The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ African Forest Exhibit receives award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens received the Exhibit Award for Innovation during the 2020 honors and awards ceremony held by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

This national award was given to its African Forest Exhibit which is located in the heart of the Jacksonville Zoo.

“The construction of African Forest was a milestone for us at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and a testament to how we have spent more than 106 years at the very forefront of animal care and wellness, wildlife education, and conservation,” said Executive Director Tony Vecchio.

“Coupling a wellness-inspired design with a multisensory rich environment not only enhances the guest experience, but also creates a shared understanding of and passion for animal conservation.”

The African Exhibit is the third exhibit at the Jacksonville Zoo to receive recognition from the AZA.

The Range of the Jaguar exhibit received top honors in 2005, and in 2015, the Land of the Tiger exhibit was recognized with Significant Achievement in its exhibit design.

Cox Media Group