Jacksonville Zoos & Gardens
Zoos, Wildlife & Nature Centers
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Address: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 757-4463
Website: jacksonvillezoo.org
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 1860 Starratt Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (904) 757-3603
Website: cattyshack.org
Tree Hill Nature Center
Address: 7152 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 724-4646
Website: treehill.org
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park & Nature Center
Address: 7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244
Phone: (904) 255-6877
Website: jacksonville.gov
OtterSpace Wildlife (The Ark Wildlife Care & Sanctuary)
Address: 781 Carlee Lane, Hilliard, FL 32046
Phone: (904) 424-6543
Website: otterspacewildlife.com
Nature Preserves, Historic Sites & State Parks
Fort Caroline National Memorial (NPS – Timucuan Preserve)
Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: (904) 641-7155
Website: nps.gov/timu
Kingsley Plantation (NPS – Timucuan Preserve)
Address: 11676 Palmetto Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (904) 251-3537
Website: nps.gov/timu
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Address: 13802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (904) 696-5980
Website: floridastateparks.org
Little Talbot Island State Park
Address: 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (904) 251-2320
Website: floridastateparks.org
Big Talbot Island State Park
Address: 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (850) 245-2157
Website: floridastateparks.org
Botanical Gardens & Plant-Focused Parks
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Address: 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 356-6857
Website: cummermuseum.org
Riverside Park
Address: 753 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 255-7900
Website: jacksonville.gov
Arlington Lions Club Park
Address: 1325 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 255-7900
Website: jacksonville.gov
QUESTIONS FOR ZOO AND GARDEN VISITS
Ages 4–7 (Early Learners)
- What colors and patterns do you see on this animal?
- How many legs/wings/fins does it have? Can you count them?
- What sound do you think this animal makes? Can you try it?
- Where do you think this animal sleeps at night?
- What do you think this animal eats? Why?
- Can you move like this animal? Show me!
- Which animal is your favorite today and why?
Ages 8–11 (Elementary)
- What habitat does this animal live in? What makes you think that?
- How does this animal protect itself from predators?
- What role might this animal play in its ecosystem?
- Why do you think zoos and sanctuaries are important?
- How might humans help or harm animals like this in the wild?
- What do you notice about how this animal is adapted to its environment?
- How do you think the zookeepers keep the animals healthy and safe?
Ages 12–15 (Middle School)
- How does this species’ behavior in captivity differ from in the wild?
- What are some reasons animals become endangered?
- How do sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers support conservation efforts?
- What human activities most impact Florida’s native wildlife?
- What adaptations does this animal have for hunting, defense, or survival?
- How do different species interact with each other in their habitats?
- What ethical considerations do you think zoos and sanctuaries face?
Ages 16+ (High School & Teens)
- Discuss the balance between animal welfare and public education in zoos. What challenges exist?
- How do invasive species affect Florida’s ecosystems, and how are they managed?
- What legislation or policies protect Florida’s native species?
- How do wildlife rehabilitation centers measure success in releasing animals?
- Compare the conservation roles of zoos vs. wildlife refuges.
- How does biodiversity impact ecosystem resilience?
- What career paths exist in zoology, wildlife biology, or conservation?
BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE PARKS
Ages 4–7
- What shapes and colors do you see in these plants?
- How do the leaves feel — rough, smooth, soft?
- Can you find a flower taller than you? Shorter?
- What bugs or birds can you spot near the flowers?
- What do plants need to grow?
- Which garden spot is your favorite? Why?
Ages 8–11
- How do plants help animals (and humans!) survive?
- What differences do you notice between plants in sunny and shady spots?
- Why do some plants have flowers and others do not?
- What role do pollinators play in the garden?
- How might weather affect the plants here?
- What are native vs. non-native plants? Can you find examples?
Ages 12–15
- What adaptations do plants have to thrive in Florida’s climate?
- How does biodiversity in a botanical garden support pollinators and wildlife?
- Why is plant conservation important, and how do gardens contribute?
- How do human activities impact plant biodiversity?
- What are some medicinal or cultural uses of the plants here?
- How does soil type or water availability affect plant growth?
Ages 16+
- What ecological services do plants provide beyond oxygen production?
- Discuss the importance of native plant restoration in Florida’s ecosystems.
- How can urban planning incorporate botanical knowledge to improve sustainability?
- What roles do botanical gardens play in scientific research and education?
- How do invasive plants disrupt native ecosystems, and how are they managed?
- How might climate change impact the species found here?