Updates, Announcements & Media

In the News

Welcome to our Media Coverage page. This is a curated collection of articles from local and national media outlets about the SF Teaching Zoo, our animals, conservation work, educational programs, and community outreach. Whenever news organizations feature us, we add the piece here so you can easily explore what is being said about our work.

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Stay up to date with all upcoming events, animal encounters, and special programs at the Santa Fe College Zoo.

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Press Releases

This section contains official information directly from the zoo such as announcements, conservation initiatives, student programs, and upcoming events. View the full archive of news and press releases here .

Santa Fe's Matt Stamey teams with UF shooters for wildlife photo workshop at Teaching Zoo

October 28, 2025

Large private grant will fund more immersive visitor experience at SF Teaching Zoo

October 3, 2025

Scholarship Honors Student’s Life and Positively Impacts Future Zookeepers

May 22, 2025

A Popular Spring Tradition Returns with "Party for the Planet"

April 4, 2025

National Geographic Photographer Adds SF Teaching Zoo Resident to Photo Ark

February 21, 2025

SF Teaching Zoo’s Otters Moving to Memphis Zoo in March

February 12, 2025

Teaching Zoo Founder Honored by SF District Board of Trustees

May 23, 2024

SF to UF: Joyce Siu's Academic Transition

March 18, 2024

SF Teaching Zoo Welcomes Three Playful Otter Pups

February 29, 2024

SF Teaching Zoo Showcased in the Community College Journal

January 5, 2024

Perry the Mouse and Santa Claus Make "Holiday at Santa Fe" Fun for Children and Adults

October 30, 2023

SF Teaching Zoo Celebrates 53 Years with over 200 Alumni

May 3, 2023

Perdido Key Beach Mice Born at SF Teaching Zoo

November 30, 2022

SF Teaching Zoo Mourns the Loss of Guanaco

November 18, 2022

SF Art Gallery and SF Teaching Zoo Partner on New Exhibit

June 20, 2022

AZA President Visits SF Teaching Zoo to Celebrate Continued Accreditation

March 24, 2022

SF Teaching Zoo Celebrates Continued Accreditation by the AZA

March 18, 2022

SF Teaching Zoo Reaccredited by the AZA

November 12, 2021

Gibbons, Gibbons and More Gibbons

November 5, 2021

Zookeepers – Dedicated to the Very End

November 3, 2021

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is Proud to Announce a New Baby Name

October 25, 2021

SF Teaching Zoo and SF Police Department Team Up for Canned Food Drive

October 1, 2021

SF Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month - Take a Teaching Zoo Tour in Spanish!

September 15, 2021

Opportunity to Name Baby Gibbon at SF Teaching Zoo

August 24, 2021

SF Teaching Zoo Bids Farewell to Beloved Snake

June 25, 2021

Saint of Santa Fe | Zoe Willingham

June 5, 2021

SF Teaching Zoo Says Goodbye to Zeus

May 7, 2021

Concert Fundraiser for AZA Zoos Scheduled for March 31

March 18, 2021

SF Teaching Zoo Welcomes New Zoo Babies

October 19, 2020

SF Teaching Zoo Welcomes New Bald Eagle

October 5, 2020

Media Coverage

Browse the full collection of articles and broadcasts featuring the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. Newest coverage is listed first.

Photo by C.J. Gish

SF College Teaching Zoo awarded $300,000 grant

October 2025 | Main St. Daily News

"A plan to elevate the visitor experience at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo recently received a boost, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation."

Photo by Matt Stamey

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo parrot leaves a legacy of mischief and intelligence

October 2025 | The Independent Florida Alligator

27-year-old Tut passed away in September due to health complications

Photo by Morgan Waters

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo’s new treehouse will give visitors a bird’s eye view

October 2025 | The Independent Florida Alligator

The elevated system will open viewing space of the animal habitats from high up
 

 

Otter family at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo prepares to move by learning to communicate with new keepers WUFT | February 2025

SF Teaching Zoo’s otters moving to Memphis Zoo in March Alachua Chronicle | February 2025

SF College Teaching Zoo’s otters leaving for Memphis Zoo in March Main St. Daily News | February 2025

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo's otter family moving to Memphis Zoo Gainesville Sun | February 2025

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo bids farewell to otter family The Independent Florida Alligator | March 2025

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo says farewell to its family of seven otters WUFT | March 2025

A look into Santa Fe Teaching Zoo’s gopher tortoise safe haven The Independent Florida Alligator | April 2025

Community Reuse and Recycle Day to be held April 19 at Santa Fe College NW campus Alachua Chronicle | April 2025

