For immediate release
Contact: Mercede Gardner 904-757-4463, ext. 211

Tour the Gardens of the
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Guided walking tour - May 3, 2008

April 2, 2008 – Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announces a two-part guided walking tour of the Zoo’s gardens.  Part one of the tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and we ask guests to meet outside of the main gates at 9:15 a.m.  Director of Horticulture, Bob Chabot, will start guests off with an introduction to the gardens at the Zoo.  Guests will then proceed to the gardens at Main Camp, stroll down the River of Color, and visit the African garden of Savanna Blooms, with each tour led by one of our very own knowledgeable garden staff.   Part two of the tour series will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The second tour will be an exploration of the tropical American garden of Range of the Jaguar, the paths of Play Park, and the Gardens at Trout River Plaza.

“Many visitors have written and called with questions about the Zoo’s flowers, plants and trees. These tours will give everyone a chance to find out more about our native and tropical plants and water conservation techniques,” said Director of Horticulture and Facilities Bob Chabot.

The cost is $20 per person for Zoo members and $25 per person for nonmembers.  Pre-registration is required and tour size is limited.  Admission into the Zoo is included in the tour cost.  For more information or to pre-register, visit the Zoo’s Web site at jacksonvillezoo.org.

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.  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.

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