Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens Wild Magazine Fall 2025
Wild
Spotlight on Transitions
For animals. For plants. Forever.
October 4 · 10-12 · 16-19 · 23-26 · 30-31
5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Members! Get ready for Jacksonville’s most Spooktacular family tradition, filled with costumes, candy trails and plenty of Halloween magic. Enjoy:
• Over 8 treat and toy stations.
• Carnival games, crafts, DJs and photo ops on the Great Lawn.
• The chilling return of the Lost Swamp Scare Zone in Riverview Gardens.
• Exclusive member discounts on themed food and beverages.
From Rescue to Rewilding A Milestone for Grauer’s Gorillas
By Shannon Mcneil, Conservation Program Officer. Photos provided by GRACE
A landmark conservation effort offers new hope for a critically endangered species and shows the power of community-led wildlife protection.
We are proud to partner with Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in their transformative mission: helping gorillas transition back into the wild.
GRACE has reached a groundbreaking milestone, the successful rewilding of rescued Grauer’s gorillas in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This historic transition marks the first time Grauer’s gorillas, also known as Eastern Lowland Gorillas, have been returned to the wild after rescue and rehabilitation.
Following more than ten years of care and three years of strategic preparation, four female gorillas—Isangi, Lulingu, Mapendo and Ndjingala—were safely transferred to Mt. Tshiaberimu in Virunga National Park. There, they are now thriving in the wild: nesting, foraging and exploring their
natural habitat under the protection of a wild silverback, Mwasa, who has welcomed them into his family group. This extraordinary transition was led by GRACE and made possible through collaboration with Gorilla Doctors, Re:wild, Virunga National Park and local communities. It represents a beacon of hope for a species on the brink. Fewer than 6,800 Grauer’s gorillas remain in the wild today, a sharp decline from an estimated 16,900 in the mid-1990s. These gorillas face ongoing threats from illegal wildlife trade, hunting and habitat destruction.
GRACE is the world’s only sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rewilding of Grauer’s gorillas orphaned by the illegal wildlife trade. GRACE works together with Congolese communities to create a shared future where both gorillas and people can thrive. Their conservation model is built on three pillars: rewilding gorillas, protecting forest habitats and engaging communities in long-term stewardship. GRACE is Congolese-led and employs over one hundred local staff, ensuring that conservation is rooted in the community.
The reintroduction of gorillas to Mt. Tshiaberimu—a critical part of their endemic range—has increased the local wild population by 50%, from eight to 12 individuals. This rewilding effort, aligned with IUCN Best Practice Guidelines, was guided by over twenty international experts and represents over three years of meticulous planning. The addition of four females has significantly reduced the risk of local extinction.
While the return of these gorillas to the wild is inspiring, it underscores the importance of preventing wildlife trafficking and habitat loss in the first place. Protecting forests and investing in local communities remain the most sustainable solutions for the long-term survival of Grauer’s gorillas.
Transitions
We Must Resist
Story and
Transitions We Must Resist
by Mark Sheppe, Senior Graphic Designer
Transitions in nature are all around us on a daily basis. Many of the slower changes are not obvious. Insights from scientists shed light on what many are not noticing.
photos
The thinnest sliced meaning of the word transition is “change.” Changes in nature are occurring around us all the time. An example of a fast change is when the weather gets a little wacky, like when thunderstorms roll in. We can easily see the inclement transitions and we take actions such as closing windows or opening an umbrella. Let’s shift the focus to the opposite kind of change. There are transitions happening in nature which are so incredibly slow that they are imperceptible to large populations of people. It’s so gradual that it is happening across generations. What actions can you take if you can’t see them? Scientists call these slow transitions Shifting Baseline Syndrome (SBS) and Environmental Generational Amnesia (EGA).
It’s about the loss of plants and wildlife, habitat loss and biosphere transformations. Forests get thinned, bee populations decline, coral reefs get bleached, glaciers disappear and summers grow hotter. The older generations see the changes, but the younger generations grow up with them. The altered world becomes normal to them. It’s their reality, and the cycle repeats.
