Family · Northside Ticketed
Grand Opening: Manatee River Habitat & VyStar SkyScape
Friday, March 6, 2026 · Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is celebrating the opening of two major additions on Friday, March 6: the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat and the VyStar SkyScape entrance.
The new Manatee River Habitat holds 330,000 gallons of water and can rescue and rehabilitate up to 20 manatees at once — triple the zoo’s previous capacity. It’s designed to deepen visitor connections to manatee conservation efforts.
The VyStar SkyScape entrance features a 63-by-14-foot immersive screen, a new gift shop, catering kitchen, and event space. Together, these are part of a $72 million transformation of the zoo’s arrival and wildlife experience.
Regular zoo admission applies. The zoo opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218.