UPDATE: 11/19/2025 10:01am Robert Irwin (“Dancing with the Stars” fan favorite and Steve Irwin’s son, if you do not know) is indeed confirmed as the special guest for the February 10, 2026 Toast to Conservation. While supplies last, tickets are available at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens website.

Original Story:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Today the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens will announce the special and “familiar wildlife warrior” who will highlight the zoo’s 2026 Toast to Conservation Gala.

Responses to the zoo’s social media post that includes a “with Special Guest ???” teaser have been pointing toward one strong possibility, but readers will have to check back after 10:00am for the official revelation.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens says “...partnering with organizations to reduce threats to wildlife and wild places by supporting endangered species conservation through community involvement to leverage landscape level benefits for biodiversity locally, regionally, and internationally” constitutes its conservation mission.

According to its 2022-2023 annual report, the zoo partnered with more than 25 international organizations to help reduce threats to nature.

[NOTE: This is a developing story, Check back for updates after 10:00am on November 19, 2025 when the JZBG will release more information about the event.]

WOKV recently spoke with Curtis Dvorak, the zoo’s resident “Wildlife Wanderer,” about upcoming events and membership opportunities.