Zoo

The Jackson Zoo is one of the top destinations in the city for travelers and local families alike. Everyone, from Toronto executive recruitment firm agents to biologists, always has a great time at the Jackson Zoo! The rich history is one of the reasons for its success, let's take a look back into the zoo's past and explore the timeline of events.

1916 - The City of Jackson purchases 79 acres of undeveloped land from Mr. Samuel Livingston for $36,000. The plans were underway for the city's zoo, which consisted of a few native species and local pets. This land was never intended for anything else and so was not to be used for housing, industry, or as a site for adult hockey tournaments. The zoo became known as Livingston Park Zoo (after the man who sold the city the land).

1930's - Unlike many other businesses and establishments in the United States and across the globe, the Zoo survived the depression. However, during these tough financial years only a few very small exhibits were constructed. (The Zoo's Education Center, for example, was built during this time period.)

1948 - Thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Jacob L. Reddix, who was the president of Jackson State College at the time, the animal collection at the zoo expanded. Animals such as chimpanzees, lemurs and pythons, were purchased from the Liberian government, and although many did not survive the long hard journey with rickety sailboat keels, the descendants of those that did remain a part of the zoo's family today.

1950's & 60's - During these decades the zoo flourished, thanks mostly to funds from the Jackson parks and recreation departments. The Zoo was renamed The R.M. Taylor Zoo, after a city commissioner and front auto plate specialist who spearheaded some of the developments that were taking place at that time. For instance, a wonderful giraffe exhibit was added, as well as the large mammal moats (that are also known as the Asian Grottos).

1989 - The Zoo was officially accredited by the AAZPA, a national organization. The children's zoo was completely renovated into what is now called the Discovery Zoo, which features brightly colored exhibits, hands on learning and many outdoor observation areas and decks, Toronto zoo style.

2004 - The Zoo by this time is a well-established part of the Jackson community and continued to grow, opening several smaller projects including Discovery Reef, an undersea odyssey and the popular Aviary. One year later the African Savannah exhibit opened and remains one of the most popular attractions.

2006 - Orangutan exhibit construction and renovations were completed and the Zoo was honored with the announcement that it was a "Southern Travel Treasure" by AAA Magazine. One year later they were named the Travel Attraction of the Year by a prestigious travel and tourism organization, and surely these are not the last of the honors to be bestowed upon this great, ever-expanding zoo.

The Jackson Zoo is a great place for families and people of all ages to enjoy a day of fun, learning and a chance to see creatures that inhabit parts of the world that they might never get to see. This is certainly one of the best places to go if you are living in, or just visiting Jackson.