Art at the Zoo

At the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, we value creativity in all forms.

Throughout the property, we host beautiful sculptures, literary display pieces, and striking monuments amongst our lush gardens. In addition, we collaborate with talented local artists to create nature-based exhibits in Palm Plaza Café and are dedicated to growing new opportunities for both two-and three-dimensional artists alike.

The Zoo and Gardens often feature traveling sculptural exhibits that not only reflect our commitment to animal and plant conservation, but also take into consideration ethical and purposeful construction. These pieces emphasize the use of recycled or reclaimed materials while offering a unique presentation of flora and fauna for all to enjoy.

Learn more about the art exhibits and installations currently on display at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens:

Permanent Collection

Giraffe by Jenny Hager

Location: Main Camp

This 20 foot giraffe will greet you as you walk through Donor Plaza near our the front gate! UNF Professor of Sculpture, Jenny Hager, made it entirely from steel with the help of her husband, Lance Vickery, and UNF students.

Elephant Pair by Peter Woytuk

Location: Savanna Blooms

These life-size, bronze elephants were a gift from Ann and Ted Baker in 2006 and created by Peter Woytuk. Together they weigh almost 15,000 pounds!

Bee Hotel by Lad & Mindy Hawkins and the JZG Horticulture Team

Location: Range of the Jaguar

This bee hotel was specifically designed by Lad and Mindy Hawkins, to allure native solitary bees to our Gardens by providing natural nesting cavities. There are over 21,000 species of bees buzzing around worldwide, and 316 of those species are native to Florida. The bees attracted to this house are not aggressive, rarely sting, and provide important pollination services and pest control!

Ponderstones by Brian Frus

Location: Asian Gardens

Brian Frus is an Associate Professor of Glass Art at Jacksonville University.

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