As a Heart of the Zoo Society donor, you are the lifeblood of our organization. Your support is crucial to everything that we do, and we want you to know just how much your generosity makes an impact. In this newsletter, we will highlight a few ways that your support has made a difference at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and beyond.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced significant progress on its $52 million REZOOVENATION campaign to make improvements to the institution with a $2.25 million investment from VyStar Credit Union for the VyStar SkyScape.

The VyStar SkyScape will be the centerpiece of a new Zoo entrance as an iconic open-air roof structure covering 25,000 square feet and extending 50 feet high. The new entrance reimagines the guest experience, with nods to education and conservation efforts as the backdrop to premium hospitality in a multifunctional space. Included will be admissions, guest relations, retail, food and beverage space, and a stage, VIP lounge, meeting spaces, and full-service catering kitchen. The VyStar SkyScape will transform with state-of-the-art immersion screens that can change between educational messages to event visuals and more. 

Read our press release for more information.

For questions or for additional information on how you can get involved with the campaign, please contact Tamarah Thames, Individual Giving Officer, at [email protected] or (904) 757-4463 x 134.

UPCOMING EVENTS

You're invited to Illumination

ZOOLights VIP Preview

Presented by Community First Credit Union

Thursday, December 8, 2022

5:30 - 9:00 pm

Help us kick off the holiday season with this special, one-night event presented by Community First Credit Union. Guests will enjoy dinner, drinks, animal encounters, and a special VIP preview of ZOOLights! All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event.

We truly cannot accomplish all that we do without you! As a thank you for your generous support this year, we are offering complimentary admission to this special event to you and your household.

RSVP Her

The following member-exclusive events are currently scheduled, but dates have not been advertised to general members. In an effort to allow Heart of the Zoo Society members to secure your spots early, we're sharing the projected dates here.

• Snapshot Society - Saturday, February 11, 2023, 7:30-11 AM
• Brunch with the Bunny - Saturday, April 8, 2023, TBD
• Mother's Day Brunch - Sunday, May 14, 2023, 9:30 and 11:30 AM

To reserve your spot for any of these events above, please email [email protected]. Once tickets go on sale, someone will reach out to secure payment. Please note these dates are subject to change.

Stay tuned for your invitation to the following events:

• Cordials and Conservation - January 26, 2023, TBD
• Farm to Table - March 2, 2023, TBD
• ExZOOberation - April 1, 2023, TBD

The Wood Wool Donation Program is a partnership with local businesses who donate wood wool to repurpose it for animal bedding and enrichment.

Please click here for additional information

Chris Dailey, Horticulture Manager, sends our employees beautiful photos of some of the Zoo's most amazing jewels found in the Gardens. Pictured above is the swamp hibiscus, a Florida native, which thrives in wet areas like swamps and pond edges. Below is a photo of the flower of the amaryllis plant near the Trout River Grill.

To learn more about the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Horticulture Department, visit their blog here.

Honorary Animal Adoptions are a wonderful way to support the Zoo and give a gift to an animal or Zoo lover in your life. Your donation provides much-needed funding to support the care, housing, and feeding of our animals.

See the adoption levels and benefits here.

As a Heart of the Zoo Society member and a donor to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, you are creating real change in our community, both locally and around the world. We rely on you as a strong, committed, and passionate individual who connects deeply with our mission of conservation and education.

Whether you're new to the Zoo or if you've been giving for years, we are truly grateful for all that you do for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens!

I am excited to take over the management of the Heart of the Zoo Society! I look forward to working closely with all of you as you renew your annual gifts, redeem your annual benefits, and anything else that I can assist you with. I can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone (904) 757-4463 ext 134.

All the best,

Tamarah Thames

Individual Giving Officer