Darwin Joins the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo!

November 19, 2009

(Gainesville) - Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo announces its newest resident, Darwin.

Darwin is a 3-month-old white throated capuchin monkey, born on Aug. 16. The zoo staff held a naming contest for the young monkey at the zoo's annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo. The staff sorted through 410 suggestions and picked Gainesville resident Jim Halloway's submission of "Darwin."

At this time, the zoo staff has not been able to determine the sex of the small primate, because externally both sexes appear very similar. The staff plans to perform routine physical exams on the troop in January. At that time, the sex of the newest member will be determined.

Darwin is very active and curious. Most of the time the baby can be seen riding on the back of its mother, Frap. Darwin is beginning to climb on his/her own and eat the same food the adults in the troop eat. Darwin's arrival at the Teaching Zoo is an incredible opportunity for guests and students alike. his gives us the chance to watch parenting skills progress naturally as Frap cares for her first child.

Please come by and see the newest member of our family! The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment, and at the same time on Saturday and Sunday without an appointment.

Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Please visit us on the web at www.sfcollege.edu/zoo.

The zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, but it will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 27-29. You do not need to make an appointment on those days.