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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

My Hometown: The Jacksonville Zoo

I love my city! I was born and raised here, and although it may not exactly be a tourist destination, Jacksonville has a lot to offer! We have wonderful local restaurants, beaches, history, and culture. I thought I would start a series where I share a little about my hometown, starting with our trip to the zoo!

I have such fond memories of going to the Jacksonville Zoo as a kid! It was always one of our favorite field trip destinations.   



I remember piling into the school bus with all my friends, carrying our lunches in brown paper bags and clutching a few dollars of spending money our moms gave us for a souvenir from the gift shop.


We loved walking through "Africa", "Asia", "Australia", and "South America", as well as learning about the animals native to our home state in "Wild Florida".






Usually we would have the opportunity to attend a special presentation where we learned more about the animals, conservation and ecology. We gained a deeper appreciation for these amazing creatures, and that appreciation and love has carried over into adulthood!

I remember learning about animals who were on the endangered list, and those on the critically endangered list, and even as a child it made me sad to think that we might lose certain species of animals. How sad to think that future generations would not have the opportunity to see and interact with the incredible creatures we are able to enjoy today, simply because we are not responsible with being good stewards of God's gifts.



Since then they have done many updates and improvements to the zoo, making the enclosures and environments more of a natural habitat for the animals, and allowing for more interactive experiences. It's a win-win for everyone! 



I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful place nearby to spend a day enjoying nature and so many   beautiful and majestic animals! 



When was the last time you went to the zoo? 

To learn more about the Jacksonville Zoo, check it out here

Our Pretty Little Girls

17 comments:

  1. Eeee!! I love zoos!! It's always fun to walk through them, regardless of how many times you've been there before!! Loooove the flamingo shirt!

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  2. When my sister visits my parents with the kids they always go to the zoo because of how great it is!!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  3. This zoo has penguins. I need to go.

    We have a small local zoo that isn't too fabulous so we need to take the child to a bigger one at some point. We did the safari when we were in Disney a couple of weeks ago and the animals are amazing. I love learning about them.

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  4. LOVE all your photos- you got so many good ones!! I especially love the alligator in all that green/marshy junk ;) Really cool shot! And your flamingo shirt is so perfect.

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  5. I LOVE zoos! We just recently visited our home town zoo too and it was so great. I don't have nearly as good of pictures as you though. I'm really excited to go to the National Zoo in Washington DC later this month. You just can't beat an afternoon exploring and seeing all the animals.

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  6. I love the Zoo! I want every wild cat they have there, lol!

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  7. Other than Animal Kingdom at Disney I haven't been to the zoo in forever, and that needs to change :-D

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  8. What an awesome trip to the zoo!!! There is nothing wrong with being proud of your city :) Now give me all the penguins!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  9. I love the zoo! Chris and I just visited the San Diego Zoo in March, and it was so much fun! :)

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  10. This just made me so nostalgic for childhood trips to the zoo! i recently went to my home town zoo for the first time in years, and it was so much fun!!!

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  11. Love zoos! That one is not too terribly far from us. A good weekend trip. May have to consider it! Looks like fun- thanks for sharing at Tues Talk!

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  12. Gorgeous animals at your hometown zoo! i particularly love the flamingos and giraffes.

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  13. I've never been to Jacksonville, but have heard great things from friends who have lived there! Love all the animal pics, it looks like such a peaceful place. :) To be honest I haven't visited a zoo in YEARS. I think I figure when we have kids in a few years I'll start going again. But I don't know you may have convinced me to go sooner..
    http://abbyflynn.com

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  14. such fabulous pics! and love the shots of the tigers ) it's been so long since i've been to a zoo!

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  15. I love the zoo! I'm so jealous you have one nearby, theres none around here. I'm also loving your flamingto top - so cute! I tried to buy some flamingo lawn ornaments the other day... the husband nixed the idea. Boo.

    Annessa
    www.seekingsunshine.com

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  16. i have not been there in YEARS! i lived there as a kid and grew up an hr and a half away from JAx.

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  17. I love zoos! Yours looks so nice! We went to a new zoo last week - the Toledo Zoo in Ohio. Fabulous. Thanks for sharing your zoo with us for Tuesday Talk! Hopefully, we can make it down there someday! -Jess
    Sweet Little Ones

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