3 minute read

Who's Who

By Morgan Purvis, Communications and Public Relations Representative

Horticulture Manager

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and President of AZH

(Association of Zoological Horticulture)

Chris Dailey

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a place to connect with nature in all its forms—plants and animals alike. Gardens not only immerse us in a natural environment where we can see wildlife at work, but also show us the beautiful creations only nature can make. Caring for over 1,000 plant species and maintaining our many gardens is a feat on its own, and we are lucky to have a team of talented horticulturists led by Horticulture Manager Chris Dailey.

Chris first became interested in gardening through his grandparents, who had beautiful gardens with “I believe that unusual plants. They were always willing to share plants and their planting a tree is knowledge with others. Chris’s passion for plants and nature led him to one of the kindest work at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens starting in August 1997. He started as a things that one can horticulture technician, quickly grew to do for the world…” horticulture supervisor, and then finally horticulture manager in 2008. A common misconception is that the horticulture team at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens primarily grows food for the animals, however their main responsibility is to create and manage the gardens and habitats for the benefit of guests, animals, and wildlife. Although Chris does not get to work with plants as much as he would like, he is thankful for his talented team who do an excellent job of caring for plant life. This allows him time for dayto-day meetings with colleagues and planning. His favorite days are when he gets to design, plan, and install new gardens and landscapes with the team. Chris does not have a favorite garden and instead likes to think about Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as one big garden with a zoo in it. The first plant that caught Chris’s eye years ago was Plumeria, which guests may find throughout the Zoo as a result. Trees are also special to him.

“Trees really are my favorite, especially big Florida native trees like live oak, bald cypress, southern magnolia, pines, and many others,” said Chris. “I believe that planting a tree is one of the kindest Chris Dailey with one of his favorite Florida native trees in the background, Bald Cypress (Taxodium things that one can do for the world, distichum), with hanging spanish moss. The tree is located in River View Gardens. and I will plant trees any chance I get.” Chris is dedicated to the growth of horticulture in the zoo and aquarium field overall and works with other professional horticulturists as the president of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH). Chris has been instrumental in many horticultural projects at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, but his favorite was in 2020 when they planted a live oak tree funded by the AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant. Wendy was a friend, colleague, and Beyond plants, Chris’s favorite animal is Goober the Aldabra tortoise and his favorite animal species is okapi. He especially likes to visit the wood storks when they take up their rookery in the trees along the Africa boardwalk, because of the rare opportunity to see these birds up close. In his spare time, Chris enjoys hiking, disc golf, soccer, and spending time with his family. mentor to the horticulture team and the tree serves as a special reminder of her legacy.

GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS Radiant Flowers

Orange Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), located in Savanna Blooms Garden and Play Park.

Lotus (Nelumbo sp.), located seasonally in Asian Bamboo Garden.

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