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Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Named  One of “America’s Best Zoos” and  #1 in Nation for Its Range of the Jaguar South American Exhibit

At a press conference held today at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Kelly Monaghan, the publisher of Intrepid Traveler Publishing Company, presented two national awards to the Zoo. Dennis Pate, executive director of the Zoo accepted the awards on behalf of the Zoo.

Authors of one of the publishing company’s many books, America’s Best Zoos travel guide, Allen W. Nyhuis and Jon Wassner, named the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to its list of 60 zoos recognized as “America’s Best Zoos” based on select criteria.  They did not rank the award winners because zoos are so diverse in nature. Currently, there are over 2,000 zoos in the United States, two-hundred of which are accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Jacksonville Zoo is one of only 13 zoos in the Southern region of the U.S. to receive the award.  Monaghan also presented the Jacksonville Zoo the award for “#1 South American Exhibit in the United States,” for Range of the Jaguar.  This is the second national award won by the Zoo for this exhibit.  The first was awarded by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

“It was an honor to accept these awards on behalf of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  It reaffirms what we hear more and often from visitors that the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has become a top attraction in the Southeast with growing recognition across the nation,” said Pate.  “We have worked very hard and have accomplished a lot over the past six to 10 years.  Range of the Jaguar was a real turning point for us, and it continues to get wide acclaim.  Our thanks go out to all who contributed to our growth over the years.”

For 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,500 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 

Photo: Left to right, Kelly Monaghan, Publisher, Intrepid Publishing Company, Dennis Pate, Executive Director, Jacksonville Zoo

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is giving residents all over Northeast Florida a good reason to vacation closer to home this year.   From now until August 31, 2008, visitors can download a special coupon from the Zoo’s Web site at jacksonvillezoo.org for half off admission. The coupon will only be displayed if one of the three local weather authorities has predicted the temperature will reach or exceed 95 degrees the next day.  Each coupon will be good for 50% off regular Zoo admission for up to four people on the date indicated.

“The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers a world of fun right in your own backyard,” said Janet  Johnson, director of operations and marketing at the Zoo.  “Visitors can see—and in some cases even feed or pet—the wonderful animals; take advantage of all the water features, air conditioned buildings and cool treats throughout the Zoo. New people mister systems have been installed at four popular viewing areas including the rhino pavilion on the board walk at Plains of East Africa, viewing window at the jaguars' exhibit at the Range of the Jaguar, wave wall at Gardens of Trout River Plaza, and large bonobo overlook. And the Zoo’s 4,000 square foot Splash Ground at Play Park and the new Stingray Bay exhibit are family favorites especially this time of year.”

For more information on how to make the most of your next Zoo visit go to jacksonvillezoo.org.

The staff at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is celebrating the birth of a female Eastern Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) born on exhibit Sunday, April 13, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. The calf was born to Sequoia, a five-year-old female born at and owned by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Abe, the father, who came here in 2007 from the Cape May County Park Zoo in New Jersey where he was born, and is on loan from the Los Angeles Zoo. Only 30 minutes after the birth, the calf was standing.  She weighed in at 43.1 pounds the following day. This is Sequoia’s first offspring and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ eighth Eastern Bongo birth.  

A neonatal examination or “well baby” check was performed by the animal health staff on the calf to assess its health status on Monday. Both mother and calf are now doing well.  The calf will continue to be monitored closely by animal health and keeper staff.  Visitors can see the baby and its mother on exhibit at the Plains of East Africa. 

Zoos have been involved in the conservation of this rare antelope, which is native to the Mt. Kenya region of Africa, over the last 50 years in response to the animal's rapid population decline. Nearly four decades ago, US zoos began breeding the species in hopes of maintaining a genetically diverse population. In 2004, 20 captive-bred bongos –including one from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens—were repatriated back to Africa.

The bongo is a species that has benefitted from zoo assisted reproduction technologies, such as artificial insemination and incubation of embryos. From implanting eland (a related species) cows with rare bongo embryos to transporting embryos to Kenya to implant in bongo females, this last chance to preserve genetic viability can provide a hedge against extinction.

