlooking Trout River.
• PepsimajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate beverage sponsor providing products throughout zoo concessions and events. Long-standing sponsor relationship.
• CSXmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting zoo operations and conservation initiatives. Transportation industry partner.
• Fields Auto GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing vehicle-related benefits and marketing support for zoo events and programming.
• Nemours Children's HealthmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner providing health benefits information and wellness programming. Corporate sponsor supporting family-focused initiatives.
• Lindsey Pest ServicescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Pest Management Provider. Corporate sponsor with animal sponsorship of Giant Anteaters.
• Sight & Sound ProductionscoreTechnology or IntegrationAudio/visual and production services sponsor. Animal sponsor of Malayan Tigers. Provides technology solutions for events.
• Open House OpticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnimal sponsor of Meller's Chameleon habitat.
• Cool R Us, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnimal sponsor of Magellanic Penguins habitat.
• BACARDIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnimal sponsor of Jamaican Fruit Bats.
• Jacksonville JaguarsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnimal sponsor of Jaguar habitat. Sports franchise partnership supporting conservation awareness.
• SyscomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFood service distributor sponsor providing products for zoo food operations.
• Duval Motor CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing automotive-related benefits and marketing support.
• Ring Power CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing equipment and support services.
• Kuhn FlowersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFloral sponsor providing flowers and plants for zoo events and venues.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: Nonprofit zoo and botanical garden in Naples, Florida combining animal exhibits with historic gardens. Similar scale, operating structure, and revenue model to Jacksonville Zoo, including memberships, daily admission, and education programs.
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park: AZA-accredited zoo in Tampa, Florida, comparable in scale, mission, and operating model to Jacksonville Zoo. Operates a similar mix of admissions, memberships, signature events, education programs, and conservation initiatives within the same state.
• Zoo Miami: Larger AZA-accredited zoo in Miami operated by Miami-Dade County. Direct competitor in the Florida zoo market with similar mission, education, and conservation focus, though at greater scale and with county-government support.
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Major nonprofit tropical botanic garden in Coral Gables, Florida. Comparable operating model (admissions, memberships, events, philanthropy, education) and a peer for Jacksonville Zoo's botanical gardens component, though without the animal collection.
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: Historic Florida zoological park founded in 1893 with a focus on reptiles and native wildlife. Comparable attraction model in Northeast Florida with ticket sales, memberships, and special events, though more specialized species focus.
• Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society: Nonprofit AZA-accredited zoo in West Palm Beach with comparable size and mission. Operates similar revenue streams (admissions, memberships, events, sponsorships) and a comparable conservation/education platform targeting Florida families and tourists.
• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Mid-size AZA-affiliated zoo and botanical garden in Sanford, Florida. Closely comparable business model combining animal exhibits, gardens, education programs, events, and memberships — serving a similar family/school/tourist demographic.

Broad incumbents

• Disney's Animal Kingdom: Massive Florida theme park combining zoo-grade animal experiences with Disney's broader entertainment platform. Competes for Florida family/tourist visitation but operates at materially larger scale with substantially different cost and revenue structure.
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Large Florida theme park with significant animal exhibits operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Competes for Florida family tourism spend with combined thrill-ride and animal-encounter offerings, but at much larger scale and under corporate ownership.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Industry-leading nonprofit zoo and wildlife conservation organization operating the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Comparable nonprofit governance, AZA accreditation, conservation mission, and revenue model, though at substantially larger scale and national brand recognition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens