Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

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Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Gainesville’s community zoo and the training facility for the Zoo Animal Technology program at Santa Fe College.
(1927)

Open daily, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., with last entry at 2:30 p.m. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is Gainesville’s community zoo and the training facility for the Zoo Animal Technology program. Situated on 10 forested acres we house rare and endangered species including Matschie's tree kangaroos and ocelots.

10/21/2026

🎃 Our Zoo Member perks are so good, it's spooky! 👻

Did you know your SF Teaching Zoo membership comes with benefits all year long? From exclusive events to discounts at zoos and aquariums across the country, there's plenty to love about being a member!

🦇 Membership perks include:
50% off admission at participating AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
Invitations to special events
Exclusive member newsletters
10% off gift shop merchandise
Discounts on birthday parties, animal encounters, and Zookeeper for a Day

🍬 And just in time for our 30th Annual Boo at the Zoo
Zoo Members and their guests receive Fast Pass access, allowing them to skip the general admission line and enter Boo at the Zoo 30 minutes early, from 2:30–3 p.m.!

📧 Already a member? Fast Passes have been emailed through our member newsletter. If you haven't received yours, please contact [email protected] before the event so we can assist you.

🎟️ Want to join or renew? Purchase your membership by Tuesday, October 27 at 3 p.m. to enjoy this year's Boo at the Zoo Fast Pass benefits! New members will receive their Fast Pass as a physical ticket when purchasing their membership.

Please note: Memberships will NOT be processed on the day of Boo at the Zoo.
👉 Become a member: https://t.ly/ZooMember

Enjoy a year of wild benefits while supporting animal care, conservation, and education at the SF Teaching Zoo! 🧡

Boo at the Zoo is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

🎃 Our Zoo Member perks are so good, it's spooky! 👻Did you know your SF Teaching Zoo membership comes with benefits all y...
10/21/2026

🎃 Our Zoo Member perks are so good, it's spooky! 👻

Did you know your SF Teaching Zoo membership comes with benefits all year long? From exclusive events to discounts at zoos and aquariums across the country, there's plenty to love about being a member!

🦇 Membership perks include:
50% off admission at participating AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
Invitations to special events
Exclusive member newsletters
10% off gift shop merchandise
Discounts on birthday parties, animal encounters, and Zookeeper for a Day

🍬 And just in time for our 30th Annual Boo at the Zoo

Zoo Members and their guests receive Fast Pass access, allowing them to skip the general admission line and enter Boo at the Zoo 30 minutes early, from 2:30–3 p.m.!

📧 Already a member? Fast Passes have been emailed through our member newsletter. If you haven't received yours, please contact [email protected] before the event so we can assist you.

🎟️ Want to join or renew? Purchase your membership by Tuesday, October 27 at 3 p.m. to enjoy this year's Boo at the Zoo Fast Pass benefits! New members will receive their Fast Pass as a physical ticket when purchasing their membership.

Please note: Memberships will NOT be processed on the day of Boo at the Zoo.

👉 Become a member: https://t.ly/ZooMember

Enjoy a year of wild benefits while supporting animal care, conservation, and education at the SF Teaching Zoo! 🧡

Boo at the Zoo is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

🚧 Zoo Path Closures & Construction Updates 🚧Beginning Wednesday, October 21, and continuing through December, the SF Tea...
10/20/2026

🚧 Zoo Path Closures & Construction Updates 🚧

Beginning Wednesday, October 21, and continuing through December, the SF Teaching Zoo will be conducting tree work in preparation for upcoming construction.

For the safety of our guests, animals, and staff, some areas of the zoo may be temporarily closed or have limited access, including the playground.

Animals in habitats near active work areas may also be temporarily moved behind the scenes for their comfort and safety.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prepare for these exciting improvements!

10/18/2026

The zoo is nothing without… YOU. 💚🐾

Every animal in our care, every student learning to become a zookeeper, every staff member sharing their passion, and every guest who walks through our gates makes the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo what it is.

Our zoo is more than a place to see animals. It's a place to learn, connect, grow, make memories, and inspire a love for wildlife.

To our students, faculty, staff, guests, and the incredible animals who bring us all together, you are the heart of our zoo. 💚

🎉 We’re proud to share some BIG news: the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has earned accreditation from the Association of...
10/15/2026

🎉 We’re proud to share some BIG news: the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) once again!

