History
On May 12, 2014, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be celebrating its centennial anniversary.
Yes, that’s 100 years!
In preparation for our centennial celebration, we will feature a small sliver of Jacksonville Zoo history each month for the next 36 months. We invite you to share your own memories and to help us learn more about your Zoo!
Send your remembrances and pictures to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Jacksonville Zoo History 1914-2014
Featured February 2012
Alan F. Rost, Biological Programs Registrar and unofficial Zoo historian
Late 1920s through the Early 1950s
This is the period (from late 1926 to early 1955) that we know the least about in our Zoo’s history. For much of this period, visitors could drive into the Zoo and park along the road. For a time, there was a museum on grounds with Jacksonville’s original fire engine. The Zoo’s entrance that was used until the early 1990s was built during this period. In May of 1950, a launching ramp for outboard motorboats was added to Zoo grounds. We know that band concerts were held at the Zoo in 1948.
The most iconic building on Zoo grounds during this period was the elephant house that was built in 1936. It was designed by architect Roy Benjamin as an octagonal building with a tile roof, stylized bas-relief palm trees and a band of glass bricks to provide light to the interior. It was said to be a good example of the Art Deco style.
The building housed “Miss Chic” the elephant, who was insured by Lloyds of London until December of 1944 and again when the insurance was renewed after WWII in February of 1948.
Some of the first time records we have for species from this period include Mandrill (1939 or earlier), Chimpanzee (1941), Leopard (1941/42), an unknown Macaw species (1943), and Giant Anteater (1951).
I have heard rumors about some kind of research going on at our Zoo during World War II using common species such as the chicken, but to date, I can confirm none of this.
If you have any information, pictures or photos about the Jacksonville Zoo during this timeframe that you would like to share, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Taken May 28, 1950 at the dedication of the boat ramp. L.C. “Chief” Hill, right with neck tie, with the City recreation department and a member of the Jacksonville Outboard Club. Photo submitted by Rick Hill from his family memorabilia.
See below for more Zoo history tidbits to get those memory juices flowing!
World War II Questions
Most Important Zoo Dates - Featured May 2011
Before there was a Zoo - Featured June 2011
The Springfield Park Zoo opens - Featured July 2011
Early Animal Collection Inventory - Featured August 2011
The Night the Zoo Almost Washed Away - Featured September 2011
William S. Cruzan, Zoo Superintendent - Featured October 2011
Miss Chic the Jacksonville Zoo’s First Elephant - Featured November 2011
Longest Resident Species - Featured December 2011
Updates to Date - Featured January 2012
Zoo History Basics
The Zoo opened in the Springfield section of Jacksonville on May 12, 1914, with the donation of one red deer fawn. Several domestic animals were added later and a “monkey island” was established. On July 19, 1925, the Municipal Zoo, as it was then known, relocated to its present site bordering on the Trout River. Starting with 37.5 acres, the Zoo continued to grow, reaching about 89 acres when an 11-acre tract of land adjoining the Zoo to the east was acquired in January 1992. On October 20, 1993, the Zoo name was officially changed from the Jacksonville Zoological Park to the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens.
The first major animal purchase of the Zoo was a female Asian Elephant bought in 1926 with money raised by local school children. By the end of the 1960s, the Zoo is reputed to have had the largest collection of exotic animals in the Southeast, but it had fallen on hard times and a great deal of money was needed to save the Zoo. Community leaders, under the direction of Mayor Hans Tanzler, appointed a seven-member committee to search for an alternative to closing the Zoo.
The Jacksonville Zoological Society subsequently came into being in April 1971, having grown from the seven-member committee to 85 of the city’s most influential leaders. The Society began managing the Zoo on June 21, 1971.
The city of Jacksonville contracts with the Society to manage all phases of the operation of the Zoo. All property, including animals and equipment, and all improvements, belong to the city, which in turn contributes an annual subsidy to offset some of the Zoo’s operating expenses. All other Zoo expenses are paid through revenues earned from admission and concession sales, membership and adoption, and group sales. The Jacksonville Zoo serves a two-state area within a 100-mile radius of the facility.
A major redevelopment of the Jacksonville Zoo began in 1992. Through a combination of River City Renaissance funds and donations from the private sector, $22.5 million was raised to complete Phase One of the Master Plan. Projects completed include a new front entry gate and parking lot, the Main Camp Safari Lodge, Birds of the Rift Valley Aviary, Great Apes of the World, an expanded train ride, an elephant and breeding complex, River Branch Foundation Animal Medical Center, the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus and redevelopment of the 11-acre Plains of East Africa. The last project of the 1992 Master Plan, a Florida wetlands attraction, “Wild Florida,” opened in March 2001.
In March 2002, the Zoo opened the Outback Steakhouse Australian Adventure. Range of the Jaguar, the Zoo’s national award winning premier attraction, opened March 5, 2004. In March of 2005, the Wildlife Carousel opened to the public for the first time, with its 34 hand-painted animals. In April of 2005 the redesigned viewing area for the Giraffes called Giraffe Overlook and the first botanical gardens, Savanna Blooms, opened. As part of this development the main path was redesigned and widened for guest comfort. Play Park, an exciting environment providing children learning opportunities, opened in the late spring of 2006. In September, 2007, the latest addition to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Gardens at Trout River Plaza opened. The plaza serves as the gateway to the Asian Bamboo Gardens that opened in the spring of 2009 with the new komodo dragon exhibit.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is an accredited institution of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