Marine Biologist Daniel Pauly coined the term Shifting Baseline Syndrome (SBS) in 1995. He saw that scientists and people that fish set their numbers of healthy fish populations at the beginning of their careers. They didn’t see the decline of populations over a longer period of time, which contributed to an erosion of benchmarks for ecological health.
“The negative transitions of the world and our local environment happening as a cycle from generation to generation is what we must resist.”
An easy way to think about it is if you’re fishing, taking photos or just watching fish, your parents or grandparents might have had better luck because there used to be more fish. No one realizes it because the population declines were incredibly slow.
Psychologists Peter Kahn and Thea Weiss coined the term Environmental Generational Amnesia (EGA) in a paper named The Importance of Children Interacting with Big Nature in 2017. EGA refers to the fact that children accept the conditions of childhood as normal. Biosphere changes and loss of flora and fauna aren’t fully understood or perceived. It’s hard to miss what you never knew.
“The normalization of loss can be prevented.”
The negative transitions of the world and our local environment happening as a cycle from generation to generation is what we must resist. The normalization of loss can be prevented. If current and future generations take a stand, we can shift from the unperceived decline to flourishing habitats with vibrant communities and thriving wildlife. There is hope, and we’ve already seen remarkable success stories. Bald eagles and alligators are no longer endangered. Recently, and something we’re especially proud of, wood storks are no longer considered endangered. Native to the Southeast, these large white birds can be seen nesting each summer in the Africa section of the Zoo, between Rhino Overlook and Elephant Plaza.
What can be done other than passing laws, education and habitat protection and restoration? Here are some ideas:
• Visit the Zoo and Botanical Gardens, attend our events and get involved with our philanthropy and education programs. We are accredited by the AZA. We contribute efforts to endangered species programs like the SSP and conservation projects around the globe. Every visit and penny spent helps enjoyment of nature, conservation and education for generations to come.
• Shift the mentality of conservation from keeping the status quo to raise the expectations of what is possible.
• Get involved with Citizen Science projects that collect biodiversity, pollution or weather data.
• Observe or practice local conservation initiatives like Lights Out
• Create environmentally friendly habits in your daily life. They’ll be different for everyone because everyone has different mindsets. The key is to add small new actions that can be sustained over a long period of time so that they become a habit. Use internet searches to help come up with ideas that work for you.
In conclusion, ecological change can be positive or negative, depending on the choices we make. The slow, often imperceptible damage of ecosystems across generations requires our attention. We can refuse to accept gradual degradation from becoming “normal.” There is hope, and each of us holds the power to steer this snail-paced course toward recovery, resilience and thriving natural communities.
Warthog Piglets
Photos by John Reed
HORTICULTURE
The Fall Season in the Garden
Story and photos by Chris Dailey, Curator of Horticulture
As the seasons begin to transition, nature quietly signals its change with subtle beauty and purposeful transformation. There’s more happening beneath the surface than meets the eye and it’s worth exploring.
After a long, hot summer, we welcome the cooler days of fall. In Florida, the shift from summer to autumn often feels slower and less predictable than we’d like, as we wait eagerly for relief from the heat.
In the garden and in nature, however, the transition is more dependable. With shorter days, cooler temperatures and softer light, plants begin to change in remarkable ways. Perhaps the most striking is the shift in leaf color among certain trees. While Florida’s fall foliage can’t quite rival the mountains, some species do stand out: bald cypress, red maple, sweetgum, pignut hickory and swamp chestnut oak all add touches of seasonal color.
As those leaves fall, they prepare not only the trees but also the ecosystem for the months ahead. Leaf litter insulates the soil, helps retain moisture, enriches the earth with nutrients and creates habitat for wildlife, especially beneficial insects. Simply “leaving the leaves” provides countless benefits.
Another hallmark of autumn is flowering and seed production. In naturalistic landscapes like our Savanna Blooms Garden, fall is peak season. Tall grasses reach their mature height, layering color, texture and movement throughout the garden. Their seed heads add a striking visual interest as they sway gently in the breeze. Favorites here include Pink Muhly Grass, Fakahatchee Grass, Georgia Red Sugarcane and several varieties of Red Fountain Grass.
