Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Saves Species!
Since 2010, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has donated over $60,000 to organizations working on the front lines to conserve wild animals and wild places. Thank you to our guests for making it possible for the Zoo to raise the funds and achieve our mission of improving the future for wildlife! Learn more about the projects we supported this year below. You can also learn more about the Quarters for Conservation Program.
Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program - The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program fosters wildlife and habitat conservation and supports local community livelihoods in Papua New Guinea through global partnerships, land protection and scientific research.
Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) – TSA’s mission is transforming passion for turtles into effective conservation action through a global network of living collections and recovery programs.
Ashton Biological Preserve - Located in North-Central Florida, this nonprofit conservation area and research facility contributes to knowledge in conservation biology on rare and endangered species, and in sustainable use of natural resources locally and worldwide.
Quarters for Conservation
Every time you visit the zoo, a quarter of your admission is donated to a wildlife conservation organization.
Citizen Science
Learn how you can become a citizen scientist and how you can help out your neighborhood frogs and toads.
Sustainability
Learn what actions the zoo has taken to become more sustainable, and what you can do to live a more sustainable life for the future of our planet.
Learn about the interconnectedness of humans, animals and their ecosystems
- Learn about the ways animals and humans share ecosystems
- Understand the impact humans have on animals and their habitats
- Participate in outdoor activities with others to help foster a connection to nature
- Become an environmental steward by getting involved in citizen science programs, community programs, and advocating conservation
- Conserve water when bathing, watering plants, and washing clothes and dishes
- Reduce waste, like using reusable cups, to keep trash out of landfills
- Re use and Recycle not only cans and bottles, but anything else you can use more than once
Learn about proper waste disposal and recycling in Alachua County.
Choose your pets wisely
- Research pets before you get them to make sure they are a good fit for you and your family
- Adopt rather than buy pets, even exotic pets can be adopted
- Be a responsible pet owner and take life expectancy into consideration when adopting
Learn how to become a responsible pet owner.
Support animal habitats in your own backyard
- Plant a flower garden for animals to pollinate
- Build a bat box to help control mosquito populations
- Build a bird house or feeder to attract local birds
- Keep domestic pets, like cats that hunt native wildlife, inside
Be an informed consumer in your everyday life
- Know where your products come from. Attempt to purchase products that are made using sustainable practices
- Encourage your friends, families, and local businesses to research companies before supporting them
- Consume seafood caught only in sustainable practices
- Consume meat from animals treated humanely
Download these apps to help you make responsible choices everyday: The Seafood Watch App and Palm Oil Crisis.
Support your local conservation organizations
- Support organizations/buy products that use sustainable practices
- Purchase products produced locally such as produce from your local farmer’s market
- Learn about how you can support local conservation organizations
- Visit your local accredited zoo, aquarium or museum