World Tree Kangaroo Day

Overview

Kangaroos in the trees??? You heard right. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is home to the Matschie's tree kangaroo, an endangered species native to a small area of Papua New Guinea.

Bring the whole family out to the Zoo on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to see these rare, majestic animals and learn how you can help them in the wild. 

 
Our zookeepers will be out in full force to give keeper talks, introduce you to some of our amazing animal ambassadors, and hosting tree kangaroo themed crafts and games. Kathy Russell and Jade Woodling will also give a talk about how zoos help protect tree kangaroos in the wild.
 
Visit the Alachua County Library System Bookmobile & dance to the sounds of Oceania with didgeridoo performances by Lindsey Dank! Take home a Native and Florida friendly tree -until they run out-, provided by City of Gainesville's Urban Forestry Division, to help support the incredible animals in your backyard.

Date

May 17, 2025
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Quiet hours for those with sensory sensitivities will be from 9 - 10 a.m. (no music or presentations on a microphone) Sensory kits by KultureCity are available for checkout at the ticket window during the event.

Schedule

  • 9:45 a.m. - Tree Kangaroo Training Demonstration
  • 10:15 a.m. - Grey Parrot Training Demonstration
  • 10:45 a.m. - Storytime - "The Wondrous Cloud Forest"
  • 11:15 a.m. - Tree Kangaroo Keeper Talk 
  • 11:45 a.m. - Capuchin Training Demonstration
  • 12:30 p.m. - Zoo & Tree Roos Presentation 
  • 1:30 p.m. - Tree Kangaroo Keeper Talk
  • 2:00 p.m. - Gibbon Keeper Talk

Admission

Tickets are only available at the gate the day of event. All credit cards, cash, checks and Apple/Samsung Pay are accepted.

$10 - adults
$6 - children ages 4-12, Seniors (60+), Active Military and Veterans, Teachers, Police, Firefighters, First Responders, EMT/EMS, Healthcare Workers (all with valid ID), UF students and staff with current Gator1 ID
$3 - Electronics Benefits Transfer recipients
(up to 4 total tickets with card, any combination of adults/children)
Free - Children (3 and under), SF Students, Staff, and Retirees (with current SFID), and Zoo Members

Where

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
3000 NW 83rd St.
Gainesville, FL 32606

This event is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.

More information about Matschie's tree kangaroos, conservation programs, and community partnerships.

A Life Among the Clouds
Take a journey into the cloud forests of Papua New Guinea and explore the world of the Matschie's tree kangaroo. Learn how Dr. Lisa Dabek, founder of the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, and researchers are learning about the life of tree kangaroos and how supporting local coffee farmers can help save an endangered species.

Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan and Conservation Program
It's our last Tree Kangaroo Tuesday. Thank you for joining us all month long as we explored the lives of these amazing animals. Check out this video to find out how organizations accredited by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums are making a difference for tree kangaroos in human care and in the wild!

Community, Conservation, and Coffee
Learn how coffee farmers in Papua New Guinea partnered with the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program to create 390,000 acres of preserved land to protect Matschie's tree kangaroos.