Many perennials and shrubs also shine in autumn. The Florida native Firebush bursts with seasonal blooms, joined by Florida-friendly favorites like Firespike, Sasanqua Camellia and Turk’s Cap Mallow. And sometimes it’s the fruit, not the flowers, that steal the show, like the brilliant purple berries of the native Beautyberry plant.
Finally, autumn invites us to reflect as the year begins to wind down. It’s also the perfect season to look ahead. Remember how hot this past summer felt? Consider planting a tree now, during the optimal fall planting season for Florida natives. With hope, the trees we plant today will help make future summers a little cooler.
Beautyberry photo: Mark Sheppe
ANIMAL CARE
Transitions in Action: Keeping You and Our Animals Safe
Story by Darcy Burnett, Animal Nutrition Technician II
We want every visit to be filled with wonder, excitement and memories that last a lifetime. While you’re exploring our beautiful gardens and amazing animal habitats, you may not realize that behind the scenes, a team of dedicated professionals are always prepared to manage any unexpected event. Whether it’s a passing summer storm or a rare emergency, your safety, and the safety of our animals and staff, is always our top priority. Here’s how we stay ready, so you can enjoy your day with peace of mind.
Weather Safety: Navigating Florida’s Skies
Florida weather can be unpredictable, with sunshine turning to thunderstorms in minutes. That’s why the Zoo has clear weather safety protocols in place. If lightning or severe storms are nearby, our teams will guide guests to the nearest safe area. We encourage visitors to stay sheltered until the weather passes. You may also hear announcements or be directed by staff if storms are approaching more rapidly. Our goal is to keep you informed, dry and safe, without disrupting your day any more than necessary.
Quick, Quiet and Coordinated: Behind-the-Scenes Response
While most emergencies are rare, we’re prepared to act quickly and calmly. Our staff regularly train for various situations, from medical needs to lost children to security concerns. Here are just a few of the ways we stay ready:
• Medical Events: If someone is injured or needs assistance, trained staff are ready to respond immediately and will call for help as needed. Emergency services are contacted without delay when needed.
• Lost Children: If a child becomes separated from their group, the Zoo initiates a coordinated search while keeping the child safe and calm until they’re reunited with their family.
• Security Awareness: Staff are trained to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or safety concerns discreetly and efficiently.
• Fire Response: In the event of a fire, guests will be guided to safety while emergency services are contacted. Our staff are trained to use fire extinguishers when appropriate and assist with evacuations if needed.
• Rare Threats: While highly unlikely, the Zoo has plans in place for more serious incidents. Staff follow expert guidance and coordinate with emergency responders to ensure everyone’s safety.
Animal Care and Containment: A Top Priority
Our animals are our family, and their well-being is central to everything we do. In the extremely rare event that an animal moves outside of its designated space, safety protocols ensure that Zoo personnel respond immediately and appropriately. Guests will be directed to safe areas and kept informed until the situation is resolved.
Your Role in Safety
Guests play an important part in our safety plan. Here’s how you can help:
• Listen to Zoo staff and follow their instructions, especially during inclement weather or unusual events.
• Report anything unusual to the nearest staff member, whether it’s a medical concern, a lost item or suspicious behavior.
• Know where you are. Take note of nearby buildings and exits, especially if visiting with children or large groups.
We’re Always Here for You
Emergencies are rare, but preparedness is constant at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Our team is trained, equipped and ready so you can focus on enjoying your visit.
Whether you’re marveling at a jaguar, strolling through the gardens or waiting out a quick rain shower, know that your safety is in good hands.
Because when it comes to wildlife and wild weather, we’re always ready.
TEDDY BEAR AFFAIR
Our friends at Nemours Children’s Health will be here on Saturday, November 1 so children can bring their plush animals for a check-up. The specialists will see “stuffy” patients from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Range of the Jaguar for x-rays, eye exams, casts and more.
