JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced a crowdfunding campaign to build the largest manatee rescue center in Florida which will also double as the zoo’s new entrance.
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The J Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River and VyStar SkyScape Entrance is expected to open in 2026. Officials said it will be a state-of-the-art, $70 million manatee rescue habitat and entrance.
The new 330,000-gallon habitat will allow the zoo to rescue and release up to 18 local Florida manatees. It will also inspire conservation efforts and educate guests about manatees and their role in the ecosystem.
“It’s going to be amazing it’s going to be something that is going to be iconic for Jacksonville I don’t think we have anything like we’re building and it’s something that sets us apart from other zoos,” Nikki Smith, chief philanthropy and marketing officer for the zoo said.
The new entrance will feature a massive screen, catering kitchen, gift shop, and direct access to the new habitat.
Guests and community members can donate $5 to help fill the Manatee River.
Each donation comes with a receipt that can be redeemed for a sticker at the zoo’s gift shop. Guests are encouraged to display their stickers outside the entrance to “fill the river,” to make progress toward raising $5 million.
“If every guest donates just $5, we can fundraise $5 million!” Smith said. “As a non-profit, we rely on donations and the support of our community to build these transformative habitats that will not only create unique experiences for our guests but also play a critical role in preserving our local manatee population.”
The original cost of the project before the COVID-19 pandemic was $50 million and it was delayed. Once the project was picked back up, the zoo discovered that it was going to be $70 million.
With the new entrance coming, the current one will turn into a new education campus with classrooms and other areas for learning.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and more than 95% of its revenue comes from visitors.
Guests can donate by scanning the QR code on signs placed around the Zoo or by clicking here.
Click here to learn more about the campaign.
