The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo will celebrate National Zookeeper Week with its annual Zookeeper Day on Saturday, July 18, offering visitors a full day of animal encounters, educational programs and hands-on activities.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville). Admission is $10 for adults; $6 for children ages 4-12, seniors 60 and over, active military, veterans, teachers, police, firefighters, healthcare workers, first responders, EMT/EMS (all with valid ID), and UF students and staff with current Gator1 ID; $3 for electronics benefits transfer recipients; free for children 3 and under, SF students, staff and retirees (with current SFID) and zoo members.
The annual event is funded in part by Visit Gainesville and highlights the work of professional zookeepers while showcasing the zoo’s educational mission. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is the nation’s only teaching zoo located on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, including animal training demonstrations, zookeeper skills activities, animal encounter shows and opportunities to network with conservation organizations. Visitors can also attend a presentation about Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program and enjoy food, family-friendly activities and face painting.
Zookeeper Day is designed to give guests of all ages an inside look at the daily responsibilities of animal care professionals while inspiring future conservationists and animal care specialists.
The zoo features mulch-lined trails that are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers (no rentals available). Service animals are welcome, but pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. SF partners with KultureCity to provide sensory-inclusive accommodations, including free sensory bags, weighted lap pads, headphone zones, and a quiet area.