November 1st 2025
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Range of the Jagaur
Burn Jelly Plant
Bulbine frutescens ‘Hallmark’ located in Savanna Blooms Garden
EDUCATION Wild Wonders
Dementia Patient and Caregiver Program for Adults
Recent efforts have opened new doors for adult learners set within vibrant natural landscapes, deepening the Zoo’s commitment to meaningful education.
Story and photo by Jamie Lankenau, Community Engagement Supervisor
Education at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is always evolving, driven by our incredibly talented and diverse staff who bring innovation and inspiration to every program. Teaching in an informal setting like a Zoo offers a powerful way to connect with people of all ages, because learning doesn’t always feel like learning when it happens against the backdrop of lush gardens and dynamic animal habitats.
At the heart of every program, our educators share one essential goal: connecting and engaging our community with nature. From Homeschool Zoocademy to the Advanced Inquiry Program for graduate students to Stroller Safari, each experience fosters meaningful connections. Since 2020, the Education team has expanded its focus to reach more adults through programs like the Advanced Inquiry Program, Conservation Corner classes and Adult Zoo Camp. Most recently, we have partnered with the community to launch Wild Wonders, a program designed for dementia patients and their caregivers.
In Fall 2023, the Education Department expanded its reach to adult audiences through a series of informal learning opportunities. Around the same time, staff learned about a program at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens designed for dementia patients and their caregivers. Inspired by its impact, the team met with Mayo Clinic and ElderSource to observe their program, Artful Moments at the Cummer, and quickly saw the potential for a similar initiative at the Zoo.
By January 2025, education staff and volunteers interested in supporting this community attended a training led by the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership with Mayo Clinic and ElderSource. Building on this foundation, the Education team launched Wild Wonders. As of August 2025, two sessions have been held, serving a total of eight patient–caregiver pairs.
The program is offered free of charge to participants, with staffing and program costs covered through a grant secured by Mayo Clinic. The Education team is deeply grateful for the partnership of Mayo Clinic, ElderSource and the Alzheimer’s Association in making Wild Wonders a reality.
From Cub to Adult
A Photo Journey
Story and photos by John Reed
The theme for this month’s issue is “Transition,” and I really had to wrack my brain to come up with a photo concept. Then it hit me out of the blue—duh, what better example than the transition from youngster to adult?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate (or maybe just been around long enough) to watch many different species grow from toddlers to full-grown adults, and I’ve enjoyed every stage.
Of course, there isn’t space in this short article to cover them all, so I decided to focus on one animal where I had the most photos capturing that in-between stage.
So, here’s a little photo essay of tiger Kinleigh Rose spanning from 2015 to 2021. Not a lot of technical photography content this month, just a chance to watch Kinleigh Rose “transition” into adulthood. I hope you enjoy it!
Births, Hatchings and Acquisitions
Story by Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management and Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer
Armenian viper Montivipera raddei
As its name suggests, the Armenian viper is native to Armenia and neighboring countries including Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and Turkmenistan. These snakes favor elevated, rocky habitats, the perfect environment for blending seamlessly into their surroundings.
Male Armenian vipers can grow up to 39 inches (3 ft. 6 in.), while females reach about 31 inches (2 ft. 7 in.).
Unlike many reptiles, females do not lay eggs but instead give birth to live young, producing between four and 18 hatchlings per clutch.
Although the Armenian viper was listed as Near Threatened in 2008 by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, much about its behavior and ecology in the wild remains unknown. Thanks to conservation efforts and ongoing field research, including studies led by our very own President and CEO, Dr. Jeff Ettling, herpetologists are continuing to uncover valuable insights about this remarkable species.
Photo of Armenian Viper in the wild by Dr. Jeff Ettling, President and CEO.
