Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo houses 70 species, and over 200 individual animals in its collection, including White-handed gibbons, red ruffed lemurs, bald eagles, Galapagos tortoises, American alligators, and Matschie’s tree kangaroos. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is Gainesville’s community zoo and the training facility for the Zoo Animal Technology Program. Situated on 10 forested acres, students in the Zoo Animal Technology Program provide daily care for the animals as well as give tours of the zoo grounds. The SF Teaching Zoo offers additional educational experiences such as animal encounters, field trips, birthday parties, and outreaches, as well as events throughout the year.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
242 reviews
Excellent
158
Very good
68
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
2
lovetotravel61
gainesville, fl26 contributions
May 2021 • Family
This teaching zoo should stay closed until the city/college is comfortable with Covid 19 . I went there today with my daughter and 15 month old grandson what a miserable time, there wasn’t but 3 other people in the entire zoo we had to wear our mask the whole time they are also concerned about the animals getting ill as well so they have also added another fence to stay social distanced from they cages . Because of the added fencing my grandson in a stroller was unable to see a single animal. They have a cute little play area with slides and a climbing rock which no one was on any of the equipment upon entering a student/zookeeper told us we had to apply hand sanitizer or we couldn’t go in. My grandson has allergies to sanitizer and she said we couldn’t come inside the play area if we didn’t apply the sanitizer .
My suggestion would be not to waste your money until they can operate without all of these restrictions .
My suggestion would be not to waste your money until they can operate without all of these restrictions .
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KFS_386
Vermont576 contributions
Mar 2023
This may be the best zoo we've visited, surpassing "big city" attractions.
Staff members are kind, you can tell the animals are well cared for, and the entire experience is enjoyable. Plus, you can't beat the reasonable admission (donations are also accepted).
You can print a map or scan one to your phone. We didn't do this beforehand and ended up wandering around for a bit.
Staff members are kind, you can tell the animals are well cared for, and the entire experience is enjoyable. Plus, you can't beat the reasonable admission (donations are also accepted).
You can print a map or scan one to your phone. We didn't do this beforehand and ended up wandering around for a bit.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cindi m
Cocoa, FL346 contributions
Mar 2021
Great small zoo to spend an hour or so at, admission is reasonable. I am assuming students are the workers, all very friendly and informative. Relaxing and not crowded, pleasant visit. A variety of animals considering the size of the zoo. Highly recommend.
Written March 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William G
Tavernier, FL120 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Was a very cool place to visit. There several animals here being cared for and plenty of volunteers who seemed well organized and were communicating very well as the took care of these animal.
From bald eagles to turtles to monkeys, there plenty to see. Took us about 1 1-2 hours to go around and see everything.
Prices were very reasonable and the had a playground area for kids. Worth the visit.
From bald eagles to turtles to monkeys, there plenty to see. Took us about 1 1-2 hours to go around and see everything.
Prices were very reasonable and the had a playground area for kids. Worth the visit.
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayden B
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
The zoo is short but sweet, with many gorgeous and adorable animals. I don’t remember there exact names, but some of the animals are the emu, North American grey duck, tree kangaroo, and the critically endangered Guam Rail. A must go if you are in the area!
Written March 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iamnoyb
Homosassa, FL75 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a fabulous time. Very clean, friendly and well maintained!! The students were knowledgeable and engaging. The enclosures were very nice and very well suited to each species that lived there. Especially loved the baby otters!!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeannette3211
Gainesville, FL3 contributions
Jun 2011
We were looking for something that would be fun for a ten month old and a sixteen year old. No easy task but mission accomplished at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. There were a lot of neat animals to look at, and big and little kids alike were entertained and interested. Peacocks wandering all over campus make it a really interactive experience. We were worried that the weather would be too hot to enjoy an outdoor activity but pleasantly surprised that the tree cover kept it very comfortable at the zoo. Easy to navigate with a stroller, not too big to be overwhelming. Staff was very friendly and the spider monkeys were fun for the whole family. We spent a little over an hour there. Bring your camera. Closed toe shoes might be better because of dirt trails.
