Dennis Pate Accepts Award From Intrepid on Behalf of Jacksonville Zoo

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