Zoo Fit
Join the Fitness Walking Class at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Mornings
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
*Please Note: Zoo Fit will take a temporary hiatus during the humid summer months and will return in the fall of 2012. The last walk of the spring will be Saturday, May 19th. Walks will resume on Tuesday, October 2nd!
Come to the Zoo for an instructor-led three-mile-walk at an aerobic pace.
(Two-mile aerobic option available)
Walk the beautiful and lush paths of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, listening to the animals as they wake up for the day. It’s a unique opportunity to traverse the African Veldt, Asian Bamboo Gardens, Great Apes Loop and Wild Florida before the Zoo is open to the public.
Walks will be led by Zoo Volunteer, Katie Buckley, who is an experienced marathon runner,
past tri-athlete, and police academy PT instructor. Ms. Buckley has also trekked many of the world’s non-technical mountains and trails including the Santa Teresa trail to Machu Picchu; circumnavigating Mont Blanc through Switzerland, Italy and France; Mount Toubkal in Morocco, the highest peak in North Africa; and most recently Torres del Paine in Patagonia, Chili.
- Meet at the Main Camp Entrance of the Zoo at 6:45 a.m.
- Walks start promptly at 7:00 a.m. with no late admittance.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. Only water fountains will be available during the walk.
- Wear good walking or running shoes.
Pricing:
*PLEASE NOTE: We can accept ONLY cash or personal checks for drop-in and day-of 10 Walk Pass purchases.
Credit card readers are not available for morning purchases.
10 Walk Passes may be purchased with credit cards IN ADVANCE at the Zoo’s Guest Relations window.
| 10 Walk Pass | Drop-in Rate (Per Walk) |
|---|---|
| Members - $25.00 | Members - $4.00 |
| Non-Members - $65.00 | Non-Members - $8.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can walkers stay in the Zoo after the walk is over?
A: The Zoo Fit price does not include Zoo admission. In order for us to fully prepare for the day ahead, walkers must leave the park when the walk ends. They are welcome to return with paid admission when the Zoo gates open at 9:00 a.m.
Q: Can I bring my stroller and my children?
A: Moms with children who stay in strollers are welcome. Children 15 years of age or older are welcomed as paying participants.
Q: How fast should I be able to walk to keep up with the class?
A: Our goal is to maintain a 15-20 minute mile pace throughout our walk.
Q: Can I run instead of walk?
A: No, this class is for aerobic walking only.
Q: When will the 10 walk cards expire?
A: Cards will expire one year from the date of purchase.
Q: Who will keep track of my 10 walk card?
A: The Zoo will punch your 10 walk card when you arrive for each walk. Each guest is responsible for keeping their cards. Lost or stolen cards cannot be refunded or replaced.
Q: Will walks be cancelled in the event of bad weather? How will I be notified of cancellations?
A: Walks will occur rain or shine unless the weather is severe. Announcements about cancellations will be posted on the Zoo’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Q: Does the Zoo provide showers for walkers?
A: The Zoo does not have on-site showers available for the public.
For more information, please call 904-757-4463 or email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
