Last updated: 9/25/2021
Gainesville, Florida
Address
3000 N.W. 83 Street
Gainesville, FL 32606
phone: 352-395-5633
e-mail: Zoo@sfcollege.edu
web: www.sfcollege.edu/zoo

Hours

Last entry at 2:30 p.m
Daily
9 AM - 3 PM
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Admissions

No appointments are necessary. The SF Teaching Zoo is open for guests to walk around the zoo on their own. Guided tours can be scheduled in advance.

Adults (13-59): $8
Seniors (60+): $5
Children (4-12): $5
Children 3 and under: Free
UF Students/Staff with Gator1 Card: $5
SF Students/Staff with SF ID: Free

Museum Type(s)

Zoo

Staff

Jonathan Miot
phone:
Kathy Russell
phone:
Shawntal Abram
phone:
Julie Smith
phone:
Chelsea Dunlap
phone:
Jason Montgomery
phone:
Jade Salamone
phone:
Kara Sylvester
phone:
Christina Arnold
phone:
Description

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is the local zoo for the Gainesville area and the laboratory for the Zoo Animal Technology program. Set in a naturally wooded environment, the 10-acre facility is open to the public and has a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Home to over 75 different species of animals, our diverse collection contains both native and exotic species that everyone can enjoy. Some family favorites are the Bald Eagle, White-throated capuchin monkeys, Matschie’s tree kangaroos, Asian small-clawed otters and the White-handed gibbons. We are open to the public 7 days/week from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; last entry at 2:30 p.m.

Mission

Adding value to our students, enriching the community and improving the future of wildlife.

Educational Programs

Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology Program is the premier education path for zoo animal professionals. To facilitate this training, Santa Fe College has its own zoo, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, located on the college’s Northwest campus and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).

Zoo Animal Technology Program
Governance

College

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: No
Services
Animal Encounters - Would you like an up-close experience with our ambassador animals?

Then, pair an animal encounter with your visit to the Zoo! This experience provides children and the young at heart with a unique and once in a lifetime contact with animals. This program is available Tuesdays - Saturdays, subject to availability. You must schedule this program ahead of time, and we strongly suggest you schedule at least 2 weeks in advance.

Birthday Experience?

If you are looking for a way to make a birthday special, we have limited availability for Zoo Zoom Birthdays! A SF Teaching Zoo staff member and animal ambassador will call you for a personal meet and greet. Email zoo@sfcollege.edu to reserve this free experience, available Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. through November 21st, 2021. Please Note: We are not currently scheduling any in person birthday parties at this time. Please check back at a later date for availability.

Virtual Zoo Tour

Can't make it to the zoo? Now you can take a virtual tour of the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo! Meet incredible animals and talented zookeepers, and learn what students experience in the Zoo Animal Technology program.

AND MORE...

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LASTEST UPDATES ON ALL OUR SPECIAL EVENTS AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Gift Shop
Group Tours
ADA

Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome in the SF Teaching Zoo. The trails are lined with mulch and are stroller/wheelchair accessible. At this time, we do not offer stroller or wheelchair rental.

Service animals are welcome at the Zoo. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Pets are not permitted.

The SF Teaching Zoo is sensory inclusive certified through KultureCity to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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