Jacksonville Zoo's new entrance will welcome guests with state-of-the-art video boards

Introduction

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has unveiled a new entrance that welcomes guests with state-of-the-art video boards, an expanded gift shop and an art installation with a custom play area in the first phase of a two-part $25 million commitment to enhance the region's iconic family destination.

The renovation project includes a full redesign of the Zoo's front entrance, including new video displays that complement the Zoo's conservation mission by running wildlife videos and promoting current happenings inside the zoo. The Zoo's gift shop, which is adjacent to the new entrance, will reopen in late March with an updated look, expanded merchandise and more space."We are excited about this project because it is going to give our guests an exceptional experience when they come visit our zoo," said Dan Maloney, executive director at Jacksonville Zoo. "From our retail store upgrades where there will be more products available for purchase; to our digital signage system located at each section of zoo exhibits; we want everyone who visits us to have fun."

To read more about how this upgrade will improve your visit: http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/planyourvisit/news/2019/01/16/new-entrance-at-jacksonville-zoo

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has unveiled a new entrance that welcomes guests with state-of-the-art video boards, an expanded gift shop and a custom play area in the first phase of a two-part $25 million commitment to enhance the region's iconic family destination.

In the first phase of a two-part $25 million commitment, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens unveiled its new front entrance, welcoming guests with state-of-the-art video boards, an expanded gift shop and a custom play area.

"Our guests have been asking for an updated entrance for years," said Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens CEO Dr. Andrew Aiken. "This is just the beginning of our multiyear plan to make improvements across all areas of this historic institution."

The renovation project includes a full redesign of the Zoo's front entrance, including new video displays that complement the Zoo's conservation mission by running wildlife videos and promoting current happenings inside the zoo.

The renovation project includes a full redesign of the Zoo's front entrance, including new video displays that complement the Zoo's conservation mission by running wildlife videos and promoting current happenings inside the zoo.

The new entrance will be more welcoming to guests, not only with its improved design but also with new digital displays that will show videos of animals and educational messages about current events within the Zoo.

"We're excited about this new entrance because it will help us tell our story," said Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens President and CEO Andrew Auchincloss Jr. "It means we can better showcase what makes us special."

The Zoo's gift shop, which is adjacent to the new entrance, will reopen in late March with an updated look, expanded merchandise and more space.

The Zoo's gift shop, which is adjacent to the new entrance, will reopen in late March with an updated look, expanded merchandise and more space.

Buyers can expect to find everything from Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens logo apparel and logo items for kids to unique gifts for birthday parties or special occasions. The shop will also have a variety of souvenirs including wood carvings made by the zoo's resident carver.

Across from the new entrance is an art installation with 15 handmade creatures for children to explore and play on.

Across from the new entrance is an art installation with 15 handmade creatures for children to explore and play on. Designed by artists from around the world, it's called the "Zoo's Playground." The installation portrays animals in their natural habitats against a painted backdrop that mimics nature. It will be open year-round and will be free for everyone to enjoy.

A complete list of the improvements made during Phase 1 can be found at www.jacksonvillezoo.org/planyourvisit.

A complete list of the improvements made during Phase 1 can be found at www.jacksonvillezoo.org/planyourvisit. The zoo is also launching a new website with enhanced functionality and improved navigation, which will debut in late fall 2018. The new site is available now to view as a beta site at https://beta-site.jacksonvillezoo.com/.

Families can enjoy this iconic cultural institution even more now that it has had extensive upgrades.

Whether you have visited the Jacksonville Zoo before or this is your first time, you will see that it has undergone extensive upgrades to ensure that it is a great place for both visitors and animals. The zoo is a cultural institution and one of the oldest zoos in North America; however, there are new features such as the new entrance and gift shop that make the experience even better.

The zoo has been around since 1899 when it was founded by John A. Warner after his visit to New York City's Central Park Zoo inspired him to create an equivalent attraction in his hometown. Today, more than 130 years later, there are over 2 million annual visits made by people who want to support this iconic cultural institution—and now they can enjoy it even more thanks to these significant upgrades!

Conclusion

With the opening of our new entrance and gift shop, we are excited to welcome visitors to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. As a family-owned business, we are committed to providing the best possible experience for our guests. We hope that you enjoy your visit as much as we enjoy making it happen!