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brew at the zoo
by donald dusinberre    imartsyfartsy@gmail.com

      I’ve always been a little conflicted about zoos and circuses (or is it circi?), because it’s hard for me to believe that animals can be happy living in cages and doing tricks for large crowds. The last time I went to the Jacksonville Zoo, I hadn’t yet developed those apprehensions, but I still wasn’t all that impressed with the place. Granted, I was in middle school and rather apathetic about any family outing, but I remember thinking that it was a mediocre facility fitting of a medium-sized American city like Harrisburg or Raleigh-Durham.
      Last year, I visited the San Diego Zoo hoping that my reservations would be quelled by a world-class facility dedicated to ethical treatment and accurate habitats. I’m not sure how close any zoo can get to those ideals, but the San Diego Zoo left me thinking that even if it was less than perfect for the animals within the zoo, the increased level of appreciation and education provided for the visitors could better the lives of all the animals (including humans) living outside the zoo. As far as zoos go, the San Diego Zoo is regarded as one of the best zoos in the country.
      This past Friday, I visited the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens for the first time in nearly 15 years, and although I didn’t get a chance to scrutinize too many exhibits very intensely, I got the distinct impression that the Jacksonville Zoo has improved dramatically over the last few years.
      I went with my wife and some friends to Brew at the Zoo, an event that showcased a whole bunch of things, including the Range of the Jaguar, the new Trout River Gardens, wildlife artwork arranged by Fogle Fine Arts, and beer. Truthfully, I was hooked by the title of the event alone. It was a wonderful added bonus that the beer and food were free.
      The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has apparently begun a new chapter in its existence, constantly reaching out to the community and offering events and exhibits that are definitely unique for a traditional zoo. Brew at the Zoo is just one of the many events I’ve heard about lately, and I’ll bet it’s one of the hippest.
      We had a great time at the event. Although it was stiflingly humid, the beer servers were more than willing to refill your cup whenever you wanted. We did have to wait in some long lines, but they moved pretty swiftly.
      Zookeepers were posted throughout the area, showing off owls and other creatures. Meanwhile, the nearby exhibits stayed open until after dark, including the Jaguar exhibit and the Lost Temple.
      If you’re cool with zoos, then you might look into becoming a member of the Wild Things, a group of young professionals who support the Jacksonville Zoo and take part in a multitude of unique events. Look for more information about the Zoo and its upcoming events right here in EU Jacksonville. In the meantime, visit the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, located at 370 Zoo Parkway, on the Northside of Jacksonville.

Entertaining U Newspaper, eujacksonville.com. Published by N2U Publishing, Inc. 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Copyright N2U Publishing, Inc. 2006. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by N2U Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/or omissions, the Publisher's liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to the following address: 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For information concerning classified advertising phone 904-730-3003.