Imagine starting your Saturday morning with a yoga mat beneath your feet, giraffes grazing nearby and the distant roar of lions echoing through the zoo before the gates open to the public. That’s the experience awaiting members at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which is hosting its annual Yoga with Giraffes classes every Saturday in June in celebration of World Giraffe Day on June 21.
Now in its third consecutive year as a members-only event, the zoo’s Yoga with Giraffes gives participants a chance to stretch and unwind while enjoying one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits from a unique vantage point.
“It’s not every day that you get to participate in a yoga class with giraffes in the background, and these types of exclusive opportunities help create memorable connections with wildlife and the zoo,” said Emily Long, marketing manager at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
Planning a visit to the Jacksonville Zoo this summer? Here’s what to know about World Giraffe Day, members-only yoga classes, and how to get unlimited entries for the price of one admission ticket this summer.
Celebrate World Giraffe Day at the Jacksonville Zoo this month with Yoga
When did Yoga with Giraffes start at the Jacksonville Zoo? Can you bring a guest?
Yoga with Giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo first launched in 2022 as a one-time public experience. After it did not return in 2023, strong visitor interest led the zoo to bring it back in 2024 as a members-only event, to celebrate World Giraffe Day with a yoga session at the giraffe overlook. The classes are currently capped at 20 guests, creating a more intimate experience.
However, Sheila Campbell, senior membership coordinator at the zoo, said members are also welcome to bring a guest to participate in the yoga session. And noted that guests who choose to remain at the zoo after the event and explore the grounds are required to purchase zoo admission for the day.
Yoga with Giraffes at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
How many giraffes are at the Jacksonville Zoo? What are their names?
The Jacksonville Zoo is home to seven giraffes, including six females and one male. They are all reticulated giraffes, recognized by their net-like geometric patterns, which help them camouflage while resting and foraging among the trees of the African savanna.
When can Jacksonville zoo members take a yoga class with giraffes? See the schedule
Yoga with Giraffes is a members-only event held in celebration of World Giraffe Day. Classes take place from 8 to 9 a.m. every Saturday in June at the giraffe overlook. Members can purchase their tickets online for $40 to participate in the unique yoga experience. Guests are advised to bring a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle.
According to Long, “a portion of ticket sales for Yoga with Giraffes goes to the care of plants and animals at the zoo and around the world.”
See upcoming dates:
How much does it cost to be a Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens member?
Annual adult memberships cost $75 and are available to individuals ages 18 and older, while child memberships are $60 for ages 3 to 17.
Those interested in becoming a Member can sign up online and enjoy benefits such as free daytime admission, discounts, early access to select events and exclusive experiences throughout the year.
Not a member? Try $10 Tuesdays at the Jacksonville Zoo. See upcoming dates
Looking for an affordable summer outing? On select Tuesdays throughout the summer, guests can enjoy admission to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for just $10 per person, making it the perfect opportunity to explore wildlife, nature, and family-friendly attractions without breaking the bank.
Upcoming $10 Tuesday dates: June 23, July 7, July 21, and August 4, 2026.
The popular promotion often sells out, and same-day ticket availability is not guaranteed. Therefore, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through the Jacksonville Zoo Ticket Store to secure their spot and avoid long lines.
What’s the Endless Summer Pass at the Jacksonville Zoo? How does it work? See price
The Endless Summer Pass gets you in the zoo as many times as you want, for the price of one visit, until the end of September. The cost of the ticket starts at $39.95 for children, $44.95 for seniors, and $46.95 for adults. The pass is good through September 30, 2026.
What does the Endless Summer Pass include? Unlimited visits for the price of one
How much are Endless Summer Passes?
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Yoga with giraffes returns to Jacksonville Zoo in June
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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By Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