For 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914, with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,500 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s North side one mile off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  The Zoo is open until 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org

 Enjoy a Night in TUSKany at the

 2008 ExZOOberation Fundraising Gala

 On April 12, 2007, at 6:30 p.m., the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will host its 13^th annual ExZOOberation fundraising gala benefiting the Zoo.  The theme for this year’s event is “A Night in TUSKany” using an Italian theme, with an animal twist.  The casual, adult-oriented gala has become one of Jacksonville’s premier events with a total of over $1.6 million raised for the care and feeding of the Zoo’s animals as well as educational programs and conservation initiatives.  AXA Advisors is the title sponsor of this year’s event.

 “We are thrilled with the beautiful Gardens at Trout River Plaza setting for this year’s ExZOOberation,” said Diane David, Director of Development at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. 

 Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Zoo’s new Stingray Bay interactive exhibit and then guests will proceed to the Zoo gardens to enjoy animal encounters, entertainment, a silent and live auction, a delicious dinner and dancing.  This year the live auction will feature unique Zoo animal adoption packages.  Each adoption package includes signage at the exhibit, naming rights for offspring, behind the scenes tours including animal husbandry training sessions and enrichment, private party at your adopted animal’s exhibit and quarterly updates from your animal’s keeper.

 Tickets begin at $175 per person and can be purchased online at www.jacksonvillezoo.org or by calling the Development Department at 904-757-4463, ext. 196.

Herbs for Gardening and Fun

at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Gardening Class – March 1, 2008

 February 20, 2008 – Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the next class in its series of gardening classes, “Herbs for Gardening and Fun”.  The class is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Zoo’s PepsiCo Education Foundation Campus.  Guest speaker Linda Cunningham, member of multiple herb organizations, master gardener, and owner of Cunningham’s Floral Designs, will be speaking on why herbs are a great addition to the garden and how to utilize them in every day life. 

 “We invite gardeners, food lovers and arts and crafts enthusiasts to learn about the versatility of herbs from a well-known expert,” said Bob Chabot, Director of Horticulture and Facilities at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  “Learn everything from how to grow and cook with herbs to how to use them for making potpourri and various arts and crafts.”

 The cost is $15 per person for Zoo members and $20 per person for non-Zoo members.  Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited.  For more information or to pre-register, visit the Zoo’s Web site at www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

It's A Boy!

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Announces Giraffe Birth
February 8, 2008

Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is proud to announce the birth of a healthy male giraffe. The calf was born on January 26, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. to Zawadi. The calf first stood 36 minutes after birth and first nursed at 1 hour and 54 minutes after birth. He is 5’7” and 142 pounds, and after a neonatal exam by Zoo staff, appears to be very healthy. The mother is also doing very well and has demonstrated excellent maternal skills, including licking the calf to clean and stimulate it immediately following the birth. This is Zawadi and Duke, the father’s, third offspring. The calf, whose name will be determined at the Zoo’s premier annual fundraiser, ExZOOberation, will be on exhibit this weekend.

The gestation period for a giraffe is about fifteen months. In the wild, calves spend much of their first week lying down and hiding, while the mother remains alert and prepared to defend her calf against predators such as lions and hyenas. At birth, calves are approximately six-feet tall and weigh between 104 and 155 lbs. Giraffes are the tallest animals and can reach up to eighteen feet in height and 1,200-4,000 lbs. in weight. Giraffes have been part of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens collection since 1957.

Gardening Class – March 1, 2008

February 6, 2008 – Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the next class in its series of gardening classes, “Herbs for Gardening and Fun”.  The class is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Zoo’s PepsiCo Education Foundation Campus.  Guest speaker Linda Cunningham, member of multiple herb organizations, master gardener, and owner of Cunningham’s Floral Designs, will be speaking on why herbs are a great addition to the garden and how to utilize them in every day life. We invite gardeners, food lovers and arts and crafts enthusiasts to learn about the versatility of herbs from a well-known expert,” said Bob Chabot, Director of Horticulture and Facilities at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “Learn everything from how to grow and cook with herbs to how to use them for making potpourri and various arts and crafts.”The cost is $15 per person for Zoo members and $20 per person for non-Zoo members. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited.  For more information or to pre-register, visit the Zoo’s Web site at www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

Global Financial Leader Partners with Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to Offer New Education Program

AXA Advisors’ Large Donation Makes Program Possible

February 1, 2008 – Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced that AXA Advisors, LLC, a member of the AXA Group-- a global leader in financial protection services--has recently donated $115,000 to the Zoo.  The donation will be used to fund the cost of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ innovative new Cell Phone Tours program, an educational and fun way to learn about animals and plants at the Zoo.  The Tours will officially begin throughout the Zoo on February 1, 2008.