AZA accreditation represents a commitment to high standards in animal wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, education, safety, and zoo operations. Earning accreditation requires a rigorous review of the entire institution, including an on-site inspection by fellow zoo and aquarium professionals.

The SF Teaching Zoo has been continuously AZA accredited since 2000, and maintaining that distinction is especially meaningful to us. We are the only zoo on a college campus accredited by AZA, where our mission extends beyond caring for wildlife and connecting our community with animals. We are also educating the next generation of zoo professionals.

Faculty & staff work alongside approximately 100 students in Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program to care for more than 50 species and operate the zoo. Students gain hands-on experience throughout the program while learning the professional standards they will carry with them into careers at zoos, aquariums, and other animal care organizations across the country.

Earning our accreditation reflects the work of generations of students, graduates, faculty, and staff who have contributed to the SF Teaching Zoo since its beginning.

It also reflects the support of our Gainesville community. Every visit, membership, donation, and word of encouragement helps us continue our work in animal care, conservation, and education.

Thank you for being part of our story and helping us build the future of the zoo profession. 💚

Here’s to another five years of learning, growing, and inspiring together! 🐾

10/14/2026

🎃 Gainesville, have plans for October 28? You do now! 👻

Get your costumes ready for the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo's 30th Annual Boo at the Zoo! Join us for one of Gainesville's favorite family Halloween traditions, where our students and staff transform the zoo into a spooky (but not scary!) trick-or-treating adventure!

🍬 Explore eight themed areas filled with candy stations, visit animals, enjoy live entertainment, games, activities, food trucks, and more!

🗓️ Wednesday, October 28, 2026
🕒 3–7 p.m.
📍 Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo | Gainesville, FL
🎟️ Admission: Just ONE non-perishable food item per person! Donations help support Saints Food Share at Santa Fe College.

The fun starts before you even enter the zoo! Meet SF student clubs and Saints Athletics teams along the entrance line behind the SF Gymnasium. After trick-or-treating, keep the festivities going at the Fun4GatorKids KidsZone, featuring community activities and even more treats!

👻 All ages are welcome, so bring the whole family, dress up, and make some Halloween memories with us!

🧡 Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Save the date and share with a family looking for Halloween fun in Gainesville! 🎃

We're Officially Stocked! 💚💚💚A huge thank you to BHS Earth Club for their generous donation of new buckets to support ou...
10/12/2026

We're Officially Stocked! 💚💚💚

A huge thank you to BHS Earth Club for their generous donation of new buckets to support our animal care team!

Thanks to them and everyone in our community who donated, we are officially stocked! Your generosity helps our zookeepers with daily habitat cleanup, and we couldn't be more grateful for the support.

Still want to help the SF Teaching Zoo? Check out our Zoo Wishlist: https://t.ly/ZooWish for other items our animals and animal care team could use.

Thank you for making a difference! 🐾

🐦 Early birds, this one's for you! 🌿Grab your binoculars and join our wildlife educators for a two-hour guided birdwatch...
10/11/2026

🐦 Early birds, this one's for you! 🌿

Grab your binoculars and join our wildlife educators for a two-hour guided birdwatching adventure through the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, North Woods, and other birding hotspots around campus!

Discover birds that call Alachua County home year-round and keep your eyes to the skies for migratory visitors passing through. Whether you're new to birdwatching or already know your feathered friends, this is a great opportunity to explore local wildlife and sharpen your bird identification skills!

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
⏰ 8:00–10:00 AM
💲 Course Fee: $34
👟 Dress for the outdoors and wear closed-toe shoes.

Registration closes Friday, November 6 at 11:59 PM!

🐦 Save your spot and see what you can spot!
🔗 https://t.ly/zooedu3

10/10/2026

The mood may be unchanged, but the scenery is significantly better!

Whether you're feeling a little gloomy or simply embracing your inner Wednesday Addams this October, the SF Teaching Zoo is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine.

🎓 SF students, faculty, and staff: Enjoy FREE admission with your SF ID or Canvas.

🐊 UF students and staff: Get $4 off regular adult admission with your Gator 1 Card.

We're open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with last entry at 2:30 p.m.

Address

3000 NW 83rd Street
Gainesville, FL
32606

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 3pm - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+13523955633

Website

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