Jackson Zoo, Jackson, MS

Take time to visit the Jackson Zoo in Jackson, MS located at 2918 West Capitol St. They are an accredited zoo so visitors can be assured that the animals under their care receive excellent protection and a bright future. Through this organization the zoo helps preserve thousands of animals both regionally and internationally. Visitors can see animals that are native to Mississippi or from around the world.

The City of Jackson purchased the seventy nine acres of land in 1916. The zoo started small in 1919 with a few caged rabbits and some firemen's pets and local animals. They were housed at the Central Fire Station in downtown Jackson. The year 1921 was when the decision was made to put the zoo on the previously purchased seventy nine acres. Some of the original buildings are still standing such as the castle and Elephant House Caf,. Many of the exhibits were built as part of the WPA work program instituted by FDR.

School children from the area visit the zoo with their teachers and more than 27,000 participated in the educational programs offered by the zoo. There are fourteen endangered species residing at the Jackson Zoo, with more than seven hundred animals altogether. They encompass one hundred and twenty species.

The zoo is located at 2918 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39209. They are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Discovery area is open from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. and the parking booth closes at 4:20 pm. They will sell the last ticket at 4:30 pm although some of the exhibits could already be closed. Guests who visit the zoo on Thanksgiving Day will pay no admission fees and the zoo is closed on Christmas Day.

Admission to the zoo is eight dollars for adults, seven dollar and twenty cents for seniors age 65 or older, children under twelve are five dollars and under two are free. Military discounts are seven dollars for adults and four dollars and fifty cents for children. Friends of the Zoo are free with a membership and groups of ten or more receive a discount as well. Adults are six dollars and sixty cents and children are four dollars and twenty cents. Parking is two dollars and Friends of the Zoo pay one dollar.

There are strollers and wheelchairs available for rent at the zoo. A single scooter is four dollars, a double scooter is seven dollars and a wheel chair is eight dollars. Food is available at the Elephant House Caf, and the Cool Cats Hut in the summer. There are also food stands located throughout the zoo. A train ride is available for two dollars if the weather permits. Children of all ages will enjoy a ride on the carousel. The cost is two dollars and is in addition to the zoo admission. The carousel runs from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. The carousel is filled with zoo animals to ride on such as a giraffe, lion, elephant and the Mississippi catfish.