Association of Zoos and Aquariums

JACKSONVILLE ZOO WINS COVETED AZA EXHIBIT AWARD

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777, x 252

CHICAGO, IL, September 18, 2005 – The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Jacksonville Zoo with the AZA Exhibit Award for "Range of the Jaguar". Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 81st Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

Entrance to Range of the Jaguar exhibit The Range of the Jaguar is a $14.4 million 4.5 acre representation of ancient Mayan temple ruins and the Neotropical animals that now inhabit the area in and around them. Set near a small Spanish colonial village that serves as the themed backdrop for a restaurant, plaza, gift shop and restrooms, guests explore the exceptionally rich environment including stonework, temple, waterfalls, pools, carvings, and thousands of plants tallying over 100 species that simulate the tropical forest.

Jaguars take center stage in two large exhibits that allow them to roam amidst the ruins and a flooded portion of their surroundings while pacu and peacock bass swim just out of reach. In one exhibit jaguars can be seen climbing the side of an ancient lost temple for a better view of their surroundings. The number and size of jaguar exhibits and reserve areas represent a commitment to building self-sustaining populations that is unsurpassed. Over twenty-five interpretive graphics cover subjects ranging from sustainable use, to shade grown coffee while a field station and adjoining rural classroom help bring life to the forest animals and culture thru specially trained guides. Links to the zoo's involvement in supporting conservation in Guyana are evident with references to the support of a one million acre reserve (Iwokrama), an economic development district in the protected region, and a partnership with the government of Guyana.

Diversity within Neotropical forests is well represented with 100 species of animals including boat billed herons, anteaters, howler and saki monkeys, tapirs, scarlet ibis, roseate spoonbills, harpy eagle, mata mata turtles and anacondas among many others. Several habitat types are shown including the edge of a river, ruins overgrown with lush plantings, buttress tree, and ponds left stranded by the dry season. Like tigers, jaguars are one of the few cats that swim. Viewing windows - above and below water, allow guests to observe this unique behavior. Baird's tapirs and capybara can also be seen swimming in their pool just inches from privileged guests. State-of-the-art filtration systems sanitize, clean, and save water.

The Exhibit Award is presented by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for outstanding dedication to conservation issues and construction of exhibit space replicating species natural habitats.

Note: For more information contact Janet Johnson at 904-757-4463 ext. 142.

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