Jacksonville’s Morning News on location: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Jacksonville is blessed to have more than 100 acres of award-winning exhibits and gardens at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This fall may be a good time to discover something new.

Jacksonville’s Morning News was live on location at The Watering Hole along the Trout River. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens CEO Dr. Jeff Ettling discussed projects underway, including a new entrance and manatee exhibit, as well as community outreach.

Updating a summer-time crisis of Shigella outbreak among the zoo’s gorilla and bonobo population, Tracy Fenn, the curator of mammals, shared that October has been an encouraging month for their health. An ongoing investigation into the outbreak continues.

LISTEN: Andrew Jacobs, Outreach Educator at the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden

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One of the stars of the morning was Garcia, a dwarf goat that is an ambassador animal in training. His handler, Justin, shared how he is training Garcia for projects outside the zoo .

This weekend through Halloween is the 37th annual Spooktacular, a chance to explore the Zoo and Gardens and discover a world of treats, tricks and spooky delights.

LISTEN: Ashley Nelsen, Senior Manatee Care Specialist

Interested in going to the Zoo beforehand? Purchase a combo ticket that includes same-day access to the park, arrive between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and stay through the end of Spooktacular.

LISTEN: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Horticulture Team

LISTEN: Mike Taylor, director of herps and birds, talks about Lights Out NE Florida