SF College Teaching Zoo to host ‘Party for the Planet’ Main St. Daily News | April 2025

A popular spring tradition returns with ‘Party for the Planet’ Alachua Chronicle | April 2025

Conservation competition helps promote sustainability in the Alachua County area WUFT | April 2025

Annual Gainesville Walk the Talk for Epilepsy on tap Saturday Main St. Daily News | April 2025

National Gopher Tortoise Day focuses on reptile’s benefits to ecosystem Main St. Daily News | April 2025

Teaching zoo makes pleasant stop for visitors to Gainesville Senior Life Newspaper | April 2025

SF College Teaching Zoo to host Tree Kangaroo Day on Saturday Main St. Daily News | May 2025

Tree Kangaroo Day offers family fun and backyard plants Alachua Chronicle | May 2025

Santa Fe College’s ‘Brew at the Zoo’ tickets still available Main St. Daily News | June 2025

Florida Man visits the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo WCJB | July 2025

National Zookeeper Day to be held at Santa Fe College on Saturday Main St. Daily News | July 2025

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo celebrates Zoo Keeper Week WUFT | July 2025

Grants from local Rotary Clubs to transform Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Alachua Chronicle | September 2025

Adored ape leaves Santa Fe Zoo behind to start new family The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2025

Boo at the Zoo: Bees, dinosaurs and princesses, oh my! Gainesville Sun | October 2025

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo’s new treehouse will give visitors a bird’s eye view The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2025

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo parrot leaves a legacy of mischief and intelligence The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2025

29th annual ‘Boo at the Zoo’ promises family-friendly fun on Halloween Main St. Daily News | October 2025

‘Operation Turkey Sandwich’ delivers 160 meals to Thanksgiving Day workers Main St. Daily News | November 2025

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo receives $300,000 for new treehouse and learning center Gainesville Sun | November 2025

SF community collaborates to present season favorite “Holiday at Santa Fe” Alachua Chronicle | December 2025

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo welcomes new gibbon baby The Daytona Beach News-Journal | April 2018

New at the zoo Gainesville Sun | April 2018

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo welcomes newborn gibbon The Independent Florida Alligator | April 2018

Arrest Made In Theft At Santa Fe College Zoo, 7 Animals Returned WUFT | June 2018

Third arrest made in teaching zoo theft Gainesville Sun | June 2018

7 of 11 missing animals from Santa Fe College zoo found The Gainesville Sun | June 2018

Man charged in theft of SF College zoo animals The Gainesville Sun | June 2018

Two additional suspects arrested in connection to Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo robbery The Independent Florida Alligator | June 2018

Man charged in theft of zoo animals from Gainesville college; most animals recovered The Daytona Beach News-Journal | June 2018

Santa Fe College opens first walk-through aviary to public The Independent Florida Alligator | July 2018

David Beckham, a turtle, returned to Santa Fe Teaching Zoo The Independent Florida Alligator | August 2018

From bats to elephants Gainesville Sun | January 2017

It's more than what it looks like- inside Santa Fe College's Teaching Zoo WGFL | February 2017

Kids and critters to 'Party for the Planet' Gainesville Sun | March 2017

Zookeeper Day Gainesville Sun | July 2017

Families trick-or-treat at Santa Fe College Zoo The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2017
 

Zoo to host parties throughout April The Independent Florida Alligator | March 2016 

Gallery of Gainesville Mothers The Gainesville Sun | May 2016

Animal attraction The Gainesville Sun | July 2016

Animal lovers, young and old, celebrate Gainesville teaching zoo The Daytona Beach News-Journal | July 2016

Boo at the Zoo draws crowd of about 6,000 The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2016

Animal lovers: Plenty to see here The Gainesville Sun | December 2016

Santa Fe to host Boo at the Zoo event The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2015

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo program again wins OK from accreditation agency The Gainesville Sun | December 2015

Santa Fe Zoo Animals Get Heaters, Blankets For Cold Weather WUFT | January 2014

Santa Fe zoo animals stay warm during cold weather The Independent Florida Alligator | January 2014

Santa Fe Apes Get a New Home WUFT | October 2014

Keeping wild things wild Gainesville Sun | January 2013 

Lessons are learned at Pet Day at the zoo The Gainesville Sun | February 2013

'Party' is this weekend at SF College zoo Gainesville Sun | April 2013

Party animals invade zoo for the weekend The Independent Florida Alligator | April 2013

Santa Fe College’s Boo at the Zoo returns on Halloween  Main St. Daily News | October 2023

Cold weather may harm Florida's reptile, bat populations The Independent Florida Alligator | January 2010

