Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Very affordable and cute little teaching zoo. They’re constantly improving the habitats, these animals get a lot of love! The trails are a little disorienting but they’re fun to walk around on.

It’s impressive to find such variety in a zoo in Gainesville. There was even a tree climbing kangaroo!
Great morning/​afternoon activity for families, couples, friends, etc. It took about 45 minutes to get through everything, but you can definitely stretch it out to be longer.

Spouse and I have visited zoos large and small across the continent, which left us coming to this «teaching zoo» with some skepticism. Ah, a few animals, a few young people learning their trade. .. All of which constituted another of life’s learnings in the folly of assumption. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a physically compact, well designed, well maintained, and well run Zoo. We were unable to see everything on this first visit, but certainly will manage more opportunities. We particularly enjoyed watching the 20 year old (relatively young) Galapagos tortoise using its initiative to reach outside it’s enclosure to munch on what turned out to be a volunteer plant that may or may not have been part of its recommended diet. The Tree Kangaroo with the teeny head of her joey sticking out of her pouch was another plus. Several kinds of remarkably ugly pigs reminded us of javalinas from the far west of this country, but these ones came from across the seas.
Shopping Tip: There’s a small gift shop that will have to wait for another visit. But I brought home a form for «Adopting an Animal» and have spouse’s Christmas present in mind (but shhh, nobody tell him!). I should mention that there are convenient restrooms, a soda machine, and several picnic tables just outside the gate. All the staff was enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful. In short, this Teaching Zoo is an experience not to be missed while you’re in Gainesville.

This zoo is wonderful. It’s hidden behind the Santa Fe college but surprising large for how little of it you can see from it’s entrance. There are almost no large mammals, but a large variety of small animals. They also have ocelots and small clawed Asian otters, both of which exceedingly rare to find in US zoos. I went on a weekday and it was empty, so there was plenty of time to leisurely view each exhibit. The zookeepers are very nice, one even lured the emus over to the side of the cage with their daily treat so we could see them more clearly. The paths are dirt and mulch so expect to get your shoes dirty if it has been raining. This zoo is in the middle of a forest and is very shady, so no need to pack sunscreen or worry about overheating. Overall, I look forward to visiting this zoo again and again.

The Santa Fe teaching zoo is a gem in central Florida.
you just don’t find such a wide array of different animals as a smaller zoo
but don’t let me mislead you. it’s not that small
wonderful layout and walking trails. lot’s of animals to see
it will take you a good 2 to 3 hours to get through taking your time
I think the cost is still free. not sure. usually is when we go
specifically love their Boo At the Zoo event they hold for the kids during Halloween. what a wonderful safe event for both kids and parents
Definitely make a visit if you never have or are in the area !

I may be a little biased because I graduated from the Zoo Animal Technology program. But I will still try to be objective. Go Zooies!
The SFC Teaching Zoo is a small AZA-​accredited zoo in Gainesville, Florida. It is located on the campus of Santa Fe College. Admission is fair at $ 5 for adults and $ 4 for children ages 4 – 12. If you attend or work at SFC, then you get in free with an SFC ID card.
The only way to see the zoo is by guided tour. The zoo is almost completely operated by the students and a very small staff of about 9 people. The students give the tours. It is best if you call ahead and make an appointment for a tour. But you can walk-​in on the weekends and get a tour. You might have to wait up to a half an hour though.
The collection of animals is diverse. You get to see primates, ungulates, carnivores, birds, reptiles, and more. Some of the most popular species to look for are the ocelots, otters, tree kanagroos, gibbons, and of course those mischievous capuchins. They have galapagos tortoises there too. They may not be on exhibit in the winter however.
The program itself is very competitive and rigorous. I was very impressed with the knowledge I obtained from their courses. They really do teach the students what it takes to be a zookeeper.
Keep in mind that it is a «Teaching Zoo» when you visit. The animals you see are animals approved by the staff for teaching purposes. So don’t expect lions, giraffes, etc. And go easy on the tour guides. Like I said, they are students. You might get a very professional guide who will go on to be a keeper one day. Or you might get a tour from a student on the verge of dropping out. Just remember it is a learning environment.
Overall, I’m a fan of the SFC Teaching Zoo! Yes, I’m a little biased, but so what. I’m a zooie (a graduate of their program). If you go there aware, and patient with the teaching environment, I’m sure you will find it an enjoyable experience and money well spent. Make sure to ask your tour guide to take a picture of your group.