Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The 4-month-old Banks made his public premiere Thursday with mother Babette at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

Banks' name was selected in a public naming contest that raised $21,494 to care for the zoo's jaguars.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is holding a naming contest, and the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation is matching up to $10,000 in donations.

The North American black bear escaped an exhibit behind the scenes and attacked a zookeeper until shot by staff, police said.

Lash, the zoo's oldest silverback gorilla, had lived at the zoo since 1998. He was 46.

The zoo announced a $2.25 million donation from VyStar Credit Union that will go toward a new entrance leading to an expanded Manatee Critical Care Center.

Steve suffered from diabetes and had a limp caused when he broke his foot at an early age. His health continued to deteriorate last week.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the money will expand the network of acute care facilities like the one at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to treat injured and distressed manatees.

Jeff Ettling takes over for the retiring Tony Vecchio as the zoo builds a new main entrance, a Manatee River exhibit and a new lion enclosure.

Three giant otter pups have made their debut at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The pups were born in October, but staff have been monitoring the family…