Santa Fe Teaching Zoo asks visitors to ‘Protect Our Flock’

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is welcoming visitors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except holidays, but asks that visitors keep in mind that some animals can contract COVID-19.

A video on the zoo’s website explains the new precautions that have been implemented to keep the staff, other visitors and the animals safe.

Click here to watch. 

Some of the operating procedure changes include:

Adults and children 4 years old and up are required to wear cloth face coverings at all times during your visit. Face shields are not a replacement for face coverings. Please see Santa Fe College(Opens in new window) protocol for face coverings. Children and adult masks are for sale at the ticket window. 

Please stand on the designated markers while waiting in line to purchase admission. Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others throughout your entire visit. 

Recommendation of paying with a credit or debit card for a contactless transaction. 

A group must be 10 people or less. 

The path has been newly designed to ensure a 12 foot distance between guests and the animals, and altered to create a one way trail. As a result, some exhibits may not be visible. You may download our updated Zoo Map(Opens in new window) before you arrive. 

Practice good hygiene. Wash hands or use sanitizer when possible, and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. 

Avoid gathering. Keep entrances, exits, exhibits and pathways clear. 

Please follow all rules and signs.

Visitors can download the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo map by clicking here. There is a large map available at the zoo entrance if you would like to take a picture. Due to COVID-19, the zoo will not be handing out maps upon entry at this time.   https://www.sfcollege.edu/Assets/sf/zoo/pdf/Zoo%20Map.pdf

The zoo asks that any visitors that who are sick or have symptoms, that may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 visit at another time.

Visitors will notice bird feet spray painted on the sidewalk for social distancing guides.

The zoo staff have increased cleaning and disinfecting of high touch areas and will limit visitor capacity. There are social distancing markers in front of the zoo for guests waiting in line to purchase admission, and signs throughout the zoo reminding guests to stay at least 6 feet apart. 

All staff members and zookeepers wear face coverings in all areas of the Zoo, at all times and frequently wash hands. The zoo has additional hand sanitizing stations available for staff and guests around the zoo.

Parts of the zoo will be inaccessible. The playground will be closed until further notice. There are some pathways that are closed and animal exhibits that may not be visible. You may view the Florida Aviary from the covered pavilion. The gift shop is closed until further notice, however, you will be able to browse available items in a binder that is disinfected after each use, and purchase any gift shop items through the ticket window. 

Admission rates are Adults (13 to 59) $8, Children (4 to 12) $5, Seniors (60+) $5, Active Military and Veterans $5 with valid ID, Teachers $5 with valid ID, Police, Firefighters, First Responders, EMT/EMS, Healthcare Workers $5 with valid ID, UF Students and Staff $5 with current Gator1 ID, Children (3 and under) Free, SF Students, Staff, and Retirees Free with current SF ID.