Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo - Gainesville, Florida - small teaching zoo covering 10 acres

Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo is both the local zoo for the Gainesville area and a teaching zoo for the Santa Fe Community College Zoo Animal Technology Program. Graduates of the Zoo program at Santa Fe Community College work in major zoos all over the country, but only after getting significant experience at this small teaching zoo.

Because of its dual role as a visitor attraction and a formal teaching environment, the SFC Teaching Zoo operates on a tour-only basis. Visitors to the zoo are guided through the exhibits and laboratory areas by student or faculty guides who explain the exhibits and answer questions about the various animals and their habitats. This is an important part of the teaching process, so guests are actually helping would-be zookeepers learn the ropes.

The zoo is home to 220 animals that represent 68 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. The teaching program is the premier Zoo Animal Technology program in the country. Students in the program learn all aspects of zoo animal technology, from habitat construction to daily care. With over 30,000 visits a year, they get plenty of experience interacting with the public as well.

The zoo at Santa Fe College covers about 10 wooded acres. The animals live in their natural environment along a 3/4 mile long trail that is handicapped accessible and lined with sawdust. Some of the more popular animals at the Santa Fe College Zoo include Capuchin monkeys, bald eagles, and Sika deer, along with other animals native to this part of the United States. While you won't find elephants, tigers, lions and bears at the zoo, there's no shortage of animals to get to know and enjoy. Other favorite zoo residents include a Florida King Snake, who is sire to all of the offspring housed at the zoo and is a regular visitor to area classrooms, and a troop of squirrel monkeys who delight visitors with their antics and engaging chatter.

In addition to public tours, the SFC Teaching Zoo also participates in an EdZooCation program with local schools, families and community groups. The zoo offers birthday parties for up to 30 children on Saturday mornings, and on-site hands-on animal encounters during zoo tours. Schools and other groups can schedule a Zoo Outreach program with animals brought to the classroom or other facility for a short educational program. Children ages 7-13 can become Jr. Zoologists, or participate in Zookeeping 101 through a partnership with the Gainesville Community Education Program. For those looking for a more intense experience, the Teaching Zoo offers Career Shadowing days where students can follow along on the daily duties of zoo keepers.

In keeping with its commitment to educate and inform the public, the Zoo also offers frequent special events. Some recent events have included Ocean Conservation Day, Party for the Planet and Boo at the Zoo.

Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo is open to the public for scheduled tours on weekdays and unscheduled tours on weekends between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and they can also be scheduled for presentations in the community for those interested in having the zoo come to them. For more information on scheduling a tour or visiting the zoo, contact the zoo office at (352) 395-5601.