- The Zoo has served up to 85,000 visitors annually, with 47% from the Jackson metro area, 43% from other Mississippi counties and 10% from other states. The Zoo serves every segment of the population, creating a wonderfully diverse audience.
- The Zoo is a living classroom. Special discounts are given to schools and school districts, as well as sponsorship from local or regional businesses.
- The Zoo is a remarkable interactive family facility, with more than 90% of its visitors being families with children under 12 with their accompanying parents or grandparents.
- The Zoo has a strong, active volunteer force who works hard, giving many hours of their time and energy to the Zoo.
- The Zoo is located on 110 acres of land acquired by the City of Jackson from Samuel Livingston. Approximately 54 acres are included, and 34 are in use.
- Twenty-two full time staff members are employed at the Jackson Zoo. An additional 10 part-time staff members assist as needed.
- The Zoo’s annual operating budget is $1.2 million.
- The Zoo opened in 1919 and moved to Livingston Park in 1921, operated by the City until 1986. Through an operating agreement with the City of Jackson, Jackson Zoological Society, Inc. managed the Zoo until September 30, 2019. The zoo is now currently under the direction of the City of Jackson Parks & Recreation Department.
- Number of Species at The Zoo: 70
- Number of Animals: 200
- 11 Endangered Species: Black-headed Spider Monkey, Chimpanzee, Cotton Top Tamarin, Fishing Cat, Grevy’s Zebra, Pygmy Hippo, Red Ruffed Lemur, Sumatran Tiger, White-handed Gibbon, Reticulated Giraffe, Asiatic Black Bear.
- Active Species Survival Programs: Black and White Colobus Monkey, Black-necked Stilt, Blue-bellied Roller, Black-headed Spider Monkey, Chimpanzee, Cotton Top Tamarin, Diana Guenon, Fishing Cat, Hawk-headed Parrot, Kinkajou, Klipspringer, Kookaburra, North American River Otter, Red Ruffed Lemur, Reticulated Giraffe, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Sable Antelope, Schmidt’s Monkey, Sumatran Tiger, Tawny frogmouth, Wattled Crane, White Handed Gibbon, White Naped Crane, White Rhinoceros.
Completed Projects
- Rhino Exhibit Renovations (2016)
- Gertrude C Ford Wildlife Adventures Theater Seating (2016)
- Red Panda Exhibit (2015)
- Splash Pad Lounge (2015)
- Fishing Cat Exhibit (2015)
- Amur Leopard Exhibit (2014)
- Gibbon Exhibit (2014)
- Tiger Exhibit (2010)
- Gertrude C. Ford Education Center (2009)
- Wilderness Mississippi (2006)