Jackson Zoo | Jackson

The Jackson Zoo is a historic and significant institution in Mississippi, with a long and complex history. Here is a detailed look at the zoo, its operations, and the challenges it currently faces.

History and Context

The Jackson Zoo's story began in 1919 with a small collection of animals kept by firefighters at the Central Fire Station in downtown Jackson. This collection, which included local wildlife like deer and alligators, quickly grew, and by 1921, it was moved to its current home in Livingston Park, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. The park itself was acquired by the city in 1916.

Over the decades, the zoo expanded its collection to include a variety of exotic animals. It saw its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a major social hub and "crown jewel" for the city. It was recognized for its quality, being named a "Southern Travel Treasure" by AAA Magazine and "Travel Attraction of the Year" by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2007.

However, in recent years, the zoo has faced significant financial and operational challenges. Attendance has dropped dramatically, from 170,000 visitors in 2003 to around 16,000 annually more recently. The zoo has struggled with funding, management issues, and a lack of resources, leading to a loss of accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2016. In 2019, the city of Jackson took over its direct management.

Exhibits and Animals

Despite its challenges, the Jackson Zoo continues to operate and care for approximately 250 animals from over 120 species. It is the second-largest zoo in Mississippi and remains a place for conservation and education. The zoo's exhibits are themed around different geographical regions:

African Rainforest: This exhibit is designed with a boardwalk that immerses visitors in a jungle-like environment. It is home to animals such as pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and red river hogs.

African Savannah: Opened in 2005, this large, open-plain exhibit provides a more natural setting for its residents. Here, you can see large animals like southern white rhinoceros, Grévy's zebra, and various antelopes and birds.

Asian Garden: Located near the entrance, the Asian Garden features grottos for animals like Sumatran tigers and Asiatic black bears. It also houses other species like fishing cats and lar gibbons.

Wilderness Mississippi: This area highlights native Mississippi wildlife and ecosystems. Visitors can see American alligators, North American river otters, and red wolves, among others.

The zoo also has a diverse collection of other animals, including various birds, reptiles, and mammals like black-headed spider monkeys and red ruffed lemurs. The zoo's official website provides a detailed list of its current animal collection. Many of its animals are "zoo-born and zoo-bred," and it participates in Species Survival Programs for endangered animals like the Sumatran tiger and pygmy hippopotamus.

Visitor Information

The Jackson Zoo is located in Livingston Park at 2918 West Capitol Street. It is open Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As of a recent report, it only accepts cash payments for admission.

The zoo provides educational opportunities, including special discounts for schools and a strong volunteer program. However, due to its financial issues and limited staffing, some exhibits may be temporarily closed or animals may not be on display. It's always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information on the zoo's official website or social media before planning a visit.

Current Challenges and Future Outlook

The Jackson Zoo's future is a topic of significant public debate. Recent reports indicate the zoo is in a dire financial situation, including owing millions in water fees to the city. Attendance has plummeted, and the city's annual funding of $1.2 million is not enough to cover the operating costs and needed repairs.

City leaders and community members are debating whether to try and revitalize the zoo at its current location, which is now in a high-poverty area, or to shut it down. Some proposals suggest relocating the zoo entirely with state funding, but this would require abandoning the existing historic infrastructure, a difficult and costly choice.

Despite the challenges, the zoo remains a place with a rich history and a dedicated staff committed to conservation and education. The debate over its future continues as the city and state grapple with the difficult decision of how to proceed with this long-standing institution.