“We are very pleased to welcome AXA Advisors as a sponsor,” said Zoo Executive Director Dennis Pate.  “It is great to partner with a corporation who shares our interest and enthusiasm for education and is such a committed philanthropist. We hope to continue this partnership for years to come.”

Visitors will be able to use their cell phones to key in codes displayed on signage at the various animal and plant exhibits in the Zoo to get answers to questions like “why do siamangs sing?  The calls are free, thanks to the AXA Advisors sponsorship; however, the caller’s minutes will be used.  Each call is around 60 seconds long.

The $115,000 AXA partnership will also include sponsoring the gorilla viewing window in the Great Apes area, the gorilla facts on the Zoo’s Web site (AXA has a gorilla mascot), and ExZOOberation—the Zoo’s most notable invitation-only fundraising event.

“The Jacksonville branch is thrilled to be involved with this cutting edge educational experience,” commented Jeff Hartman, Executive Vice President of the South Central division of AXA Advisors.  “We have a history of community involvement and are proud to support the educational endeavors of the Jacksonville Zoo and services that enhance our communities.”

The AXA Advisors Jacksonville branch is located at One Enterprise Ctr., 225 Water Street, Suite 1235.  AXA Advisors, LLC is a leading provider of financial services for individuals and businesses, working with clients to help them define and work toward their financial goals, offering financial, retirement, and estate planning strategies; asset allocation strategies; and annuities, life insurance and investments, including mutual funds. Securities products are offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC.  Insurance and annuity products are available through AXA Network, LLC, an insurance brokerage affiliate.  Over 6,000 AXA Advisors financial professionals practice in communities throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, serving over three million individual and business clients.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,500 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

Photo attached:
(from left to right)

Jeffrey Hartman, Janice Cobb and Andy Musil and Brian Wright, AXA Advisors; Roberto Costa, The Prism Group; Bill Grant and Alex Cooper, AXA Advisors; Randy Kurland, The Prism Group; and Dennis Pate, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

$35,000 ANNUAL GRAND PRIX HORSE SHOW & KIDS’ CARNIVAL
TO BENEFIT JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
February 3, 2008
 
January 23, 2008, Jacksonville, FL- Dennis Pate, executive director of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, announced that the Hunter Jumper Association’s Grand Prix International Horse Show and Kids’ Carnival will benefit the Zoo for the 13th year.  Olympic horse and rider combinations will be competing at the covered arena at Clay County Fairgrounds on State Road 16 Sunday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m.  Arthur Crofton, WEJZ 96.1 FM radio personality, will be the Master of Ceremonies, and 96.1 radio will broadcast live during the event. Admission to the horse show and carnival are free, with a $5.00 parking donation.
 
The Kids’ Carnival features Radio Disney AM 600, with music games and prizes, and Jazoo, the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden’s hug-friendly, fun-loving lion mascot, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Zoo animal encounters will entertain the kids from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Children can also enjoy pony rides and stable tours from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  A Silent Auction starts at 10:30 a.m. with opportunities to bid on items such as a Radio Disney party, art work, Zoo Behind the Scenes Tours, horse paraphernalia and more.  Attendees can enjoy a steak dinner sponsored by Outback Steakhouse at 11:30 a.m.  Tickets to the luncheon are $35 for adults and $12 for children. All proceeds go to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. For more information or ticket purchases go to jacksonvillezoo.org or call 904-757-2000.
 
“We are delighted to provide funding from this event to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the 13th year,” said Hunter Jumper Association President Tony Weight.  “We look forward to continuing our support for the Zoo in the years to come.”
 
“This event makes for a wonderful family outing and is every horse lover’s dream,” said Dennis Pate, executive director of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “The proceeds of this event will go to the Zoo’s Amphibian Rescue Center that will help in the prevention of extinction of frogs and other amphibians. We greatly appreciate this support from the Hunter Jumper Association and from those who attend the event.”