Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

August 17, 2012 - Jacksonville, Fl -

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens invites the public to “Jazoo’s Birthday and Back to School Bash.” The celebration will take place on Saturday, August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Zoo’s Play Park area. 

Celebrate Jazoo’s big day while enjoying kid-friendly music, face painting, birthday games, giveaways,, and special birthday treats, while supplies last.  Several of Jacksonville’s favorite local mascots will join guests and be available for photo opportunities throughout the day. Don’t miss Jazoo’s real lion friends as they enjoy a tasty treat at 1:00 p.m. at the lion exhibit. Other Zoo animals will also be celebrating with their own enrichment throughout the day.  There will be animal encounters at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Play Park.
While you’re here, be sure to enter your name for the Outback Steakhouse Back to School Bash Sweepstakes for your chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card to help with Back to School expenses! Two runners up will receive gift certificates to Outback Steakhouse. No purchase necessary to enter. Enter online or in person at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jazoo’s Birthday and Back to School Bash!

Jazoo is the Zoo’s friendly, huggable lion mascot.  He has played a large role as part of the Zoo since 2005, which makes this his 7th birthday – and he has his own fan club!  Children will have the opportunity to play games with and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jazoo during the event. 

Special Admission Offer: Guests may print a coupon for $2 off general admission from the Zoo’s website, jacksonvillezoo.org.

About the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
For nearly a century, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Started in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals. It has won national acclaim for its South American Range of the Jaguar exhibit and regional, state and local awards for its botanical gardens. The Jacksonville Zoo is a nonprofit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is open year-round, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas day, 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 http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org.