More than just monkeying around!
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a zookeeper?
National Zookeeper Week is celebrated every July to bring attention to the hard work, dedication, and loyalty of zookeepers around the world. Zookeepers are chefs, care takers, builders, scientists, researchers, conservationists, engineers, architects and more!
We will be celebrating and showcasing our incredible student zookeepers and the amazing work they do on July 23rd and 24th from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Participate in activities to see if you have what it takes to be a zookeeper, meet our animal ambassadors, enjoy keeper talks, training demonstrations, live music and face painting, and meet with representatives from other zoos and conservation organizations represented by graduates from the Zoo Animal Technology program.
Gainesville is home to the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the nation, training future zookeepers in the highest standards of animal care. This event is perfect for anyone interested in working with animals, and will include an information session about the Zoo Animal Technology program.
Elio Piedra will be bringing his fiesta to the zoo, providing music out front for both days of the event starting at 10:00 a.m.
Looking to take a break and beat the heat? We have partnered with the Santa Fe College Art Gallery for a unique exhibition focusing on the charm and artistry of the natural world. Natural Beauty features the work of local artists including John Moran, Wendy Free, Deb Lindberg, Vicki Santello, Veronica Villasénor and more. This exciting exhibit will feature painting, printmaking, photography, as well as ceramic and sculptural works.
Natural Beauty will be on display from July 1st through August 5th, with special weekend hours on July 23 and 24. Students will be on hand to lead you over to the gallery to experience the show. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Presentation Schedule:
- 9:30 a.m. - Keeper Talk – Emus
- 9:45 a.m. - Keeper Talk – Ocelot
- 10 a.m. - Training Demonstration - Caracal
- 10:15 a.m. - Keeper Talk – American alligators
- 10:45 a.m. - The Misadventures of Mark & Todd Puppet Show (out front)
- 11:15 a.m. - Training Demonstration – Grey parrot
- 11:45 a.m. - Animal Encounter Show in Zoo Classroom – 60 person max
- 12 p.m. - Keeper Talk – Asian small-clawed otters
- 12:30 p.m. - Training Demonstration – Warty pigs
- 1 p.m. - Training Demonstration – White-handed gibbons
- 1:30 p.m. - Zoo Animal Technology Program presentation in Zoo Classroom – 60 person max
- 2 p.m. - Keeper Talk – Golden conures
Visiting Organizations:
- Alachua Conservation Trust
- Alachua County Solid Waste & Resource Recovery
- Busch Gardens & SeaWorld
- Florida State Parks/Florida Conservation Corps
- Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
- UF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Food:
Mayflower Food Truck
Feliz Flavors Ice Cream
Date:
July 23-24, 2022
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Quiet Hours - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. (no music or presentations on microphone)
Admission:
Tickets are only available at the gate the day of event. All credit cards, cash, checks and Samsung Pay are accepted.
$8 - adults
$5 - 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
