Jacksonville Zoo, VyStar partner to offer free admission to military heroes on Veterans Day

Active-duty military members and veterans can visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens for free on Veterans Day, thanks to VyStar Credit Union.Eligible guests must present a military or veteran ID card to receive complimentary admission. Accompanying family members can buy general admission tickets online.“Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank the men and women whose service has made a lasting difference in our community and our country,” Nikki Smith said, the zoo’s chief philanthropy and marketing officer. “With VyStar’s support, we’re honored to welcome veterans and active-duty military members for a day of discovery, connection and time with loved ones.”Visitors can explore more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals, along with the zoo’s habitats and botanical gardens.“Our commitment to the military community extends well beyond Veterans Day,” said Patricia McElroy, VyStar’s senior vice president of community engagement.The offer is part of the zoo’s ongoing effort to give ba