Fantastic leaf-tailed gecko
Uroplatus phantasticus
Photo: Emily Fyfe Senior Herpetology Care Specialist
The fantastic leaf-tailed gecko is one of the smallest members of its genus, Uroplatus. Native to the tropical rainforests of Madagascar, this tiny arboreal species averages about four inches in length and weighs just five-to-six grams, with its tail making up nearly 40% of its body length. These geckos are most often found in low-lying shrubs, dry foliage and other dense vegetation close to the ground. As their name suggests, the fantastic leaf-tailed gecko has an extraordinary appearance. Its tail resembles a dead or decaying leaf, while its body is marked with patterns and lines that mimic leaf
veins. They even sport small protrusions above each eye, earning them the alternate name “eyelash leaf-tailed gecko.”
While their colors vary, they typically stay within the earthy palette of fallen leaves—browns, tans, dark reds and grays, making them masters of camouflage. Next time you visit, test your eyes and see if you can spot one of these incredible little creatures in the Africa Reptile House!
Hadada ibis
Bostrychia hagedash
Native to Africa, the hadada ibis is most often found in savannas, grasslands and open woodlands. While primarily insectivores, they have also been observed eating small reptiles and a variety of invertebrates, including millipedes, worms, spiders and even crustaceans. Their long, curved beaks are perfectly adapted for probing into dirt and sand in search of food.
Hadada ibises typically gather in flocks ranging from five to thirty individuals, though the largest recorded colony reached nearly two hundred. Unlike many other ibis species, which
vocalize mainly during breeding or as a warning, the hadada ibis is known for being especially noisy. Each morning and evening, as they leave or return to their roosts, they call out with their distinct, trumpet-like “ha-da-da”—the sound that inspired their name.
Standing just over two feet tall, these medium-sized birds are mostly brown, with subtle iridescent hints of green and violet shimmering across their wings and back. Next time you visit, see if you can spot them in the River Valley Aviary!
Photo: John Reed
WHO’S WHO
Callie Hawk
Facilities Trades Supervisor
Photos by Hannah Favorite (below) and Mark Sheppe (right)
“I adore every single animal, but if I had to choose, it would be horses. I am a horse girl at heart. ”
How long have you worked at the Zoo?
Four years.
What does a day in your shoes look like?
Every day is completely different. I start my mornings with a breakout meeting with the Facilities techs. From there, I’m following up on work orders and contractor work from previous days or dealing with the current “issue of the day.” I squeeze in my administrative office work throughout the day.
What were your previous jobs/career paths and how did they lead you here?
My dream has always been this Zoo and to be an Animal Care Specialist here. After having kids and staying at home with them for a year, I went to trade school to obtain my certification in HVAC and did a year of residential work before applying to the Zoo.
What is your favorite animal?
This is hard. I adore every single animal, but if I had to choose, it would be horses. I am a horse girl at heart.
What is your favorite exhibit?
I love being in the barns and night houses. The barns remind me of my childhood days on the farm.
But Lorikeet Landing is a favorite of mine to sneak off to and enjoy.
When or how did you first develop an interest in animals/ the zoo world/education?
I’ve grown up around animals and have always had a passion for them. Are you native to Florida? If so, where? If not, where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I grew up eight miles down the road, on Heckscher Drive.
What is your favorite part of your career or what is your most memorable experience at the Zoo (or your old zoo)?
My favorite part is everyone I get to work with. I enjoy talking to everyone on my team daily and having access to individuals throughout the Zoo that are just as passionate about their animals and are willing to talk to me about them. All the care teams and curators put up with my weird questions about their animals. What do you like to do in your free time?
Reading. I’m an avid reader. But I also collect hobbies and want to know how to do anything.
Wild
Senior Membership Coordinator
Sheila Campbell members@jacksonvillezoo.org
Editors
Emily Long, Marketing Manager
Madi Sloan, Communications Specialist
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS TEAM
Jeff Ettling, Ph.D., President and CEO
Paula Shields, Chief People and Culture Officer
Design
Mark Sheppe, Senior Graphic Designer
Hannah Favorite, Graphic Designer
Contributing Photographers
Chris Dailey, Dr. Jeff Ettling, Hannah
Favorite, Emily Fyfe, GRACE, Jamie Lankenau, John Reed, Mark Sheppe
