The Wild Side of Jacksonville
by Janice Farnsworth

One of Jacksonville's most popular attractions is the Jacksonville Zoo, and I recently found out why.

The zoo sits on a huge parcel of land and boasts more than 800 species of animals, including a recently born female zebra and a young elephant named Rani who weighs a whopping 2,500 pounds.

The zoo cooperates with other zoos in breeding and raising endangered species and has been successful in creating a habitat that is comfortable for the animals as well as the people who come to observe them.

If you visited the zoo a few years back, then you are in for a shock now; it has changed drastically and now boasts a walkway over the African plains as well as a beautiful aviary where you can watch many species of birds. The zoo is always improving and is steadily working on a new Great Ape exhibit as well as an exhibit called Land of the Maya, where they will have the animals in the midst of Mayan ruins in an exhibit designed to take you into the past in the present.

On the plains of Africa the zoo has a safari tent used for groups of overnight campers that gives them a glance of real-life safari camping. At the entrance of the zoo sits a building with a thatched roof that was crafted by Zulu craftsmen, and if you have a chance to take a good look you will be surprised at how intricate the craftsmanship is.

In the petting zoo area is a playground for the kids as well as lots of goats, pigs and other docile animals who love to be petted. When you go to the zoo, be prepared to walk a lot (they have strollers and wheelchairs for rent) and don't forget your camera. There are gift shops and snack bars at the entrance as well as near the petting zoo area and there are regularly scheduled feeding times and educational talks so you can gain some keen insight into certain species.

If you live close enough to visit often, a family membership is only $55.00 for a year and that includes many other zoos that you can get into throughout the U.S. If you would rather just go for a day, the admission prices are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children; there is a discount for seniors and military.

The wild side of Jacksonville is calling you for fun, adventure and education, hop on board and enjoy your journey!