by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
There are four places in the Jacksonville Zoo to catch a bite, from small-service walk-up areas to the Palm Plaza. Play Park is the kid-oriented restaurant. It, along with the other food service areas in the park, includes a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs and various park fare.
If you’re going to eat at the Zoo, why not try Palm Plaza. Most of the food is Mexican, Americanized south-of-the-border type food, like taco salads and Santa Fe chicken. The popcorn shrimp, which veers from the Mex-mix of food, were my favorite. These tender morsels of shrimp are served deep-fried with just a tiny Cajun bite to them. The sun-dried tomato and basil wraps are stuffed with fresh salad fixings and your choice of ham or turkey. Ever kid-friendly; they also have a kiddie menu that includes tried and true favorites such as mac & cheese as well as classic PB&J.
It’s casual, fast-food, but you can’t beat the view at the Palm Plaza. That’s because they have big picture windows looking into the replica temple ruins of the jaguar area. It’s possible that you could look straight into the eyes of a big cat as you nosh on your tortillas.
“The Zoo prides itself in offering unique options for most all events and works with planners based on budgets and group sizes. All catering services are arranged and provided by the Zoo Catering Department.”
There all kinds of areas for after-hours events at the Zoo. Whether it’s a blow-out birthday bash, a wedding reception, a corporate team-building event or a child’s party, chances are there’s place on the grounds for your event. Parties from 24-1000 can be accommodated in the various venues all around the Zoo. Many of the venues are outdoor and Sandi Clements, the Jacksonville Zoo’s Catering and Corporate Events Manager, says that the Zoo is booked through next spring on Saturdays, mostly with weddings.
After-hour facility rental is based on the size of the group, the areas of the park being used, menu selections, and special services that are agreed upon with the client.
“The after-hour facility rental price is based on what the size of the group is, what their needs are, what activities are taking place, etcetera, etcetera. Knowing that we are a daytime venue, anything after hours, it costs them to be here. There are no animals on exhibit with the exception of the areas that they are renting from…[us].” says Clements.
Private dinners can be arranged in unusual areas like the Elephant Plaza and the Lost Temple. Larger parties are booked in the Range of the Jaguar, Gardens of the Trout River and Shaba Terrace. After hours activities could include a Behind-the-Scenes flashlight tour, private giraffe feedings, rides on the Wildlife Carousel or an animal from the education department that are used as Zoo Ambassadors to greet the guest as they arrive. These options depend on cost and feasibility, as well as a number of other factors.
The Zoo doesn’t offer party packages as much as it lays out the options available for your budget and needs. They’ve got two certified chefs on staff. The Zoo doesn’t allow outside catering, except for Anthony’s who they hire to pick up an event that they’re simply too booked to handle.
Some of the venues can still be booked for daytime events, especially during the week. Mid-week events are often corporate-oriented but mid-week is a great time to plan your event at the Zoo—day or night.
Cost can vary widely, depending on what you choose to include, but the daytime picnic packages are extremely reasonable, considering that the cost includes the price of the Zoo ticket. These packages are for 40 guests or more and range from $18.95-$21.95, with even lower costs for kids.
Located in the Range of the Jaguar, this venue can accommodate up to 40 people. It’s a replica of a Mayan Ruin, set in the midst of wild-life, which can be seen through large windows. View jaguars, anteaters and monkeys as you sip your cocktails and eat your dinner.
The Zoo’s newest garden has a lot of space, so up to 500 people can be seated for a buffet-style meal. The outdoor area, situated right on the Trout River, features Grecian columns, a fountain and beautiful plants.
On the second floor of the Main Camp building on the way into the Zoo, you’ll find the Shaba Terrace. It’s an open-air venue under a thatched roof. Seating up to 400, this venue features tiki torches and a built in speaker system.
For more info on the other venues and accommodations visit jaxZoo.org and make your next event memorable by holding it at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Call (904) 757-4463 ext. 103.
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