After 36 years, Jack Brown retiring as SFC zoo's director The Gainesville Sun | June 2010

Santa Fe Zoo celebrates World Oceans Day The Independent Florida Alligator | June 2010

Treating children to a fright The Gainesville Sun | October 2010

SFC zoo changing ‘Boo at the Zoo’ The Gainesville Sun | October 2010

BEEN THERE, HAVEN'T DONE THAT? Ocala Star Banner | November 2010
 

First fees for SFCC Teaching Zoo The Gainesville Sun | February 2009

Jack Hanna visits The SFCC Teaching Zoo The Gainesville Sun | April 2009

Baby otters debut at zoo The Independent Florida Alligator | July 2009

Zoo gets scary for Halloween with Boo at the Zoo The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2009

Trick-or-treaters trade cans for candy at Boo at the Zoo The Independent Florida Alligator | November 2009

Eaglet born at SFCC Teaching Zoo The Gainesville Sun | March 2008

Keeping community in our colleges The Daytona Beach News-Journal | April 2008

This zoo is built for learning Tampa Bay Times | May 2008

Cool Zoo Who Knew? Tampa Bay Times | June 2008

Santa Fe Community College students to entertain kids at 'Boo at the Zoo' event The Independent Florida Alligator | October 2007

The new wildcat in town The Gainesville Sun | October 2007

Halloween on steroids The Gainesville Sun | October 2007

Jack Hanna to speak in Gainesville to support SFCC zoo The Independent Florida Alligator | November 2007 

Jack Hanna adventures to area The Gainesville Sun | November 2007

Animal Magnetism The Gainesville Sun | February 2006

A Big Welcome to Baby Eaglets The Gainesville Sun | February 2006

SFCC prof teaches wild side of college The Gainesville Sun | December 2005

SFCC zoo is one of the best The Gainesville Sun | January 2004

Students, you can get a career mentor The Gainesville Sun | May 2004

Press Kit

Members of the media can find approved photography, logos, and zoo background information here.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

"The Teaching Zoo" and "Santa Fe Teaching Zoo" are not correct. Please use "SF Teaching Zoo," "SFTZ," or "Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo."

Located in Gainesville, Florida, Alachua County, the zoo is situated on 10 acres with a quarter-mile trail through the woods, on Santa Fe College’s Northwest campus.

3000 NW 83rd Street, Building Z, Gainesville, Fl 32606

Click here for directions.

Open: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Last entry at 2:30 PM)

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

Click for more information about daily tickets and memberships .

Parking is free. The Zoo shares the parking lot with the Little School and acts as overflow for the SF main campus. Guests can park in any parking space as long as it is not outlined in blue paint or has signs posted for the Reserved Parking.

Handicap spaces are available next to the restrooms close to the entrance of the Zoo.

  • We add value to the lives of our students, enrich our community, and improve the future for wildlife. 
  • Transparent and authentic 
  • Resource for the community (students, zoo/wildlife industry, local residents) 
  • Education and conservation focused 
  •  Impacting zoos and communities around the world. 

Nurturing all learners, advancing animal well-being, and improving the world 

  • Our focus expands beyond teaching to include exploring and advancements through a partnership in learning. 
  • We innovate and contribute to the advancement of standards for zoos all over the world. 
  • We nurture proactive , empathetic, well-rounded humans that contribute positively to society. 

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (SFTZ) is a unique wildlife conservation facility where caring for animals, protecting wildlife, and educating the community all come together. The zoo supports wildlife conservation through participation in global species management programs and research, while also inspiring guests to care about wildlife and natural resources through engaging education programs. SFTZ also serves as a hands-on learning environment for students in Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology Program.

The Zoo Animal Technology Program began in 1970, and in 1972 the zoo moved to its current home on Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus in Gainesville, Florida. Early support from city and county governments helped establish the zoo, including the construction of the original Reptile House, public restrooms, and a permanent perimeter fence.

Over the years, the SF Teaching Zoo has grown into a 10-acre facility that is home to nearly 60 species and over 150 individual animals. In 2000, the zoo earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a mark of excellence in animal care and conservation, and has proudly maintained that accreditation ever since. In 2011, the zoo transitioned to a self-guided experience, allowing guests to explore at their own pace. This change helped significantly increase attendance, expanding the zoo’s ability to support both on-site animal care and conservation efforts in the wild.

Click to see the zoo’s map .

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is home to nearly 60 species and over 150 individual animals from around the world. Animals at the Zoo include reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates, each carefully cared for by professional staff and students in the Zoo Animal Technology Program.

