Zoo visitors can anticipate an expansion for the Asia Precinct at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens in North Jacksonville.
The City is reviewing construction permit applications for the buildings that will comprise the feature on 2.7 acres of undeveloped property within the North Jacksonville zoo.
The construction cost shown on five permits total almost $3.4 million.
• $1.52 million for a tiger-holding facility with a public viewing area and associated exhibit areas.
• $1 million for an equipment pad and building for an exhibit water feature treatment.
• $303,000 for a Babirusa and otter-holding facility and associated exhibit areas.
• $277,000 for a hornbill holding facility and associated exhibit areas.
• $270,000 for a warty pig and otter-holding facility and associated exhibit areas.
The Daily Record reported in November that the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens filed plans with the City and the St. Johns River Water Management District for the Asia Precinct expansion, described as a seven-structure exhibit.
A project description shows the Asia Precinct expansion will be in the southeastern corner of the zoo.
Diane David, director of development at the zoo, said in November the project was in a quiet period as the zoo continued to raise funds for it. She said then the zoo was not ready to release details of the project.
David referred questions to zoo Executive Director Tony Vecchio, who could not be reached.
Plans show the Jacksonville Zoo Monsoon Asia area and outline a development that will provide for seven new structures to house the animals, provide viewing shelters for guests and event space; associated walking paths; waterfalls; and expansion of the existing master pond to accommodate and treat the additional runoff.
Plans show 5,500 square feet of tiger-holding and event space and other holding space.
In addition to the tiger-holding and event space, there will be exhibit areas and a 1,300-square-foot pig and otter holding facility, a 940-square-foot hornbill holding area and a 1,125-square-foot mixed species pig holding facility.
The engineer is Prosser Hallock. The designer is PJA Architecture and Landscape Architects of Seattle, Wash.
The contractor is to be determined.
David said in November the zoo was trying to raise $10 million for the expansion and a couple of other elements that she declined to discuss.
If the fundraising is successful, "we hope we can open this for our 100-year anniversary in 2014," she said.
The zoo operates at 370 Zoo Parkway. It was established in 1914 in Springfield Park and acquired its current property in 1924, according to its website, jacksonvillezoo.org.
The zoo opened with the donation of one red deer fawn, with several domestic animals and a "monkey island" added later. In 1925, the Municipal Zoo relocated to its present site bordering the Trout River.
It started with 37.5 acres and continued to grow, reaching 89 acres in 1992. On Oct. 20, 1993, the name was changed from the Jacksonville Zoological Park to the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens.
According to the website, by the end of the 1960s, the zoo is reputed to have had the largest collection of exotic animals in the Southeast, but it had fallen on hard times. Community leaders, under the direction of Mayor Hans Tanzler, appointed a seven-member committee to search for an alternative to closing the Zoo.
The Jacksonville Zoological Society began managing the zoo in 1971, having grown from the seven-member committee to 85 City and community leaders.
According to the website, the City contracts with the society to manage all phases of the operation of the zoo. All property, including animals and equipment, and all improvements, belong to the City, which in turn contributes an annual subsidy to offset some of the zoo's operating expenses.
The website says all other zoo expenses are paid through revenues earned from admission and concession sales, membership and adoption, and group sales.
A major redevelopment began in 1992. Through River City Renaissance funds and private donations, $22.5 million was raised to complete the first phase of the master plan.
Projects completed included a new front entry gate and parking lot, the Main Camp Safari Lodge, Birds of the Rift Valley Aviary, Great Apes of the World, an expanded train ride, an elephant and breeding complex, River Branch Foundation Animal Medical Center, the PepsiCo Foundation Education Campus and redevelopment of the 11-acre Plains of East Africa. The last project of the 1992 plan, a Florida wetlands attraction, "Wild Florida," opened in March 2001.
In March 2002, the zoo opened the Outback Steakhouse Australian Adventure. Range of the Jaguar opened in March 2004. In March 2005, the Wildlife Carousel opened to the public.
In April 2005 the redesigned viewing area for the giraffes, called Giraffe Overlook, and the first botanical gardens, Savanna Blooms, opened. The main path was redesigned and widened. Play Park opened in the late spring of 2006.
In September 2007, the latest addition, the Gardens at Trout River Plaza, opened. It serves as the gateway to the Asian Bamboo Gardens that opened in spring 2009 with the Komodo dragon exhibit.
The zoo announced in October attendance reached a record 801,642 for its fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, up 49,700 from the previous year.
@MathisKb
(904) 356-2466