JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 The VyStar Skyscape and Manatee River at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens are now open to the public, part of a $72 million project that combines visitor experiences with space to treat critically injured animals.<\/p>\n
The new exhibits give visitors close views of three manatees and a new way to travel around the zoo. Zoo officials say the facility can care for up to 20 sick or injured manatees at a time until they are healthy enough to be released.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been really amazing to see them breeze and just swim around the tank. It is a beautiful enclosure,\u201d a visitor named Johanna said. <\/p>\n
Other visitors noted the unexpected pleasures of watching the animals feed. <\/p>\n
\u201cI liked that I got to see them eat a lot of lettuce,\u201d Lily said. <\/p>\n
Kyle said, \u201cIt was funny to see them float with the lettuce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hundreds of people waited in line to be among the first to enter, some arriving before sunrise. <\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like it has been a while since they opened up a new exhibit\u2026I remember the old manatee exhibit, so I am excited to see how it has changed,\u201d visitor Kaise Cardona said. <\/p>\n
Kena Herrera called the opening \u201ca once-in-a-lifetime opportunity\u201d for many to learn about manatees and their care.<\/p>\n
Zoo staff said the new facility will support both conservation and medical needs. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission is to connect people to wildlife and wild places. This is what this is going to do. We also hope to inspire curiosity about conservation,\u201d Curtis Dvorak, a zoo wildlife staff member, said. <\/p>\n
Derek Mock, the zoo\u2019s interpretive engagement supervisor, described four medical pools at the site, including two with adjustable floors to bring animals closer for procedures.<\/p>\n
The first 100 visitors received manatee plush toys. Zoo officials said the new attraction aims to blend fun, education and awareness as part of the institution\u2019s ongoing conservation efforts.<\/p>\n
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