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.
According to an SF press release, the donation will help with the development of an Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center at the SF Teaching Zoo. This is part of a larger master plan to better the visitor experiences at the zoo and offer greater support for the animals.
“This will move our special space much closer towards our goal of becoming a zoological leader in creating active, immersive and global learning opportunities for all,” Zoo Director Jonathan Miot said in the release. “We are thrilled the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville see our vision and will be part of our journey.”
The Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center project was presented to the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Board of Directors by two senior Rotarians as a possible partnership with the SF Teaching Zoo. After 18 months of discussions between both parties, the project was officially presented to the board for consideration for funding through the 2026 Wild Game Feast grant.
According to the release, the Elevated Treehouse and Learning Center will allow visitors to see exhibits from a higher position, while also offering “unique outdoor educational spaces and an immersive multi-level play structure with plenty of self-guided play.”
The treehouse part of the project will be built by Treetop Builders, a construction company based in Exton, Pennsylvania. The SF Teaching Zoo expects to incorporate other elements, including an interactive look into the hidden life of animals.
According to the release, construction could start as early as March 2026.
The SF Teaching Zoo recently completed a master development plan with the help of the Gainesville consulting firm NV5. The release notes that the firm was instrumental in shaping the vision for the zoo.
“I want to thank our partners from NV5, who developed our Zoo Master Plan,” said SF President Paul Broadie II in the release. “Their expertise has been invaluable in this process, and the results will bolster our world-class zoo. The master plan will make our zoo a prime destination for visitors to our community, while giving our students additional training and learning opportunities to support sustainability, conservation, and preservation of animals across the region and around the world.”
The SF Teaching Zoo covers 10 acres and is home to over 70 species of animals. Each year, the zoo welcomes around 70,000 visitors to events like Boo at the Zoo — which sees 5,000-7,000 during Halloween — and Brew at the Zoo, traditionally held in May.