Jacksonville - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles live here, some in areas designed to duplicate their natural habitats. One of the highlights of this 89-acre zoo is the "African Veldt," with an elevated boardwalk over animals found on the African savannah such as lions, gazelles and ostriches. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens also offers a petting zoo for children and a reconstruction of an African village called Okavango. It has a free-flight aviary and sits on the edge of the Trout River. Other exhibits at the zoo include the "Great Apes of the World" and the "Seronera Overlook Elephant Exhibit." Visitors can also see some of the zoo exhibits via a half hour long train ride.