Written June 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary1_B1
118 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
You wouldn't think that a small zoo located on the campus of a state college would be anything special, but this one is very nice.
The rates are great, being only $5 per person at it's most expensive and the area is well maintained. There are a lot of trees lining the walk ways keeping them shady and the zoo isn't super big, so you aren't in the heat for a long period of time. There is even a park for kids to play in.
Even though it is small, there are several nice exhibits with different local and exotic species. All of the animals were pretty active and all seemed to be in good health.
The rates are great, being only $5 per person at it's most expensive and the area is well maintained. There are a lot of trees lining the walk ways keeping them shady and the zoo isn't super big, so you aren't in the heat for a long period of time. There is even a park for kids to play in.
Even though it is small, there are several nice exhibits with different local and exotic species. All of the animals were pretty active and all seemed to be in good health.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting the Zoo. The students and staff take great pride in maintaining the animal exhibits and care of the animals. We would like to invite you back to see a new addition to our White-handed Gibbon family, which was born in the Spring of 2015. Look forward to seeing you soon!
Written April 27, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
holliel0202
Plant City, FL41 contributions
My husband, 1 1/2 old son, and I went to the zoo today. The zoo is very well maintained and has plenty of shade for the guests and animals. There is a nice variety of animals and everything is clean and new looking. The animals appear happy and the exhibits and trails are nice.
Written June 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting the Zoo. We hope that your family returns to see the new exhibits and enjoy our playground.
Written July 1, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Polite_Visitor
Gainesville, FL1 contribution
Nov 2013 • Business
The zookeepers and students on sight were really fantastic at helping out with many detailed questions pertaining to the animals and really knew the animals.
Sadly the office and managerial staff was beyond unhelpful. Don't expect any additional assistance from these individuals as they run this place with a 9-5, outdated "we can't do anything for you beyond what is written on this piece of paper," mentality. Hope they see this comment as a positive motivation to change their ways because it would be sad to see this zoo run to the ground by this underachieving leadership style.
Sadly the office and managerial staff was beyond unhelpful. Don't expect any additional assistance from these individuals as they run this place with a 9-5, outdated "we can't do anything for you beyond what is written on this piece of paper," mentality. Hope they see this comment as a positive motivation to change their ways because it would be sad to see this zoo run to the ground by this underachieving leadership style.
Written November 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your visit to our teaching facility. The students work very hard along with the staff to make every visitor enjoy their time at our Zoo. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during your visit. Although we are a teaching facility that is open to the general public, please keep in mind that we are must follow college procedures and protocols; as well as, the association of zoos and aquariums.
Written January 15, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes, but it’s very reasonable.
Admission Rates
Adults (13 to 59) $6
Children (4 to 12) $5
Seniors (60+) $5
Active Military and Veterans $5
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Written June 13, 2019
Is this handicap accessible? Are the paths large enough to fit a wheelchair?
Written January 6, 2018
Here is the phone number and information to help answer your question:
352-395-5603
"Guest Services
Wheelchair and Stroller
Wheelchairs and strollers are welcomed in our Zoo. Currently, the Zoo does feature one wheelchair that can be utilized for individuals needing assistance during their visit.
Unfortunately, we do not offer stroller rental at this moment."
Written January 8, 2018
What is the address? Are you open Monday's in October?
Written August 23, 2015
Haley S
Gainesville, Florida
As a representative from the Zoo, we are open daily from 9:00AM - 2PM daily. We are only closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tours are performed when scheduled in advance M-F, 9:30AM, 10:30AM, and 11:30AM.
In addition, we advised you to utilize the website instructions. If you use 3000 address, it will take you to the main campus. If you have any questions, please contact us at 352-395-5603.
Written August 26, 2015
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