Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

August 03, 2011 - Jacksonville, Fl -

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens generates significant economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally, according to a new analysis conducted on behalf of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

“Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens supports the community in more ways than one,” said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA. “Not only does the Jacksonville Zoo have a deep commitment to science education and wildlife conservation, but it also generates valuable economic benefits to the region.”

AZA has commissioned a state-by-state economic impact analysis conducted by nationally recognized economist, Dr. Stephen Fuller.  AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums generated the following impacts for the State of Florida:

• $1,104.8 million in economic activity (contribution to national GDP);
• $407.9 million in personal earnings (salaries and wages); and
• 12,647 jobs. 

“Zoos and aquariums, including Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens play a significant role in the economy of Florida,” added Maddy.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a valuable community resource, including visits by more than 90,000 school children every year, and a vital role in wildlife conservation. Beyond these important community benefits, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has the following economic impact:

• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens employs 250 people;
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens spends $13.6 million each year on goods and services;
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens serves nearly 700,000 visitors each year.

Dr. Fuller writes in his report:
“Annual spending by zoos and aquariums for operations and capital projects generate significant economic benefits for their host jurisdictions. These benefits build from the initial outlays, as they are re-spent across the breadth of the economy.  These benefits accumulate and expand the economy’s total output as measured by their contributions to Gross Domestic Product and respective Gross State Products.  These benefits also generate new personal earnings to the benefit of workers residing in the host jurisdictions and support job growth locally, regionally and nationally.”

The cumulative economic impact of 212 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums as they serve more than 179 million annual visitors is as follows:

• $16.0 billion in economic activity (contribution to national GDP);
• $4.7 billion in personal earnings (salaries and wages);
• 142,000 jobs.

A copy of the report can be found at http://www.aza.org.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit http://www.aza.org.