JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a finalist for USA TODAY's "Best Zoo in the United States" award. The zoo was nominated by USA TODAY editors and a panel of zoo experts. The group has narrowed the field down to 20 zoos, which will now be voted on by the public.

The nomination highlights the zoo’s continued dedication to conservation, education and positive experiences for its visitors.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is once again up for national recognition. The zoo is nominated for Best Zoo in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2025 poll. The nominees are “facilities that excel in the fields of animal care and enrichment, while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors,” USA TODAY said.