Every animal at the SF Teaching Zoo plays an important role in education and conservation. Many are part of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plans or Saving Animals From Extinction programs and other cooperative management programs that help protect wildlife now and into the future. Others serve as animal ambassadors, helping guests learn about their species, habitats, and the conservation challenges wildlife face in the wild.

As a teaching zoo, animal care and welfare are at the heart of everything we do. Our animals receive daily care, enrichment, and ongoing health monitoring, while also helping train the next generation of animal care professionals. By meeting our animals up close, guests are invited to build meaningful connections and discover how they can help protect wildlife and wild places.

Click to see individual animal information .

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo offers a variety of guest experiences, including animal encounters, group tours, homeschool days, and behind the scenes experiences. Most additional experiences require advanced booking. To learn more about our current offerings and availability, visit our zoo experiences page.

The zoo has restrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, a soda vending machine, park benches, and a gift shop. The zoo is wheelchair accessible. Stroller and adult transport chair are not available to rent. 

At the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, the health and well-being of our animals are our highest priorities. Each animal receives daily care from a dedicated team of professional staff and Zoo Animal Technology students, including species-appropriate diets, enrichment activities, and ongoing health monitoring. Our animal care team works closely with veterinarians to ensure every animal receives high-quality, compassionate care throughout all stages of life.

The SF Teaching Zoo is proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction held by only a small percentage of animal care facilities. AZA accreditation recognizes excellence in animal welfare, veterinary care, nutrition, habitat design, conservation, and education. To maintain accreditation, the zoo undergoes a rigorous review process every five years, demonstrating its continued commitment to the highest professional standards.

As a teaching institution, the zoo also plays a vital role in training future animal care professionals. Under expert supervision, students gain hands-on experience while learning industry best practices rooted in science, ethics, and conservation. Together, this commitment to exceptional animal care and AZA standards ensures that animals at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo thrive while helping inspire and educate our community.

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (SFTZ) is a wildlife conservation facility dedicated to preserving wildlife through participation in global species management programs, research initiatives, and conservation partnerships. As an institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), conservation is a core responsibility of the zoo and is embedded in its daily operations, long-term planning, and educational mission.

SFTZ promotes appreciation for wildlife conservation and natural resource preservation through community education programs and serves as a living laboratory for students in the Santa Fe College Zoo Animal Technology Program, providing hands-on training for future conservation professionals. The zoo actively builds partnerships locally and internationally to support wildlife and wild places, focusing its conservation efforts on two primary goals: providing financial support to conservation organizations and projects that directly impact wildlife and habitats, and actively participating in and cooperating with AZA animal programs that contribute to species survival and sustainability.

Community education is central to the mission of the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and a core requirement of being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As the community’s zoo, SFTZ is committed to inspiring understanding, appreciation, and active stewardship of wildlife and wild places through high-quality conservation education for audiences of all ages.

The zoo provides engaging, immersive educational experiences both on-site and throughout the community, fostering curiosity, empathy, and meaningful connections with animals. Outreach efforts extend beyond zoo grounds through educational programs at schools, libraries, assisted living facilities, faith-based organizations, and community events, with presentations offered with or without animal ambassadors.

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo offers a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, as well as signature after hours events like Brew at the Zoo and Boo at the Zoo. Visit our events page for upcoming event information .

  • 2014: AZA William G. Conway International Conservation Award. Top Honors for Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in Papua New Guinea. (awarded in collaboration with Woodland Park Zoo, Brevard Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Gladys Porter Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens, Minnesota Zoological Garden, Oregon Zoo, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Zoo New England)
  • 2018: AZA North American Conservation Award. Significant Achievement for Perdido Key Beach Mouse Species Survival Plan. (awarded in collaboration with Brevard Zoo & Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society)
  • 2023: Alachua County Hospitality Council – Outstanding Speaker (Jonathan Miot, Director)
  • 2024: Alachua County Hospitality Council – Outstanding Host (SF Teaching Zoo) 
  • 2024: Santa Fe College Lifetime Achievement Award - Kathy Coyne-Russell (retired General Curator)
  • 2025: AZA Accreditation Quarter Century Award
  • 2026: Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation Grant Recipient 

 Click for logo files and photos. 

For specific image requests, contact the zoo. All photo credit can be given to “Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo”

Click here for a highlight video. 

All references to the zoo on social media should tag our appropriate accounts:

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Zoo office email: zoo@sfcollege.edu
Zoo office phone: (352) 395-5633

For press questions or interview requests, please contact: 

Jonathan Miot

Director/Professor

Zoo Animal Technology Program
jonathan.miot@sfcollege.edu
352-395-5602